Chapter 487

"No need, I..." Adrian Klein's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "There's someone I like."

"What?!" William Langley sprang up from the couch, eyes wide as saucers. "Seriously? Did you confess? Why haven't you won them over yet?"

The rapid-fire questions hit like machine gun rounds.

Adrian instantly regretted speaking.

The group parted ways outside.

Adrian turned left, fishing out his keys. The Langleys went right—Victoria glanced back with a warm smile.

"Sorry for making you spend so much today."

"Getting your signed book was worth every penny."

Fine wrinkles appeared at the corners of Victoria's eyes as she laughed.

Evelyn stood before the bathroom mirror.

Her fingers automatically reached to tie up her hair, only to brush against the cool metal of a hair claw.

She'd forgotten it was already pinned up.

Shaking her head vigorously, the bun stayed perfectly in place.

Tsk—

Not bad at all.

Why couldn't she master this skill?

It made no sense...

Infuriating!

In the master bedroom, Victoria had just settled in when her phone buzzed.

A message from editor Simon Croix.

Victoria, fantastic news!

Seven-Day Tales sales have broken records again—five production companies are bidding for adaptation rights

First print run completely sold out—factory rushing additional copies

Second royalty payment processing now

Didn't call to avoid disturbing you

Victoria launched herself at William like a flying fish.

William grunted from the impact.

Another ding sounded.

Bank notification: $326,800 deposited.

Victoria counted the zeros three times.

Already?

Another three hundred grand?

Plus future licensing fees...

"Honey, we're going to be rich!"

She said "we."

William's eyes suddenly stung.

"I'm sorry, Victoria..."

"Stop right there!" She covered his mouth. "Don't you dare say 'I'm useless' or any of that nonsense."

William waved his hands. "I meant—sorry I'm about to become a kept man! Old Xie will die of envy!"

He referred to a colleague who constantly competed with him over their hydrangea gardens.

Miles away, Professor Xie sneezed twice in succession.

Victoria pinched William's cheek. "That's more like it! Only insecure men resent their wives' success."

William nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Absolutely!"