The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

When Carlisle heard Douglas' question, he asked in annoyance, "Why? Are you here to laugh at my misery?" "Of course not!"

Douglas was patient. Even though Carlisle was rude, Douglas chuckled and asked, "Well, didn't you invest a lot of money into our collaborative project? I know you said you don't want the money anymore, but I still think it's best to return it to you." Then, Douglas repeated what Zane had told Douglas in his own words. Douglas said, "It's not a lot of money, so it may not be much help, but this is the best I can do."

With a stern tone, Carlisle asked, "Did Mr. Huxham tell you to do this?"

Surprised, Douglas asked, "You could tell?"

"It's because I know you... If you see me suffer, you would only stand and laugh at my misery," Carlisle said awkwardly.

Douglas didn't refute either.

Carlisle continued, saying, "Tell Mr. Huxham I thank him for his help. Also, thank you."

Before Douglas could say anything, Carlisle hung up.

...

Carlisle gazed blankly at his ceiling as he sunk onto his couch.

between his company's and his competitors' products, Carlisle realized that his competitors had made numerous improvements to their products while his products had remained the same. Carlisle

never noticed the problem. In fact, he often thought that Zane had to

his products and plan to

of this incident,

true colors of the

his good side. But when his business began to decline, people scrambled to burn bridges in case he asked them to

also took the opportunity to attack him. There wasn't anyone who genuinely intended to help

Carlisle thought he should start building his own alliances. He

then, somebody knocked

Carlisle said, "Come in."

entered the room and asked, "Were you asking for me,

of the Winslow family, Carlisle had high

Shane, his appointed heir.

that, Carlisle needed Shane to grow quickly and become independent. Only

sternly, "Starting today, stop messing around. Come back and work in the

said, "No way. I'm not

As Carlisle watched Shane's