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.

products, Carlisle realized that his competitors had made numerous improvements to their products while his products had remained the same. Carlisle

overly confident, and he never noticed the problem. In fact, he often thought that Zane

Carlisle was determined to improve his

this incident,

colors of

and get on his good side. But when his business began to decline, people scrambled to

the opportunity to attack him. There wasn't

should start building his own alliances. He didn't want to fall

then, somebody knocked on

Carlisle said, "Come in."

the room and asked, "Were you asking for

the eldest son of the Winslow family, Carlisle had

Shane, his appointed heir.

to grow quickly and become independent. Only then,

sternly, "Starting today, stop messing around. Come

Shane said, "No way. I'm not

As Carlisle watched Shane's