Chapter 72

Annie's POV

"I have some news you might find interesting." Howard said, a slight smile playing at his lips. He gestured to my phone. "Check your bank account."

I pulled up my banking app, wondering what could prompt that subtle gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. The number that appeared on my screen made me blink twice, certain I was misreading the digits.

"This... this can't be right," I managed, looking up at him. "There must be some mistake."

"No mistake," Howard replied, his tone carrying that familiar mix of authority and gentleness. "Project bonus,quarterly profit share,standard benefits package. You've more than earned it."

I stared at the number again, my mind spinning with possibilities. This single deposit was more than I'd made in six months at my previous jobs.More than that - it represented something I hadn't had in years: true financial independence.

"I..." My voice caught unexpectedly. "Thank you. For giving me this opportunity."

Howard's expression softened slightly. "You did the work, Annie. I merely provided the platform."

"Still," I insisted, "I'd like to get you something. To show my appreciation."

"That's not necessary."

"Please," I pressed. "Just... something small. A pen, maybe?"

A hint of amusement crossed his features, "If you insist, a pen would suffice." He paused, then added with unexpected warmth, "As it happens, I could use a new one."

The high-end stationery store near Howard Technologies carried an impressive selection of luxury pens. I'd already picked out several books for Lucy -educational materials to support her speech development and some beautifully illustrated storybooks I knew would capture her imagination.

Now I stood before the pen display, slightly overwhelmed by the variety of options. The sales associate approached with professional courtesy.

"Are you looking for anything specific?"

I studied the elegant cases before me. "Something... understated but significant. For someone who appreciates quality without needing to display it."

She nodded in understanding, pulling out several options. Each one cost more than I'd ever imagined spending on a writing instrument, but the number in my bank account gave me new confidence.

"This one," I decided finally, selecting a sleek black fountain pen with subtle platinum accents. It reminded me of Howard - elegant without being showy, commanding attention through quality rather than flash.

"Excellent choice," the associate said, though her tone carried a gentle warning. "Though I should mention the price point..."

"It's perfect," I interrupted quietly, surprising us both with my certainty.

"Well, well." Sarah's voice made me freeze. "Spending the new boss's money already?"

I turned to find her standing there, perfect makeup and designer clothes as always. But this time, seeing her didn't make my heart race like it used to. Instead, I felt oddly calm.

"Sarah," I said. "Shopping for office supplies?"

Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Just browsing." She glanced at the pen in my hands, her lip curling slightly. "That's quite an expensive gift. Though I suppose Howard Thompson can afford it."

The old me would have stumbled over an explanation, trying to justify my purchase. But I wasn't that person anymore. "Yes, he can. Though that's hardly the point."

"Oh?" She stepped closer, her designer perfume almost overwhelming."And what is the point, Annie? Are you and Howard...involved now?"

I met her gaze steadily. "You were at the charity gala. You heard how he introduced me."

"As his date." she said dismissively. "A convenient arrangement, surely."

"As his girlfriend," I said.

Sarah's smile dropped. She hadn't expected that. I watched her grip tighten on her designer handbag, her carefully maintained composure slipping for just a second.

"His... girlfriend?" She tried to laugh it off, but I could hear the strain in her voice. "How recent. And here I thought you were still crying over Philip."

"That