The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Sasha said without a second thought, "Never."

Madeline asked, "Hmm?"

"When I confessed to him, he repeatedly told me he wasn't interested," Sasha said boldly. "Later, when I became friends with Annalise, he let me work here because of her too."

"Is that so?" Madeline sounded a bit disappointed. "I thought I'd get to witness a dramatic love story!"

Sasha immediately looked around to make sure no one was listening, then said, "You can't ever mention this again. If Zane hears about it, he'll definitely fire me!" Madeline quickly covered her mouth. "I got it!"

...

After buying a drink, I twisted the cap off and handed it to Zane.

Zane gulped it down in several swigs. When the burning sensation in his mouth subsided, he realized something.

Madeline showed subtle signs of having a crush on him earlier, only to lower his guard. In reality, her goal all along was to set him up!

Zane took my hand and said, "Let's go back."

"Okay."

I continued to sketch in the office.

at his

of all, Madeline didn't have much contact with him. She had no grudge against him, so there was no reason for her to try to get back at him just for the sake of a

Zane immediately guessed who had

called Sasha, asking her to bring Madeline

heard Zane's words, her heart skipped a beat. She looked at

pure and innocent. She didn't realize danger was already looming.

serious. "Zane wants us to go

go," Madeline said

and whispered, "Did you forget?

realized the problem. "Is he planning to use this

mentally prepared. No matter what he says, we must not show any signs

Madeline became serious. "Understood!"

...

them walked nervously

but they finally

said slowly, "There's a new game project I want to assign to the two

handle this responsibility?"

all business, and there wasn't the slightest hint of anything

Sasha was stunned.

looked at

Zane asked, "Hmm?"