The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 257

Eric said without hesitation, "The company's policy is simple. If you finish three days of work in one day, you get the remaining two days off."

I was stunned. "Does such a great company really exist?"

Eric smiled and teased, "Now you've seen it."

He continued, "The average price for these merchandise items is ten dollars, and your royalties remain at 15%. The company also just decided to invest heavily in advertising.

"If everything goes smoothly, the sales volume for the products will break records daily. We're even worried that demand might exceed supply when the comic becomes a huge hit, so we're preparing stock in advance to avoid shortages. "You can just sit back, relax, and wait to see the money rolling in."

Hearing his optimistic forecast, I couldn't help but feel a bit excited. "I'll take your word for it."

Eric chuckled. "You're welcome."

Without daring to linger under Zane's gaze, he slipped out quickly.

Zane followed him out. "Print me a copy of the bank statement showing my transfers to Rowena."

Eric turned back, puzzled. "What for?"

Zane's tone remained calm. "I've cut off her living expenses. She won't take it lying down and will probably try some tricks to get the money back. "Knowing her, there's a high chance she'll cause a scene in public. Her goal would be to tarnish my reputation and force me to resume the payments." Zane's voice turned colder. "Also, withdraw some cash for me."

Eric nodded and carried out the instructions.

...

By lunchtime, I had finished all my work for the day, including adding color to some extra sketches.

Feeling accomplished, I approached Zane, who was still engrossed in his tasks. "If you're still busy, I'll head down to eat first."

"Let's go together." Zane grabbed a small backpack, slinging it over one shoulder. Walking beside me, he asked, "What do you feel like eating today?"

I immediately shifted focus, not even curious about what he had in the bag. "Chili con carne!"

After a morning filled with work and dealing with annoying people, I needed a treat.

Zane indulged me with a soft "Alright".

It was peak lunch hour, and the restaurant was packed. I managed to replace an empty table, dropped off my bag, and went to place our orders. "Pulled pork, fish and chips, beef brisket..." I ordered everything that caught my eye.

Zane wasn't there yet, so I ordered a little more, unsure of his preferences. After ordering snacks and the main course, I ordered drinks the same way. Once everything was confirmed and paid for, I went back to our table.

Suddenly, Rowena's sharp voice cut through the room, "Zane, you ungrateful wretch! You have money now, yet you'd rather spend it on Annalise than on us!" She stood at the entrance, yelling loudly as if afraid no one would hear her.

I couldn't help but frown at the implication in her words. "He hired me to help take care of his child, with food and lodging included. Isn't that normal?" Why did Rowena's words make it sound like she and Zane had some kind of ambiguous relationship?

Rowena shot me a nasty glare. "Then, what about lunch?"

"You're out here eating with him..."

I quickly pulled out my phone to show her my payment record. "I paid for this meal!"

That silenced her momentarily, but she quickly retorted with venom, "So what if you paid for this one? Does that mean you're paying for every meal?"