The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

That was why Zane pointed out the project's issues and arranged for many people to help Casper. With Zane's support, there was a higher chance the project would succeed.

Jessica was unconvinced and couldn't bear the thought of her hard-earned money going to waste. "No way. Then why would you dare invest in him?"

Casper raised his eyebrow. It seemed that Jessica was smarter than he thought. She managed to detect something was amiss.

He replied, "Though the Gibson family has fallen, their connections remain."

Jessica understood. "You're trying to leverage Casper's network?"

Casper felt he'd said enough and didn't reply further. He took out his other phone and waited for Jessica's response.

Did Zane's silence mean Jessica guessed correctly?

She smirked with joy. Everyone said Zane was aloof; that was because they lacked charm and, more importantly, patience. They weren't willing to persistently engage him in conversation to reveal their good qualities.

Jessica felt an indescribable pride. She had hurt Annalise, and Zane had once despised her. Yet, after her repeated advances, Zane was now willing to pay attention to her.

Jessica was certain that Zane had taken a liking to her. She clutched her phone and pondered. A man like Zane would prefer an independent woman like herself over a parasite like Annalise.

With a confident tilt of her chin, she texted Casper. "Why don't you just return the money to me?"

Casper saw through her immediately. She must have believed his earlier words; he found it oddly amusing.

If his family connections had any real value, they wouldn't have gone bankrupt, and he wouldn't have needed Zane's investment. It was precisely because those

connections were worthless that henoveldrama

had struggled in poverty for so long.

Yet, Casper kept this to himself. He asked for Jessica's bank details and transferred all the money back. Once home, he messaged her. "Check if you've received it."

Jessica glanced at her balance and replied, "Yes. If you ever need anything, just ask. I'll help if I can."

Casper didn't mention that the

borrowed money had barely spent an hour in his account before being returned He knew if Jessica offered help with anything else, she'd likely regret it as well. It would be a waste of time to go through the motions only to give it back later.

A flicker of loneliness flashed in Casper's eyes. He had foolishly believed he held a special place in her heart. Now, it seemed he was no different from anyone else.

He replied, "Okay. I'm busy. I'll get to work now."

"All right," Jessica responded.

She almost told him that since the

told

project wouldn't make money anyway, he might as well find ways to relax. But she held back. Casper needed to find his path, to strive and struggle independently. She couldn't look after him forever.

Jessica waited, ensuring Casper wasn't coming to find her, before sprawling on the couch and gleefully eyeing the transfer notification. It felt wonderful to recover so many assets! Suddenly, a thought struck her. Jessica bolted upright. Something wasn't right.