Anathea knew that Evangeline’s concerns weren’t without reason
Expanding the business wasn’t a simple matter; it meant investing more capital. Since Eden Studio was still a rising newcomer, its available liquid assets weren’t exactly abundant. If they failed, the losses could be significant.
It was a risky move.
So, regardless of what Evangeline’s answer would be, Anatliea was ready to accept it. She respected Evangeline and wouldn’t pressure her.
But the next second, Evangeline smiled and answered without hesitation, “Of course I agree!”
Anathea froze for a moment, and Evangeline slung an arm around her shoulder. “I’m all about constant innovation.”
Otherwise, back when the domestic market outlook hadn’t been so optimistic, Evangeline wouldn’t have been so resolute about establishing the studio in the first place.
She wanted to promote the traditional floral art she loved so much and give it a real chance to compete on the same stage as Frevancian, Englorian, and Armeran floral art.
She might even surpass them and leave a mark in the history of global floral art.
Evangeline had always been ambitious. She just needed the right opportunity and a partner who could stand with her shoulder to shoulder. After all, no one could build a ship alone.
Anathea was exactly the partner fate had sent her way.
Anathea had no idea that, when she brought up the idea, Evangeline had been so excited she couldn’t sleep for several nights.
Evangeline had been waiting for the chance to have this conversation.
So, she immediately reached out and shook Anathea’s hand with a bright smile. “Pleasure working with you, Ms. Jacobson!”
Anathea looked at that confident, infectious smile of Evangeline’s and felt a rush of warmth flood her chest.
Whether it was when she couldn’t land a job, or when she was trying to grow, Evangeline had always been the first to show up and lend a powerful helping hand.
She was truly grateful to have a friend like Evangeline.
As Anathea grasped Evangeline’s hand, her eyes glimmered. “Pleasure working with you!”
After finalizing her partnership with Evangeline, Anathea took out her savings and put them toward the investment.
In fact, the terms she’d negotiated with Gregory back then had also been to secure more funding. Ten million a month was more than enough for startup capital.
She couldn’t predict when Gregory might tire of her, so she had to plan and become independent as quickly as possible. Only then would she stop being restrained at every turn.
The first step to independence was financial independence.
That very day, Anathea, Evangeline, and the three studio veterans spent six straight hours in disc. would progress smoothly.
By the time Anathea left the studio, the sun was already sinking in the west.
She felt fulfilled after spending the day immersed in work. A rare, peaceful smile appeared on her face.
on to make sure everything
1/2
Chapter 217
The sunset was beautiful. She pulled out her phone, wanting to capture the moment.
But as soon as she opened it, a piece of entertainment news popped up.
“Don Picalle: The Cubist Summer–Mr. Sinclair spotted walking arm–in–arm with the curator, Ms. Whitman.”
A few photos of Gregory and Natalie were attached.
+25 BONUS
Gregory was holding Natalie’s arm on his own initiative. Even though they weren’t tightly linked, it still left plenty of room for imagination.
They were even spotted entering a hotel together at noon and leaving together afterward, completely unfazed.
In an instant, “The CEO of Sinclair Group Has a New Lover” climbed the trending charts.
People had been sighing over how Gregory had made such a high–profile move to win his wife back just last month.
Now they were speculating that he and his wife had already become a couple in name only and that the public announcement had just been a publicity stunt.
Anathea stared coldly at all the gossip, rumors,
and speculation flooding the comments section.
Then, without a word, she tapped the “not interested” button.
