The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 481

Jessica asked boldly, "But I'm better than Annalise! You wouldn't have to worry as much if you were with me."

Casper heard the chime of a new message and picked up the phone. He glanced at the text and replied at last, "I'm not into homewreckers."

He couldn't understand why Jessica never reciprocated his love even after he had fought for her.

Jessica's heart tightened at the cold, impassive reply from Zane. She couldn't help the crushing disappointment that overcame her but willed her expression to stay neutral.

She forced out a smile as she replied, "I'm not a homewrecker; I'm just a woman who dares to fight for love."

Casper didn't know how to respond to such a declaration, so he ignored her.

When Jessica did not get a reply, she pressed frantically, "Are you that in love with Annalise? I don't know what you see in her."

There was still no response from Zane. Jessica typed out a lengthy text, her thumbs flying over her phone keyboard. But in the end, she deleted the long paragraph and told herself not to get riled up.

Zane was different from other men. He was intelligent enough to judge the situation for himself. He certainly wasn't gullible enough to take her word for it.

Once they were on more familiar terms, he would be attracted to her and eventually

...

to be a business meeting, so

The latter was surprisingly focused, his countenance serious as they worked out the terms of the agreement. When their

was about to rise to

off when the

the adjacent

"Annalise, did I

into marketing Jessica's

arrogance on his face. I would have sputtered, but I

found out

not pregnant with his child

recording. wanted him to know that Steven had willingly invested

would have a meltdown then, and

amusement in check, I drawled nonchalantly, "What about it?" Noting my disinterest, Steven pressed, "Is Zane

I realized how much he had invested in me. He had bought several manufacturing

my