The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric retrieved the project proposal from his office and returned with the paperwork, which he duly handed to Otis. "I've gone over the proposal."

Otis asked in surprise, "Shouldn't I be discussing this with Zane?"

Eric cocked a brow. "Why would Mr. Huxham personally discuss the details of a small-scale project like this with you?"

Otis countered, "Why wouldn't he?"

Taking his seat, Eric pointed out sardonically, "Can you imagine how busy Mr. Huxham will be if he must attend trivial project meetings such as this one every day? He wouldn't have enough time to sort out his work even if he had 48 hours in a day!

"He's a busy man, and if you aren't interested in continuing this discussion, we're happy to hand the project over to someone else. We're not exactly dependent on you."

Otis scowled. "I see..."

"Great," Eric replied curtly. "Let's begin, shall we?"

understood his silent instruction and took the seat beside Eric. "Could

job scope," Eric answered flatly. "Kindly

Eric, even if he was only a secretary. She took a deep breath and pressed, "Can I

even

and shares a child with another man. What's there to like about her? With

"So why doesn't he marry

to know Annalise, he thought she was a decent woman. She was a good comic artist whose

ensnared him through unsavory means,

disgust he felt for Yelena. If Zane were so easily seduced, he would have been in a romantic relationship long ago. He said

want. It's not as if

with the negotiations? If not, I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave.

that moment, Otis understood that Eric was

in the process would be