Chapter 42
That night, Elegance Novel World was buzzing with excitement. The planned overtime had been swapped for a company–wide celebration, all thanks to Avery,
At the karaoke lounge. Avery was the star of the show. Colleagues who had barely acknowledged her before were now lining up to toast her.
Avery wasn’t naive. She knew it was all because she had signed Blackthorn, the company’s big–name author. If it weren’t for that, these people wouldn’t even bother
Even the company’s owner and senior management had shown up, a clear sign of how much they valued Avery.
For the first time in her twenty–something years, Avery felt like she had finally made her mark. Her heart was racing with excitement, but she kept her composure on the surface.
Just then, the boss, Zoe Moore, approached Avery with a glass of wine in hand.
It was Avery’s first time interacting with Zoe, and she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. She straightened up instinctively. “Ms. Moore,” she greeted
“Avery, you’ve saved the company. If it weren’t for you signing Blackthom, we might not have made it through this mess.” Zoe said sincerely as she poured a drink for Avery.
Elegance Novel World was Zoe’s father’s legacy, and after his passing, ber uncles had been circling like vultures, constantly trying to undermine her. The recent financial strain had only made things worse.
Bin thanks to Avery’s efforts in securing Blackthorn, the company’s financial troubles were resolved.
“Oh it’s nothing. I was just doing my job, Avery said with a modest smile.
“Blackthorn picked you out of everyone. That alone speaks volumes about your abilities” Zoe said, her tone full of admiration.
Avery thought. ‘Abilities? Well, being lucky is a kind of ability
Zoe’s expression turned serious as she said, “After a discussion with the leadership team, we’ve decided to promote you to Chief Editor
Avery shot to her feet. She exclaimed “Really?”
Zoe chuckled at her reaction. She said. “Of course. You’ve always been amazing at your job, and now you’ve brought Blackthorn on board. You’ve quidone yourself this time. As a token of our appreciation, the company has decided to reward you with 160 thousand”
“160 thousand?” Avery gasped, her eyes nearly popping out of her head. It felt unreal, like a dream she didn’t want to wake up from.
Seeing Avery’s stunned expression, Zoe smiled and added, “And in the future, if Blackthorn releases any new works, you’ll also receive a share of the prodita”
On Saturday, Simone headed out after breakfast to meet Avery. She had assumed the meeting would b spot, she was surprised.
be at a coffee shop, so when she arrived at the
Avery had chosen the most upscale shopping mall in Sogin. The building had an old–world charm, with its dark–toned decor and antique vibe.
As Simone stepped inside, she could feel the history in the air. Before entering, she called Avery to let her know she had arrived.
“Where is shet” Avery mintered as she stepped out of the shopping mall and scanned around. She saw no others except Simone. She thought, Could Blackshorn not have arrived yet?”
Avery walked our further from the entrance and looked around again, still unable to spot anyone who matched her expectations. Just as she was about to make a call, she noticed Sanione approaching her. Phone in hand, Avery froze mid step.
Simone was stunning. Her beauty was almost untral, like someone who had stepped out of a painting. For a moment, Avery forgot to breathe until Sanouie’s voice brought her back to lier semce
*Simone asked. With no one else around, it was clear Avery was the person she was supposed to meet
“Are you looking for me? S
Avery stared at Simone, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. She asked, “Who are you!”
Simone didn’t answer directly, Instead, she held up her plune, showing the chat page. She asked, “Are you Avery!”
Avery exclaimed, “You are Blackthorn Her gaze shifted between the chat history and Simone, her astonishment evident. She said, “I’m sorry, I
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Chapter 42
didn’t expect you to be so young” After confirming the that records, Avery was certain Simone was indeed Blackthorn.
In Avery’s mind, someone capable of writing a book as profound as Innocence had to be a middle–aged woman.
The themes in Innocence were so intricate and thought–provoking that it seemed impossible for someone in young to have the life experie needed to craft such a masterpiece.
ating her because
e of her age. It wasn’t their fault.
“Don’t worry about it,” Simione replied with a faint smile. She was used to people underestimating
“How about we move to a different place to talk?” Avery suggested. She had chosen a shopping mall because she thought Blackthorn was older. Since Simone was so young, a change of vensie seemed more fitting.
“Sure.” Simone agreed without hesitation. She wasn’t particularly fond of staying at a place like a shopping mall.
A few minutes later, the two of them arrived at the cafe next door
Avery had been expecting to meet a middle–aged woman today, which made her feel quite nervous. But now, seeing Simone, that tension eased considerably.
“Blackthorn, could you sign this for me? Avery asked. She pulled a white T–shirt out of her backpack, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at Simone.
Simone nodded and said. “Just call me Simone.”
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