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.

sat at his desk in deep

him, so there was no reason for her to try to get back at

Zane immediately guessed who had been instructing

called Sasha, asking her to bring Madeline

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

her big eyes, looking pure and innocent. She didn't realize danger was already looming. She

wants us to go see

go," Madeline

"Did you forget?

finally realized the problem. "Is he planning to use

her shoulder. "We need to be mentally prepared. No matter what he says, we must

Madeline became serious. "Understood!"

...

them walked nervously and

but

file aside and said slowly, "There's a new game project I want to assign

handle this responsibility?"

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

Sasha was stunned.

also looked at

Zane asked, "Hmm?"