The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Something clicked in my mind when I found out she was out of work.

"I just launched a new company, and we're hiring. The internship pays ten thousand dollars a month, with weekends off and all the official holidays. Plus, if you perform well, there's a nice commission."

I was about to add more when my phone buzzed. My secretary sent over a picture

of the payroll, along with a voice note. "Check out their commissions!"

I opened the file. We didn't have a huge team yet, but every single employee was making hundreds of thousands in bonuses-some even over five million.

I smiled and texted back. "Here's hoping they make even more next month."

My secretary replied right away. "At the rate we're going, doubling that should be easy."

I set my phone down and turned back to Sage. "Of course, it all depends on sales. But if you're interested, I'd love to have you on the team."

Sage didn't even think twice. "Yes, I'm in!"

The weekends off alone would've been a huge draw, not to mention the great pay.

I grinned. "Great, send me your info, and I'll have my secretary take care of the rest. You can start tomorrow.

"And if anything comes up at work, just come to me. I'll help however I can." "Alright. I'll work hard," Sage promised, clearly excited.

She suddenly felt like helping me was the best decision she'd ever made. She might never find another gig with perks this good.

"I believe you," I said, pulling out my phone so she could add me as a contact.

After a bit of fumbling, she finally sent her info over to me.

"I'm heading home to stay with my mom," Sage said.

"Sure." I paused, remembering something important. "One more thing: can you keep this between us for now?"

Sage looked surprised. "Why?"

I kept my voice calm. "I've got a plan."

She nodded. "Got it. It's your call when to go public with it. Don't worry. I won't say anything."

Relief flooded me, and I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks for the help."

"No problem," Sage said, waving quickly before walking out.

Alone in the booth, I sat there for a while, taking my time to figure out my next move. Eventually, a bitter smile tugged at my lips. I never thought it'd take this long to get justice for the child I never got to meet.

SWI

A car pulled up in front of Jessica's building. Gary and Julia took the elevator up tonoveldrama

her floor and rang the doorbell.

Jessica peeked through the

peephole. She saw them and

Wed what they were doing there. Still, she opened the door and stepped back.

"What brings you two here?" she asked.

Without saying a word, Gary walked straight into the living room.

Julia followed, and when she

realized he wasn't going to say.

anything, she spoke up. "We cal

see Casper and figured we'd stop by to see you, too."