Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 48

I slung an arm around his neck, and asked playfully. “So, buddy–still think I can’t get what I want?”

Callum gave me a sidelong look. “You’re not fooling me. You waited until we found her before saying anything. So, from the moment you mentioned the new branch and collaboration, I was already caught in your trap.”

“What trap?” I grinned. “Such hurtful description will only damage our friendship.”

He elbowed me, hard enough to make me wince. “What friendship? Getting to know you has to be the unluckiest de- cision of my entire life.”

Then he said coolly. “But… what you said makes sense. So I’ll consider it and let you know.”

Instantly, I straightened and flashed him a dimpled grin and a finger heart. “Knew you were the best. Happy coopera- tion in advance.”

He rolled his eyes and turned toward the door.

“Hey, where are you going? You just got back.”

“To meet someone important,” he said without looking back.

Important…

I had a guess in mind and ran after him.

“That someone isn’t who I’m thinking, is it?”

In Callum’s case, silence was as good as confirmation.

“Wait for me!” I hurried after him the moment he slipped out the door, more than a little curious about the woman I’d unknowingly become a fan of.

LILITH

Freya brought me to the fifth floor of Raven Tower–FeatherInk’s domain.

The moment we stepped inside, I felt it: dozens of eyes on me. Their gazes were bright, and burned with curiosity.

My steps faltered.

“What are you all staring at? A rare animal at the zoo?” Freya also paused to bark at them, hands on her hips as she met their gazes.

She clearly carried weight here, because the second she spoke, all those glances vanished like someone had flipped a

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Chapter 48

switch.

In a flash, the sounds of flipping pages and keyboards clacking rang out through the floor.

“Sorry about that.” Freya turned back to me, a professional smile on her face.“They’re just… a little excited to meet you. Longing Bird is a bit of a legend around here.”

“It’s fine,” I nodded with a faint smile, before following her into her office.

A polished nameplate sat on the desk: Freya Baltimore, Deputy Head Editor.

“Water, juice, or coffee?” she asked once I’d sat down,

“Coffee,” I said without hesitation. I had a feeling I’d need the caffeine in my system to get through the conversation we were about to have.

After she poured and handed me a mug, she settled across from me with her own cup.

“Let me introduce myself again,” she said with a cordial smile, extending her hand. “Freya Baltimore, Deputy Head Editor of FeatherInk Comics–and your assigned editor.”

I shook her hand lightly. “Lilith Caldwell. Fresh college graduate. Webcomic artist, AKA Longing Bird.”

Afterward, I dug my ID from my bag and slid it across to her.

From yesterday’s email, I could tell she had doubts and reservations about my identity, and honestly, I couldn’t blame

her.

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In this age, identity theft was almost routine, and most companies wouldn’t lift a finger unless it affected their bottom line.

Freya’s caution only meant she considered me worth protecting. How could I resent that?

She studied the card with careful scrutiny, then finally smiled and handed it back. “Nice to meet you, Longing Bird.”

Her smile was now warmer, I noticed. Less formal, more familiar.

“Nice to meet you too,” I said, and meant it. “I never properly thanked you for all your help when I was starting out. You taught me so much back when I was still clueless.”

Freya laughed. “No need to thank me. I was just doing my job. And honestly? I wish you’d asked more questions-

I wish you’d asked more questions- you were far too introverted.”

The small talk eased the atmosphere. As my shoulders loosened from tension, I took a sip of coffee, savoring the warmth–only for her next words to freeze me mid–swallow.

“I am curious,” she said. “Why the sudden hiatus?”

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