The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"You might end up clutching your ideas in regret, watching someone else quietly turn them into a fortune," Zane said.

"Now I understand," Shane replied earnestly. "For any project I manage personally, I'll keep 90% for myself and give the company 10%. The rest of the team can do the same."

Zane gave him a meaningful look but chose not to say more, considering they weren't close.

Turning to Sasha, he spoke calmly, his words deliberate and measured. "Once the company is

established, Shane will be handling projects on the front lines. What about you?"

Without hesitation, Sasha replied, "Of course I'm going to keep working! My job at Huxham Corporation is fantastic-there's no way I'd give it up that easily."

Zane chuckled. "I'm talking about your new company. Shane can't seem to let go of the projects he's meant to run, but someone has to take charge of everything else. That someone can only be you." Incredulous, Sasha asked, "Me? Do you think I can handle that?"

"You'll have to," Zane replied evenly. "You can ask for my help if you hit a wall you can't overcome. If I'm occupied, ask Annalise, unless you're okay with the company falling apart right after it's started. If that's your choice, you're welcome to handle everything on your own."

"Of course, I don't want that to happen," Sasha responded immediately.

I waited for their exchange to end before offering a reminder. "It's great to be generous with employees,

but don't forget to set aside enough for the company's operating costs. If something unexpected comes up, the entire company could vanish overnight.noveldrama

As soon as I finished, Sasha grabbed my arm, rested her chin lightly on my shoulder, and fluttered her lashes. "How about you join our company?"

Among her close friends, Annalise seemed to be the only one with outstanding capabilities. Sasha

genuinely hoped Annalise would join her company because of her exceptional skills.

I shook my head. "My current job is already incredibly demanding. I don't think I'll have the time to take on anything else."

Sasha pouted in disappointment.

Zane noticed her expression. Annalise wouldn't be around him every day if she ended up working for Sasha's company. He needed to find a way to steer Sasha away from the idea.

"Actually, there's something I've been meaning to ask," he said. "If starting your own business means you could clearly make a lot more money, why are you still so determined to keep working at Huxham Corporation?" Sasha didn't hesitate. "Because Huxham Corporation is amazing. First off, the atmosphere is great-everyone has their own responsibilities, and when we're at work it's all about getting the job done. None of that backstabbing or office politics I always hear about.

"Second, the schedule is steady. We clock in and out on time every day, and I've finally got my sleep under control. My friends couldn't believe how much healthier I suddenly looked. And on top of that, the pay's decent. Quitting just because I started my own business would

honestly be a dumb move."

She lifted her chin with a confident air, her expression practically saying, "I'm no fool, so don't bother trying to convince me otherwise."

Zane stayed calm. "Even so, I think you should put more energy into your startup. If it succeeds, you'll earn way more than you ever could here at Huxham Corporation."

Sasha stared at Zane for a moment before saying, "If I work hard here, handle the projects, and see them through to success, I'll still get a good cut of the profits."

Then, her eyes narrowed as if a realization had just struck her. She looked him up and down. "Oh... I see what's going on now."