Chapter 154

Annie's POV

After lunch, we returned to Howard's office. I settled comfortably on the leather sofa and took out my phone, curious to check my bank account balance. When the numbers appeared on the screen. I froze-over one million dollars. Just a month ago, this account had held only a few thousand.

"One million..." I whispered to myself, the words feeling foreign on my tongue.

I stared at the screen, trying to process this reality. International publishing rights, animation adaptations, merchandise sales-everything had happened so quickly, like a wwhirlwind that had swept me up and carried me to heights I'd never imagined possible. I lifted my gaze toward Howard, who was working at his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he reviewed documents. All of this was because of the opportunity he had given me, along with Susan's expertise and the entire team's efforts.

Howard must have sensed my gaze, because he looked up from his work.Our eyes met across the room, and the corner of his mouth curved into that subtle smile I'd grown to cherish. He set down his pen and walked over, the subtle scent of his cologne preceding him.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked, his voice carrying that gentle tone he reserved just for me.

"I just checked my account," I replied, still somewhat dazed. "I never imagined I could earn this much."

Howard sat beside me, the leather couch dipping slightly under his weight. His thigh pressed lightly against mine, that simple contact now so familiar yet still thrilling.

"You deserve all of it" he said with conviction, his gray eyes holding mine steadily.

"It's because you gave me the chance," Lresponded, feeling a rush of gratitude. "And Susan, and the whole team-their help has been invaluable."

"I merely provided a platform." Howard replied, gently brushing a strand of hair from my face."Your talent and hard work are what truly made this possible."

I smiled, reaching for my laptop that I'd set on the coffee table. I opened it and navigated to my latest comics. "Would you like to see the progress? I've been drawing every day."

Howard leaned closer as I turned the screen toward him. His expression grew serious as he browsed through the panels, his brows knitting together in concentration. His intensity made me suddenly nervous.

"Is something wrong? You don't like it?" I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"No, quite the opposite-it's excellent," he explained, his gaze still fixed on the screen. "I'm just thinking about our release strategy. Once the first volume is complete, we'll launch both the animation and print publication simultaneously."

He turned to face me, his expression shifting to one of business-like determination. "The company will arrange a major promotional campaign.Our goal is to make your comics the bestseller of the year. I'll have Susanhandle the follow-up work."

His finger traced the edge of my laptop absently as he continued. "We've started advancing several new projects recently. Though they don't require my constant attention. I still need to oversee them. I might not have as much time to spend with you in the coming weeks."

I nodded. understanding the demands of his position. "That's all right. I'll be busy with work too."

Howard suddenly cupped my face in his hands, the gesture so tender it made my breath catch. "That's why I treasure every minute with you.I feel like I've missed too much already. Now that we're finally together, I want to make up for lost time."

His words warmed something deep inside me. He gazed into my eyes, and I recognized the familiar flame of desire burning within those gray depths.

"Do you remember before lunch?" he whispered in my ear, his breath warm against my skin. "Just hours ago, when you were on top. That feeling was... unforgettable."

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, both from his direct words and from the vivid memory they evoked. His hand slid to my waist, fingers pressing lightly against the fabric of my blouse. I instinctively reached up to touch his chest, feeling the firm muscles beneath his shirt. The memory of how easily he had restrained Philip earlier that day flashed through my mind,making my heart race.

"I want to experience that again," he said,rising from the sofa and moving toward the door.

He turned the lock with deliberate movements, the soft click echoing in the quiet office. Then he turned to face me, loosening his tie but not coming to me immediately. Instead, he walked back to his office chair and sat down.

"Come here," he said softly, his voice carrying an authority that sent shivers down my spine. "I want to watch you on top."

I rose from the sofa and walked toward him, feeling his heated gaze with each step. When I stood before him, he reached out and pulled me onto his lap.

I straddled his thighs, feeling the firm muscles beneath me. His hands settled on my waist, his fingers possessing a strength that brooked no argument. His shirt was half-open, revealing his chest with its defined contours. He looked up at me, his gray eyes darkened with desire, waiting for me to make the next move.

I leaned down to kiss him. His lips were both soft and firm, tasting faintly of coffee. His hands roamed my back, caressing every inch with gentle precision. I thought of how he had appeared when confronting Philip just hours ago-cold,authoritative, commanding-and how different he was now, vulnerable and passionate for me alone.

Our kiss deepened, growing more urgent. His hands had found their way to my thighs, stroking lightly, sending waves of pleasure through me.

"I want you," I whispered against his lips.

Howard's eyes grew even darker. His fingers worked at the buttons of my blouse, while I helped him remove his shirt completely. His chest was broad and firm, muscles clearly defined, his abdomen a perfect landscape of strength. I marveled at how this powerful body had protected me earlier today,and how now that same power was making me dizzy with desire. "You're beautiful." he murmured, his lips trailing down my neck.

When we finally joined together, the perfect fit of our bodies made me gasp. I began to move, finding the rhythm that suited us both. Howaird's hands remained on my waist, but he allowed me complete control.

"That's it." he encouraged, his voice husky..

I increased my pace, feeling the pleasure building. Howard's breathing grew more rapid, the muscles in his arms tensing. I bent down to kiss him again, our sweat mingling together.

"Look at me," I whispered.

Howard's gaze locked with mine, and in that moment our connection was more than physical. I saw desire in his eyes, but also trust and love. I was no longer the woman who had been hurt by Philip, but someone strong.confident.and loved.

Pleasure began to surge through me, and I felt myself approaching the peak.

"Howard... I'm close..." I breathed.

"I know. Me too... Together," he managed between ragged breaths.

I felt the wave of ecstasy wash over me, clutching Howard's shoulders.tightly as we reached the pinnacle together, our bodies tensing in perfect synchronicity before gradually relaxing against each other.