Chapter 460: Clara Whitmore Glanced Around the Room

"Where's Mom?" Clara Whitmore glanced around the room.

Daniel Whitmore kept his eyes glued to the TV screen. "She was just watching her show on the couch."

The study door burst open.

Helen Whitmore rushed out clutching her phone, cheeks flushed, eyes blazing with excitement.

"It's happening!"

Daniel looked baffled. "What's happening?"

Clara blinked. "Is the kitchen on fire?"

Helen took a deep breath, her fingers trembling slightly. "My new book!"

A month ago, Seven-Day Tales had flopped at launch.

Originally titled The Lantern, the publisher insisted on changing it, claiming the original name lacked appeal.

First-day sales totaled a dismal 72 copies nationwide.

The number kept Helen awake all night.

After years of silence in children's literature, her return to the thriller genre came with the publisher's highest advance—a seven-figure deal secured by editor Spencer Hale against all odds.

The market's rejection felt like a punch to the gut.

"Maybe I should retire," Helen muttered, staring blankly at her computer.

Daniel could only make her tea in silence.

For days, she couldn't even open her writing software.

Doubt crept in—had she lost touch with modern readers?

Today's publishing world demanded social media presence, viral marketing, and preexisting fanbases.

Helen didn't even have a social-media platform account.

Then Spencer called.

"Helen, guess today's sales?"

Her stomach dropped. "Single digits now?"

"No! Over ten thousand!" Spencer's voice cracked with excitement. "And climbing!"

A renowned critic had featured Seven-Day Tales in their column.

"True suspense doesn't rely on gimmicks or tired tropes—just raw storytelling power."

The review went viral.

Readers began recommending it organically.

"Mom, you did it!" Clara tackled her in a hug.

Daniel discreetly wiped his eyes.

As sales figures refreshed endlessly on her phone screen, Helen finally smiled—a real one, for the first time in weeks.