The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 432

Zane's face softened when he saw me. "His son was the one who stormed up to me and picked on my staff, yet he seems to think it was no big deal. Maybe he's under the impression that he's better than others because of his prestigious family, but in reality, aren't we all

equal?"

He held my gaze, and I nodded as I answered without hesitation, "We are."

Admiration shone in Zane's eyes as he patted my arm. "But don't worry. I'll put him in his place and teach him some manners."

Just as I was wondering what he planned to do about Shane's misdemeanor, he called Eric and asked, "Part of our ongoing contract with the Winslows has been fulfilled, yes?"

Eric reported, "That's right, but their products have fallen behind in the market and have lost popularity. As things are, we're looking to put our collaboration on hold, but we don't have a legitimate excuse."

"We do now," Zane said evenly. "I distinctly remember you telling me there are other companies whose products are of far superior quality than the Winslows'. Is that still true?"

"Yes," Eric answered dutifully.

have to find the most suitable partner among those companies." Zane made the

the Winslows for years. They won't be happy to

to me.

agreed to the

Winslows, Zane pressed, "If I recall correctly, we have a

and listed the projects by name, only for Zane

his decisions seemed questionable at first,

reached for my hand. He led me

from his conversation with Eric. "You

his large palm caressed the back of my hand. "Shane is a lost cause if his tantrums are any indication. The Winslows' family business

called Carlisle earlier to

in

holds himself in such high regard that he couldn't care less about others." Zane explained solemnly, "If we continued working together with him, we'd be jeopardizing

figured we should cut ties before the real losses kicked in. At least then, we'd have time to look for new

by his cool analysis. "You're