The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

I could still get paid just hanging around at the office and doing nothing. Honestly, that was the best news I could've gotten. After finishing up my sketches, I leaned back, propped my head on my hand, and started scrolling through the updates people had sent me.

The new hires Eric brought in were solid. They were handling everything without needing my input. Some even had cool ideas and new product lines they were thinking of launching, all in the hopes of making more money.noveldrama

After going over their ideas and throwing in a couple of suggestions, I told them to go ahead. The funding wasn't on them-that was on Eric and me. Once I handled it, I leaned back in my chair.

By then, I was making solid money from Zane's side and my own business. I could take care of Mom's retirement and still have enough left over to help out others.

I couldn't help but wonder if there were other businesses-besides these two- that I might want to invest in. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Zane called.

Eric stepped in to brief him on the company. Afterward, Zane handed him the tasks that needed attention.

Once Eric finished, he made his way over to me. "These new recruits have some pretty ambitious goals."

I was already aware of the new product line idea and the profit-sharing proposal, so their ambition wasn't all that surprising to me. Still, I was intrigued. "Oh, really?"

Eric handed me the proposal. "Some of them want to go off and start their own line. They'd still give the company a cut, though."

I flipped through it quickly and set it aside. "Ambition's a good thing."

Eric's face tightened like he wasn't fully on board with it.

I grinned and said, "But it's not really fair if we're taking all the risk while they walk away with the profits."

Eric nodded like he couldn't agree more.

"That's what I was thinking. When I talked to them, one of them walked up to me like he was doing me a favor. He told me that if I didn't jump on this 'opportunity,' he'd take it elsewhere and even said we'd regret it! swĥovel

I took another look at the proposed profit split. We'd cover all the production and marketing costs, but the split would be 90-10, with the employee getting the lion's share. He'd keep 90%, and we'd be left with a measly 10%.

No one in their right mind would go for that. 10% wouldn't even cover our basic expenses.

"He must be really sold on this idea if he's that confident about it. Fine. Let him take it elsewhere. We'll just wish him the best if it works out for him," I said.

Eric smiled, looking relieved. "I'll let him know now."

"Go ahead."

As Eric walked out, he made a point to say goodbye to Zane, then stepped outside with his phone already up to his ear. Zane glanced at me before going back to his work.