Chapter 371

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Evelyn Langley and William Langley sat in the café's garden patio. The glass partition revealed Victoria Langley and Simon Croix facing each other inside.

Victoria's expression shifted from initial bewilderment to solemnity, finally settling into visible remorse. The conversation clearly wasn't going smoothly.

Simon stood up to leave when Victoria suddenly said something.

He lit up like a candle flame, instantly radiant.

Resuming his seat, their discussion continued.

This time Victoria became more animated. Her previously wooden demeanor regained its vitality.

When they concluded, Simon extended his hand again. "Professor Langley, pleasure doing business."

Victoria didn't hesitate this time. She stood and shook his hand. "Thank you. Our discussion would've gone smoother if you'd shown me the proofread manuscript earlier."

Simon shook his head. "Words are sacred. They tell stories, convey emotions, celebrate beauty—but should never become tools for moral coercion."

Victoria sighed softly. "You're a good editor. Hopefully this time..."

She wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

During the ride home, Evelyn couldn't resist asking, "Mom, what do you think of Simon?"

"Grounded. Sincere. Genuine."

"So you reached an agreement?"

"Yes. I'd nearly given up hope, but his authenticity moved me. Things can't possibly get worse than now—might as well take this chance."

Back home, Evelyn gasped while reviewing the contract details.

Victoria looked up. "What's wrong?"

William immediately leaned in. "Problem with the contract?"

Evelyn shook her head. Not only was the contract fair, it leaned favorably toward Victoria.

The crucial point—

This contract signed the author, not the book.

Simon had broken industry norms by directly contracting Victoria herself.

After explanations, William and Victoria finally relaxed.

Evelyn forwarded Simon's profile to Victoria—his resume, signed works, and bestselling IPs he'd developed.

After reviewing, Victoria murmured, "He's this accomplished?"

Evelyn simply said four words: "Top of the field."

The next day, DecaCulture Publishing transferred the advance to Victoria's account.

William counted the digits aloud. "Ones, tens, hundreds... Two million?!"

This only covered print royalties for four books. Future editions or derivative rights would bring additional percentages.

Victoria hadn't expected Simon to move so quickly—as if fearing she'd change her mind.

Evelyn gaped. "Mom, you're incredible!"

Victoria flushed slightly. "I never expected..."

Truthfully, she didn't believe herself worth that sum.

They'd agreed on one million, yet the amount doubled. Though Simon had mentioned fighting for better terms, the figure still shocked her.

Then Simon called.

"Professor Langley, received the payment?"

"Yes, but the amount—"

"One million is the agreed print royalty. The extra fifty thousand was my negotiation. The remaining fifty thousand is the mini-drama adaptation advance for The Lantern."

"Adaptation rights? Before publication?"

"Exactly. That's your influence."

Victoria never imagined she still held "influence" after all these years away.

Though Simon had mentioned it, she'd assumed it was politeness.

That night, Evelyn's bank account suddenly gained two million.

Seeing the balance alert, she froze momentarily before throwing off her blankets. Barefoot, she dashed to the adjacent bedroom—