The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Besides, this job is pretty easy," I said.

Zane and I walked out of the office together. A newly opened restaurant was just around the corner, and we heard the chef there was quite skilled.

Zane decided to give it a try, so I accompanied him.

We had just sat down and placed our order when a middle-aged man suddenly slid into the seat across from me.

The moment I saw his face, I looked away in disgust.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stay calm before speaking. "Didn't we agree to meet tomorrow? What are you doing here today?"

Otis rested his arm on the chair. He didn't say he intended to tarnish Annalise's reputation in front of Zane.

He tossed a folder onto the table. "Take a look at this."

One glance was all I needed. I immediately recognized it as the same folder I had sent by courier earlier that morning. Unbothered, I asked, "And?"

Otis sat up straight and hissed, "I know you hate me, Annalise, but you already sent me to prison once! Whatever grudges we had should be settled by now, don't you think? So why are you still scheming against your father?"

I remained unfazed by his accusations. "And why do you think I'm doing that?"

Otis exhaled and replied, "I don't know, but I know that one should be merciful whenever possible."noveldrama

I chuckled. "Before saying all this, did you even check what's inside the folder?

Otis ignored me. Instead, he turned to Zane with a regretful expression. "I failed as a father in raising her. If she can treat her father this way, she won't be any better to her husband. I don't think she deserves you

Zane smirked slightly. "I don't see it that way."

"Aren't you afraid Annalise would report you when you get together?" Otis hadn't expected Zane to remain so calm after all he said.

Zane responded indifferently, "We are an honest and well-established company. We have no fear about being reported."

I finally understood Otis didn't care what I had done. What mattered was that he could use this as a way to slander me in front of Zane.

I reminded Otis, "Before you say anything about me, why don't you open the folder and see what's inside?"

"I don't need to look. I know exactly what a heartless, malicious person like you would've put in there," Otis hissed.

I couldn't help but laugh. "It's been so many years, and you're still dwelling on that petty stuff?"

Otis retorted, "My daughter betrayed me, so it's burned into my memory. If your son had betrayed you, I bet you'd be even angrier than I am."

He had a point, but unlike him, I had done nothing wrong. After being betrayed, I walked away without looking back.

And yet, despite being at fault, Otis acted as though he were the victim.

I calmly continued, "You're making it

seem like I'm to blame for everything. think you've forgotten that all I did was to tell the truth publicly. Your daughter bullied me, and didn't do anything else your competitors hated you, so they tried to destroy you.

"If I were you, I'd be angry at my competitor. I can't understand why you're so angry with me."

Then, I had an idea. "Are you picking

on me because I'm an easy targete

ver

and you can't take on your competitors? Because I have no

power or influence?" Contene