The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Jessica realized that asking for the money back would reveal her earlier words of care as lies, potentially damaging her relationship with Casper further. She was at a loss for how to respond. When Jessica didn't reply, Casper messaged again. "I can transfer the money back to you."

With Zane's backing, he didn't really need Jessica's money, but her willingness to give it made him feel that his years of devotion hadn't been in vain.

Touched by his gesture, Jessica hesitated.

Casper continued, "We were once married. You should know me well. There's no need to lie to me. If you're reluctant to part with the money, there's no obligation to give it to me."

The more he wrote, the more Jessica realized how much her response mattered to Casper. If she believed him and asked for the money back, he would likely cut ties with her completely. Despite her agony, Jessica replied, "No need."

Casper replied, "If you don't take it back now, you might not get another chance. You know I'm starting a business. Once I invest your money in the company, if the project fails, I won't be able to repay you even if I want to."

His words made Jessica regret her decision even more. She was torn, unsure of what to do. The sum wasn't small-it was nearly half of her assets. While she still had a considerable amount left, she needed it to invest in her work.

Logically, asking for the money back was the safest option. Jessica took a deep breath. That way, even if Casper's project succeeded, she'd still have her funds.

Jessica hesitated. If she took the money back and Casper became wealthy, she would have no claim to it and be forced to watch his success from the sidelines. After much deliberation, she decided to seek Zane's advice. "Do you know about the project Casper is working on?"

Since Zane had invested in Casper, he should be well-informed about the project. Given their recent conversations, Jessica felt comfortable enough to consult him.

Casper waited for Jessica's

response, assuming she was genuinely willing to give him the money. However, when his other phone chimed with a message he couldn't help but smile as he read it.

So Jessica was conflicted? She was worried his project might fail and decided to seek Zane's advice.

Casper knew that someone like

Jessica, who valued money so

highly, wouldn't part with it easily. Even if she had impulsively

transferred it, she'd likely try to get it

back.

en

Casper found it unsurprising, yet he couldn't shake his sense of disappointment. He had hoped he was different in her eyes.

Carefully choosing his words to

mimic Zane's tone, Casper replied, "What do you think? A sheltered, righ kid with no work experience suddenly takes on a new project. How high would you rate his chance of success?"

Jessica froze as she read the message. How had she not considered this before?noveldrama

Casper waited silently for Jessica's response. He also knew that, on his own, his chances of success were indeed quite low.