The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 186

Sasha narrowed her eyes and studied Zane, her face filled with wariness. She had been planning to set aside the heavy conversation and just go out and relax with Annalise. But why was Zane stopping them? Zane raised a finger and lightly tapped on the desk in front of him, calmly considering how to respond.

Right now, Annalise and Sasha were on good terms, so Annalise would definitely prefer to go out for lunch with Sasha. Zane didn't really have a solid reason to stop them.

The best he could manage was to try to tag along with them.

After a moment, he seemed to come to a decision and smiled-though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You two don't even know where the good restaurants are. Besides, neither of you is exactly rolling in cash." He paused, then smoothly said, "So, let me treat you."

Sasha didn't even try to hide her dislike, but after thinking about it for a moment, she realized Zane had a point.

"Fine," she conceded reluctantly.

Zane gathered his things and led the way, walking confidently ahead.

As they stood in the elevator, Zane couldn't help but glance at Sasha. Honestly, the more he spent time with her, the more he felt she was starting to interfere with his time with Annalise.

Sasha noticed the look and gave Zane a glare, clearly annoyed.

...

followed behind Sasha and Zane and tapped

Zane just a few days ago? What had

frankly, I didn't want to

restaurant. Zane took the menu and quickly ordered a few of the

came to

became overly sweet, almost sickeningly so. "Do you like

said, "Anything's fine. You can order what you

a couple of dishes-and then turned

to start a conversation several

and Sasha. It was pretty clear now that Sasha was deliberately going against

the hits in stride. After a few failed attempts to engage, he finally just fell silent,

she didn't

time I had seen him make such a face. I couldn't help but find it amusing, and I had to bite

caught it anyway. "Are

tried to press my lips into a