Chapter 126

Sarah's POV

I had just hung up with Caroline, who explicitly suggested I convince Philip to invest in my work. The thought of this plan brought an involuntary smile to my lips. I knew perfectly well this was an excellent opportunity to strike at Annie. Just imagining her face when she saw my work becoming more popular than hers-that self-righteouis expression crumbling-filled me with delicious anticipation.

Philip was like a dog on a leash now. He might not love me anymore, but he remained embarrassngly easy to manipulate. The more desperately he wanted Annie to reconsider, the more eagerly he'd rush to help me. That's the pathetic nature of men.

I dialed Philip's number, arranging my features into a practiced expression of vulnerability even though he couldn't see me. Old habits die hard.

"What is it?" Philip's voice sounded dull and flat. He was clearly in a foul mood.

I immediately switched to my helpless damsel persona-a tactic that had always worked wonders with Philip. He loved playing the savior, and I only needed to be the fragile woman in need of rescue.

"Hmm." I deliberately lowered my voice, affecting an injured tone. "Annie's bullying me again." Inwardly, I smirked. Annie wouldn't even deign to "bully" me-she barely spared me a glance these days.

"What happened?" His tone was impatient, but I could sense his interest piquing.

I rapidly wove a tapestry of lies in my mind. With men like Philip, the more specific the details. the better. They never bother to verify anything.

"Annie came up to me, acting all high and mighty, saying her comics are actually quite ordinary." My voice grew progressively weaker,feigning distress as I twisted the phone cord between my fingers as if genuinely wounded. "Even Caroline said they're terribly unattractive and won't appeal to readers."

I paused deliberately before continuing: "But Howard has the power to make her earn so much money. Unlike me... whose work is of exceptional quality, but because no one promotes me, I can't even afford to produce merchandise."

"How much do you need?" Philip asked directly.

I nearly laughed out loud. This was even easier than I'd anticipated-he'd taken the bait! I bit my lower lip, suppressing my triumphant feelings.I'd expected to invest more effort in persuading him, but he was so desperate to prove himself superior to Howard. A man's pride is such a useful tool.

"I'm not sure of the exact amount," I pretended to hesitate. "I need to ask Caroline."

"Alright, I'll wait for your answer. Contact me after Caroline tells you, and I'll transer the money directly to you."

"Thank you," I said with genuine sincerity, while contemplating how to further exploit this opportunity. "Even though you don't love me anymore,you've done so much for me. I really appreciate it."

"No need for thanks, Sarah. Even though we're no longer married, I still want you to do well."

I almost burst out laughing. My charm was clearly irresistible. Look how easily I controlled him-just a few words, a little feigned vulnerability, and he'd obediently hand over money. I gently caressed my phone, already planning my next move. This game was just beginning. Annie and Howard,you just wait and see.

I called Caroline again to check on her progress.

"Sarah, you know what," Caroline said on the other end. "Susan told me that if you're willing to cover the costs yourself, with Howard Technologies handling the production and sales of your merchandise, most of the profits would go to them."

"So," Caroline continued, "after careful consideration, you can continue to work at Howard Technologies, but your intellectual property could be transferred to another company. This way, you'll have complete control,can provide better resources for your work, and focus more on your creations. Most importantly, you'll earn more money yourself!"

"So what do you think-should your work remain with Howard Technologies, or should we terminate the contract and sign with another company?" Caroline asked.

This idea was brilliant! I answered without hesitation: "Let's sign with another company. If I stay with Howard Technologies, I'll definitely be overshadowed by Annie," I clenched my fist, unconsciously gritting my teeth at the thought of Annie's smug expression. The very image made me uncomfortable. "Caroline, my work quality is better than Annie's, so I should be more famous and earn more money, shouldn't I?"

This wasn't merely about money-it was about letting everyone see who the true genius was. Annie was only successful because of Howard's support, while I relied on genuine talent.

"Absolutely!" Caroline sounded delighted that I agreed with her suggestion.She, like me, couldn't stand Annie's demeanor.

"Then we'll act separately," I said confidently. "Tll convince Philip, and you handle the contract termination process."

"No problem!" Caroline replied.

I hung up, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. CarolineGluck and I were natural allies; she seemed to enjoy manipulating others as much as I did.For something this important, a face-to-face conversation would be more persuasive. I grabbed my purse and called a driver to take me to Philip Investment Group headquarters.

In the car, I meticulously prepared my expressions and body language.Handling Philip required the perfect blend of vulnerability and shrewdness-too much of either would make him suspicious.

The company employees all recognized me and let me pass without interference. I walked directly to Philip's office, took a deep breath,composed my expression, and after receiving permission to enter, pushed open the door.

I sat across from Philip, resting my chin on my hands,gazing directly at him with eyes deliberately betraying a hint of vulnerability and need for assistance. Philip continued working, not even looking up as he said, "If you have something to say, just say it." Observing his cold attitude,I secretly laughed. He thought himself so aloof, unaware that every step followed my script.

"Don't you think," I probed cautiously, "that investing large sums in Howard, only to receive a small portion in return... seems like a poor deal?"

Philip stopped working and looked up at me: "What do you mean?"

I leaned forward, lowering my voice: "I've learned from Caroline that Annie's copyright share is only fifteen percent." I gently bit my lower lip.pretending to be deeply concerned. "How many merchandise items would we need to sell just to break even?"

I could feel his attention completely focused on me now. This sensation of being observed was intoxicating; I knew I'd seized control of the conversation.

Philip stared at me, his eyes flashing with a familiar gleam-he was calculating something. "What are you thinking?" he asked.

Seeing his contemplative expression, I knew the moment had arrived. A thrill of excitement rose up my spine. This was like a meticulously planned hunt, and the prey was stepping into my trap one step at a time.

"I want to sign my work to your company," I softened my voice further,as if sharing an important secret. "That way, when it makes money,the company gets a substantial portion. And what I take home will certainly be significant as well."

Philip didn't immediately respond. Instead, he leaned back in his chair,considering. His expression shifted subtly-I could read that look. He was weighing pros and cons. I knew the current Philip had little feeling left for me; if it were solely for my benefit, he probably wouldn't be willing to invest such significant resources. I inwardly scoffed. Men's pride is so ridiculous-he never truly loved me or Annie, only himself. I needed to provide a more appealing reason, one that would satisfy his vanity.

A thought struck me, and I smiled. "I know your company earns plenty and doesn't care about this small amount, but think about it..." My fingers

lightly tapped the desk as I leaned slightly forward, allowing my perfume to waft subtly toward him. "If you use the money earned from my work to reinvest in my creations and promote me, wouldn't my earnings far exceed Annie's?"

I noticed Philip's expression change-it was a look I knew well, a mixture of desire, greed, and competitiveness. He had taken the bait. My inner excitement was almost uncontainable, though outwardly I maintained just the right balance of expectation and dependence.

"Imagine Annie seeing that Howard, with his enormous company, is so stingy with her," I deliberately added a slight tremor to my voice, as if excited by the thought. "While you're willing to let me earn without reservation... wouldn't she think Howard is too selfish, completely inferior to you?"

That was the killing blow. Watching Philip's expression, I knew my words had fully ignited his desire to compete with Howard. Men's vanity and competitiveness were such easily exploitable weaknesses.

He predictably displayed a determined smile: "You're right, let's do it your way."

I laughed inwardly while outwardly showing only a hint of joy,quickly suppressed as I pretended calmly: "Then shall I check on Caroline's progress?"