?


    Over the years, the dream that her mystery novels would hit the shelves once more haunted her sleep.


    She''d discussed this ambition countless times with Nadine, who always seemed to have a different excuse for deferring it.


    Then, out of the blue, someone told her that her work could finally be published.


    Moreover―


    Stoner: "If you''re on board, we''ll immediately apply for an ISBN, get in touch with the printers and the media to kickstart the initial preparations. After that, it''syout design, printing, marketing, andunch. We''re looking at a timeline of about two months to get everything done."Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    "As for the royalty rates and profit-sharing, we''ve got a preliminary n in ce. Of course, after hearing it out, you''re wee to share your thoughts, and we can negotiate to findmon ground..."


    Stoner was evidently well-prepared.


    The royalty rates and profit-sharing proposals he offered were incredibly fair.


    Besides that, he even brought the contract with him.


    From initial shock and confusion to earnest attention, Madge gradually found her calm.


    "Mr. Stoner," she took a deep breath, "I''m sorry..."


    The moment Stoner heard her preamble, his heart skipped a beat.


    Madge said, "The terms you''re offering are more than generous. It''s really just my own issues... I think I need some time to cool off..."


    After spending a decade in a pit of despair, Madge was wary of everyone.


    Despite Stoner''s earnest proposal, Nadine had been just as sincere when she first came knocking, only to lead to disappointment. Now, once bitten, twice shy.


    A glint of disappointment flickered in


    Stoner''s eyes, but he respected Madge''s decision: "Ms. Madge, Ipletely understand your feelings. It''s natural to feel this way after what you''ve been through but I believe that a mystery writer with impable logic, like yourself, possesses a rity and rationality beyond that of the average person."


    "Here''s my card, it has all my contact information. Should you decide to proceed, I hope Moonlight Publishing will be your first call." "Thank you," Madge epted the card.


    "And," Stoner produced a USB drive and slid it across to her, "this contains the digital manuscripts of your four books, handed to me by Roseanne. I''ve had them proofread already. While we can''t proceed with publishing at the moment, thought it best to give you the revised versions. They might be useful in the future."


    "Proofread already?!" Madge gasped, taken aback.


    Stoner''s expression turned solemn: "I apologize for not asking for your permission first..."


    "Why? All this effort, even without my agreement, seems wasteful. Is it worth it?"


    Stoner: "Well, what if you had agreed? Skipping the proofreading step would have cut at least half a month from the preparation time for the new release."


    Madge: "Aren''t you afraid of losing your investment?"


    Stoner: "Investing is always a mix of wins and losses, much like the fortunes of war."


    Fortunes of war, huh? Madge was momentarily lost in thought.


    "Ms. Madge," Stoner stood up, offering a smile and a handshake, "I hope we get the chance to work together in the future."


    Madge looked at his extended hand, pondering.


    Stoner, though perplexed, didn''t press her.


    Just as he awkwardly thought to retract his hand, Madge suddenly spoke, "All four books at once?"


    Stoner was initially taken aback. Then, his eyes lit up with realization.


    "Given that you''ve been out of the mystery scene for a decade, but with hits like ''The Weapon'' and ''Deste School'' under your belt, the market appeal is still strong. Our thinking is, if we''re going to make noise, it has to be loud enough to capture the public''s attention..."