Chapter 149

Annie's POV

"Annie?" Howard's voice pulled me back to reality. "Susan is still waiting for your response."

I stared at the comment on the screen: "This is just the tip of the iceberg.What Betty Baker did to Annie goes far beyond this." My fingers hovered over my phone, momentarily frozen by the flood of memories that single comment had triggered. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before responding to Susan.

"T've seen it aIl," I answered calmly, my voice more stable than I had expected. "What happens next?"

Susan's professional tone carried a hint of hesitation as she explained, "The marketing department wants to use this trending topic to increase our public visibility. They wanted to get your permission first."

I couldn't help but feel touched by the thoughtfulness of Howard Technologies' employees. Whether it was when Sarah tried to climb over me to advance herself, or now with Betty's scandal breaking, they always consulted me before taking any action.

I fell silent for a moment, feelings churning inside me. Was it appropriate to use my former mother-in-law's scandal to boost my career? But then again,memories of Betty's years of harassment and mockery washed over me like waves-those deliberately set dining etiquette traps, those thinly veiled insults, and all the ways she had pushed me into social corners...

The feeling of being belittled is hard to forget.

"Of course," I finally responded. my voice more resolute than before. "You're all working to help grow our business. I have no objections."

Susan paused before continuing, concern evident in her voice: "We were worried that leveraging Betty's negative news might bring back unpleasant memories for you."

Clearly,after reading the news, everyone had finally glimpsed how diffcult my life in the Baker household had been. They saw this as an excellent opportunity but worried it might reopen old wounds.

I let out a soft laugh. "Don't worry," I assured her. "That's all in the past.I won't take it to heart."

Hearing my reassurance, Susan's tone noticeably relaxed. "Then I'll immediately relay your decision to the marketing department."

"Good," I replied, ending the call.

Within hours of the marketing team taking action, our exposure rate skyrocketed. My comics once again captured public attention, reader numbers increased dramatically, and merchandise sales surged.Susan received multiple calls fromn companies in neighboring countries, all eager to acquire various distribution rights for the comics.

She handled these inquiries professionally, neither directly accepting nor rejecting their proposals. Instead, she informed them that she needed to discuss the matter with me first, and would get back to them once we reached a decision. The callers were all respectful, agreeing to wait for her response.

In our work group chat, employees celebrated as data soared:

"Amazing! Click-through rates have increased by 238%!" one employee

messaged.

"We finally broke through a 15%o conversion rate, our efforts these past few months weren't wasted!" another colleague chimed in.

"Seeing so many readers leaving comments supporting Annie's work feels incredibly satisfying!"

"This exposure is a godsend for our project; yesterday's newly released Chapter already has over 100.000 views!"

Messages kept appearing in the work group chat, with everyone sharing rising data from their respective areas. The joy of witnessing the fruits of their collective effort was palpable. Howard had previously promised that if the project succeeded, every team member would share in the results.making everyone particularly invested in the performance of the comics and related merchandise.

I handed the phone back to Howard, who casually took it and sat down beside me. He draped his arm over my shoulders and softly asked, "How do you feel about seeing that news?"

Without hesitation, I answered, "Like a long-held suspicion finally confirmed.It feels strange, but also satisfying."

I gazed thoughtfully into the distance. "I'm also thinking... when Philip finally discovers that the child in Sarah's womb isn't his, he'll completely despise Betty."

"After all, she was the one who encouraged him to reject hisown son.yet pour all his love into someone else's child."

My lips curled into an involuntary smile. "Betty's later years certainly won't be happy."

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"Neither will Philip's." I added.

"Just thinking about how miserable the people who hurt me will be in the future makes me feel that the world is actually quite fair."

Howard's large hand gently slid across my shoulder, a comforting gesture,as if trying to ease any lingering tension.

I knew he was worried I might be upset, so I smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. It's all in the past. I really don't care anymore."

"Hmm." Howard cupped my face in his hands and planted a kiss on my forehead. "I just wish I could have entered your life earlier."

I looked at him questioningly.

Howard's usually stern gaze was now filled with tenderness and concern."

Then you wouldn't have had to endure so much unfair treatment."

I was surprised, clearly not expecting him to take responsibility for these past events.

I chuckled lightly, "None of this was your fault."

Howard didn't respond verbally, just pulled me tightly into his embrace.

His fingers traced gently down my spine,conveying comfort and affection.

After a moment of silence, Howard suddenly asked, "Annie, do you know what it means to add joy to happiness?"

I looked up into his eyes, slightly surprised by the desire burning in them."No, what?" My voice carried a hint of curiosity.

Howard's gaze intensified, his fingers trailing along my jawline before lifting my chin. "Then let me teach you."

Suddenly realizing his implication, I playfully pushed against his chest.laughing."Howard Thompson, we just finished a moment ago. and you're ready for more already?"

The corner of his lips turned upward, his gray eyes fixed intently on mine."Because you look so sexy when you're happy." His voice was deep and husky. like a feather brushing against my ear, sending a shiver through me.

Before I could answer, his lips covered mine. He gently pushed me back onto the spacious leather sofa, and we both sank into the soft leather. The couch made a slight sound, bearing the weight of our entwined bodies.

Howard's kisses gradually became more urgent, one hand braced beside my head, the other beginning to unbutton my blouse. The edge of the sofa pressed against my back, its cool sensation creating a stark contrast with Howard's burning palm.

"Someone might come in..." I tried to remind him between rapid breaths,but my rationality was already beginning to crumble under his touch.

Howard's lips left mine to whisper in my ear, "The door is locked,remember?" His breath brushed against my earlobe, making me tremble involuntarily.

His hand slippeèd inside my half-open blouse, his warm palm caressing my skin, each touch sending a wave of tremors through me. His lips traveled down my neck, tasting my collarbone, then lower. My fingers dug into the leather surface of the sofa, my head tilting back as I let out an uncontrollable moan.

Howard looked up, taking in my face flushed with desire, his eyes darker than I'd ever seen them. He quickly removed his suit jacket and tie, then leaned down to continue kissing my lips.

Just as he was taking the lead.a thought suddenly flashed through my mind.Catching him off guard. I pushed against his chest, forcing him to sit upright. Confusion flickered in Howard's eyes, quickly replaced by surprise as I flipped over to straddle his thighs.

"My turn," I whispered, feeling the excitement of being in control.

Howard's gaze grew even more intense, his hands settling on my waist,not rushing to control the pace but allowing me to take the lead. I leaned down to kiss him, savoring the sweetness of his lips while my hands slowly unbuttoned his shirt, touching his warm chest.

I could feel Howard's breathing becoming more rapid, his fingers digging deep into my waist, but he restrained himself, letting me set my own rhythm. The sofa swayed slightly with our movements, the leather surface making subtle sounds against our perspiring skin.

I gripped Howard's shoulders and began to move my body slowly. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and desire."Annie..."he called my name softly, his voice slightly hoarse from restraint.

I leaned down to kiss him while increasing my pace. Howard's hands moved from my waist to my back, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss.Our breaths mingled, our bodies fitting together so perfectly, as if made for each other.

Pleasure built in waves, layer upon layer, until I could bear it no longer.I clutched his shoulders tightly, losing all sense of time in the pinnacle of ecstasy. Howard reached his peak as well, his body tensing before releasing a deep breath.

I collapsed in his arms, my head resting on his shoulder, feeling our rapid heartbeats gradually steadying. Howard's arms encircled me tightly, as if

never wanting to let go. He gently kissed my forehead, his fingers tenderly brushing away strands of hair clinging to my cheeks.

"You never cease to amaze me, Annie," he said softly, his voice carrying a rare vulnerability.

We remained in that position for a long time, enjoying the tranquility after intimacy. Howard's fingers gently combed through my hair,his movements tender and reverent.

"Thank you, Howard," I whispered.