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    Roseanne and Norris were seated outside a cozy café, separated from the world by arge ss window. Although their conversation was inaudible, the expressions on Madge''s face morphed from bewildered to solemn, and then to apologetic. It was clear their discussion was far from pleasant.


    Stoner was on his feet, ready to leave, when suddenly Madge looked up and said something that made him light up like a firework. He sat back down, and the two resumed their discussion with renewed vigor.


    This time, Madge was more animated, her earlier stiffness reced by a radiant glow.


    When it was time to leave, Stoner stood up, extended his hand, and said, "Ms. Woodward, here''s to a fruitful coboration."


    Without hesitation, Madge stood and shook his hand. “Thank you. Our conversation would have been smoother if you''d brought out the manuscript edits from the start."


    Stoner replied, "Words hold a sacred power. They can tell stories, convey emotions, celebrate beauty, but they should never be used to morally bind someone."


    Madge sighed softly, "You''re a good editor. I hope this time..."


    She was determined not to misjudge him.


    On the way home, Roseanne inquired about Madge''s impression of Stoner.


    "Grounded, sincere, heartfelt."


    "So, you guys struck a deal?"


    "Yes. I was almost out of hope, but his earnestness was too genuine to reject. I figured, it couldn''t possibly get worse than it already was, so why not give each other a chance?"


    Back home, as Roseanne was poring over the contract details, she gasped.


    "What''s wrong?" asked Madge.


    Norris leaned in, "Is there a catch?"


    Shaking her head, Roseanne exined that the contract was not only fair but slightly in favor of Madge.


    Most importantly-


    The contract was with Madge as a person, not just for her book.


    This meant Stoner had broken the industry norm of signing works instead of authors, indicating a significantmitment to Madge.


    After understanding the situation, Norris and Madge were relieved.


    Roseanne then showed Madge Stoner''s profile, from his basic information to his notable sesses in creating blockbuster IPs.


    "Is he that impressive?" Madge asked.


    "Top of the line," was all Roseanne said.


    The following day, Madge received a substantial royalty payment from Moonlight Publishing.


    Norris eximed, "Ten, hundred, thousand... two million?!"


    And this was just for the royalties from the physical publication of four books. If there were reprints or sales of other derivative rights, there would be more toe.


    Madge was taken aback by Stoner''s swift action, as if he were eager to seal their agreement.


    Roseanne was equally stunned, "Mom, you''re amazing!"


    Madge blushed, "I didn''t expect..."


    She hadn''t thought she was worth that much.


    Even though they had agreed on a million, the final sum was double that amount. Madge was pleasantly surprised, especially since Stoner had promised to negotiate the best deal for her but hadn''t specified the amount.


    Just then, Stoner called-


    "Ms. Woodward, did you receive the payment?"


    "Yes, but the amount... it''s different from what we agreed upon?"


    "The million was the agreed


    publishing royalty, which weN?velDrama.Org content.


    discussed yesterday. An additional half a million was what I managed to secure on your behalf from the publisher, and the remaining half is from the sale of the short-series adaptation rights for ''The Lantern."


    "A short-series adaptation? The book rights were sold even before publication?"


    "Yes. That''s the power of your influence."


    Madge had never considered that after years away, she would still possess such "influence."


    Although Stoner had mentioned it before, Madge thought it was merely polite talk, without grasping the full extent of her impact.