The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica couldn't believe the sales were skyrocketing, bringing in hundreds of millions at once.

She immediately sat up straight, reading each word slowly to make sure she wasn't seeing things. When she finished, she slumped back onto the couch, unable to calm down for a long time.

Jessica had spent days scrambling to keep up with the animated series, only for them to drop these high-end designer collectibles that let Annalise cash in on another massive fortune.

A wave of jealousy surged through Jessica.

How was it that Annalise barely lifted a finger yet reaped all the rewards, effortlessly making a fortune? Meanwhile, Jessica was working herself to the bone, only to end up with crumbs.

The injustice of it all made Jessica's blood boil. Her eyes burned red with anger. Why did a man as amazing as Zane choose Annalise over her? It just wasn't fair!

Consumed by frustration, Jessica nearly trashed everything in her house. But then reality hit-everything was expensive. If she broke it, she'd be the one paying for it.

In the end, she forced herself to hold back. When her emotions finally settled, she let out a bitter laugh.

Designer collectibles weren't some groundbreaking innovation. If Annalise could do it, why couldn't Jessica?

Besides, she didn't even have to finance an entire animated series. All she had to do was cover a few basic costs, and she could make just as much. The thought lifted her spirits.

Zane and Annalise had already paved the way, proving the model worked. That meant far less risk for Jessica. In a way, she should probably be thanking them.

With renewed determination, Jessica got to work sketching out her designs. But she wasn't about to let Annalise have it too easy. Once she finished her drawings, she got up and called Otis.

Otis was still irritated when he answered the call. If Jessica hadn't stirred up trouble out of nowhere, he would have patched things up with Annalise by now.

"What do you want?" he asked bluntly.

"I need to talk to you." Jessica got straight to the point. "I've thought it over, and I truly believe making peace with Annalise is the best decision for you."

Otis nearly rolled his eyes as if he needed her to tell him that.

Jessica continued, "So, I've decided to return all the money you gave me."

Otis thought he must have misheard her. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me," Jessica said, her tone firm.

Otis fell silent. After a long pause, he finally asked, "What are you up to this time?"

"I just saw some news online,"

Jessica said, her expression dark with jealousy. "Annalise's new product is selling overseas and making a fortune. Even on the conservative side, she's easily putting in hundreds of millions a year."

Jessica wouldn't have cared as much if it were just a few small countries. After all, slaving away for a bit of money wasn't anything impressive.

But the real problem was that sales were soaring in larger countries, too. At thisnoveldrama

rate, Annalise could be looking at billions in a single year.

Jessica clenched her teeth. Even if Annalise was making that kind of money, Jessica wasn't about to let her enjoy it without a hitch.

She let out a cold snort. There were plenty of ways to make sure that money ended up in someone else's hands instead.

A sly grin spread across her face. "If you make up with Annalise and ask her for the money, do you think she'd refuse?"