Chapter 370

"I prepared countless speeches before meeting you." Simon Croix adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "But now, I only want to speak the truth."

Four manuscripts lay neatly on the table—all rejected by Penelope Ashcroft. Victoria Langley had stubbornly completed them anyway. For years, she'd dreamed nightly of seeing her mystery novels displayed prominently in bookstore windows again.

"If you agree, we'll initiate the publishing process within three days." Simon's fingers tapped lightly against the desk. "Your new book will hit shelves nationwide within two months."

He outlined the royalty percentages in detail. Even the advance payment made Victoria's pulse quicken. The contract terms were transparent, clearly meticulously prepared.

Victoria's fingers absently traced the rim of her teacup. From initial shock to this heavy silence, she felt trapped in some surreal dream.

"Simon..." she suddenly interrupted.

His fountain pen stilled on the paper, ink bleeding a small shadow.

"The terms are tempting." Victoria smiled bitterly. "But I need time."

A decade of betrayal had built walls around her. Penelope had arrived with contracts too, her smile brighter than sunlight.

The light in Simon's eyes dimmed. He slowly closed the folder and retrieved a gilded business card from his inner pocket.

"I understand." He slid the card toward her. "But remember—true gold always shines."

He produced a silver flash drive next. "The edited digital manuscripts. Four books totaling 870,000 words. Our editorial team pulled three all-nighters."

Victoria's head snapped up, her teacup clattering against the saucer.

"You're..." Her voice trembled. "Gambling on a possibility?"

"Publishing is always a gamble." Simon smiled. "But we only bet on truly great stories."

He stood, straightening his suit jacket. As he extended his hand, a well-worn wristwatch peeked from his cuff—clearly a longtime companion.

Victoria studied that hand. The palm lines were sharply defined, like crime scene traces from her novels.

Just as Simon began withdrawing, she suddenly asked, "All four books simultaneously?"

His hand froze midair. Behind his lenses, his eyes ignited.

"To resurrect an author dormant for ten years..." His voice tightened with excitement. "...requires an explosive comeback."