Chapter 487: Elias Mercer's Adam's Apple Bobbed Slightly

"No need, I..." Elias Mercer's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "There's someone I like."

"What?!" Daniel Whitmore 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.

Elias instantly regretted speaking.

The group parted ways outside.

Elias turned left, fishing out his keys. The Whitmores went right—Helen 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 Helen's eyes as she laughed.

Clara 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, Helen had just settled in when her phone buzzed.

A message from editor Spencer Hale.

Helen, 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

Helen launched herself at Daniel like a flying fish.

Daniel grunted from the impact.

Another ding sounded.

Bank notification: $326,800 deposited.

Helen counted the zeros three times.

Already?

Another three hundred grand?

Plus future licensing fees...

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

She said "we."

Daniel's eyes suddenly stung.

"I'm sorry, Helen..."

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

Daniel 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 Shaw sneezed twice in succession.

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

Daniel nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Absolutely!"