The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 176

"Since I know where her problems lie, of course I'll let her know directly," I said, looking incredulously at Zane. "Compared to having her glued to my side all the time, I'd rather hope for her to do well in life. "Whether it's in terms of enjoying her career or just life in general, as long as she's happy, that's enough for me."

Zane raised a surprised eyebrow, asking doubtfully, "Really?"

I returned his question with one of my own, "What else are you expecting?"

He fell silent for a while before answering, "You're right."

Zane had to have lunch with his business partners today. He even asked if I wanted to tag along, but it wouldn't be convenient for them to discuss business matters with an outsider present, so I turned down his offer.

...

Zane felt that it was quite a shame that Annalise wouldn't be joining him, but he still headed for his appointment alone.

The meeting place was at a nearby restaurant that mainly served dishes light on the stomach.

Steven had evidently arrived some time ago.

warmth he displayed when he was

asked calmly, "Have you decided

the guest," Steven replied, handing him the menu. "Of course, you should be

he wanted to see was absent, Steven leaned back in his chair, asking, "Why didn't

him, replying,

possible?" Steven retorted without even a moment's thought. "She never cooked heavy dishes even when she was at home

liked to eat light dishes herself that she kept

yet another

cold eyes full of ridicule. "Seriously, who would've thought that after being married to Annalise for so many years, you still don't understand her

closed the menu

eat at different places all this while, but I noticed

dishes when she's with children, but when we're alone, she very much likes to eat really spicy

she's been married to you, she's been silently dedicating herself to you and your child, yet you've never even noticed her efforts." Steven's expression turned darker and darker, but he was unwilling to admit that he had indeed overlooked Annalise a lot. Therefore, he desperately wanted to prove that Zane wasn't any better

with your business partner, either. Doesn't that just show that your relationship isn't that good?"

"You certainly make it sound as if

continued, not at all angry. "As long as I'm willing to put in the effort,