The Unveiled Rose

Zane sat beside me.

I casually said, "I think there are two things we need to clarify right now."

Zane raised an eyebrow. "What are they?"

I slowly explained, "The first thing is that Willow's already gotten used to talking to the dolls when she wants to talk to her grandparents. I think it's time we get her walkie-talkies. And the second thing. When will the other doll be ready?" Zane wasn't sure, either. He stood up and said, "I'll call Eric."

...

Zane took the elevator up to the fourth floor. His eyes scanned the electronics before he dialed Eric's number.

Eric answered, "Yes, Mr. Huxham?"

Zane got straight to the point. "Is the doll ready?"

"If everything goes as planned, it should be delivered to the company on Monday," Eric calmly reported.

Since Zane had gotten an answer, he was about to hang up, but Eric spoke again, "We've also contacted Suzy as you instructed."

Zane understood that Eric mentioning it meant there was likely some significant news. "And?"

"She..." Eric hesitated for a long moment before saying, "Actually got fired."

Zane wasn't surprised. "The new executives at her company are clueless. They don't even know who has any real talent."

Eric fully agreed with Zane's assessment and added, "Several companies have already made offers to her. After comparing, she decided to join our company."

Without hesitation, Zane said, "Double her current salary."

"Understood." Eric knew Zane was generous when it came to salaries.

He hung up the phone and immediately reached out to HR to communicate Zane's wishes.

Zane went to a store selling walkie-talkies, carefully selected two pairs, and paid for them right away.

Instead of going back to Annalise, he drove directly to Milton's house to give them an update on Willow's progress.

Zane's voice was as cold as ever. "She's now able to communicate with the dolls in front of others. Annalise said it's time to replace the recorder pen in the doll with a walkie-talkie, so you'll be able to communicate directly with her." After saying that, he handed Milton two walkie-talkies and the latest recorder pen. Then, he showed him how to use the devices.

Milton's eyes welled up with tears. "This is amazing."

"Yes," Zane explained calmly. "After a while, once Willow gets used to communicating with you all through the walkie-talkie, we might bring you to our home to help her recover faster. You'll be able to speak with her directly." Zane's eyes locked with Milton's. "We hope you'll cooperate with us."

Milton quickly replied, "Don't worry. We'll definitely cooperate."

Willow had been ill for so long. But only recently, with Annalise's help, had Milton been able to hear Willow's voice.

He would finally be able to communicate with her through the walkie-talkie. Milton was already deeply satisfied.

But if there was a way to help Willow recover, of course, he would support it unconditionally.

Zane slowed his speech. "That's good to hear."

...

Willow was drenched in sweat from playing, and she was thirsty. She came over to me and asked, "Where's Daddy?"

I pulled out a water bottle from my bag, opened it, and handed it to her. "He's in the bathroom."

Willow didn't seem bothered. "Oh."

"Willow." I had been sitting there, thinking for a long time. "There's something very important I need to discuss with you."

She turned to look at me with curiosity. "What is it?"

"You really like Penelope, don't you?" I said slowly. "But her dad and stepmom aren't nice to her, and they don't want to take care of her. How about we bring her to our house during the weekdays so she can hang out with you?" Willow's eyes lit up like fireworks. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"

"Well, since you agreed, let me talk to your dad when he's back." After all, Zane was Willow's guardian. I had to get his approval. "We'll see if he agrees."