The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Otis was baffled. Wasn't Steven supposed to be gullible? Everyone said he was easy to fool and would believe anything as long as it was said convincingly

enough.

But no matter how Otis tried to explain, Steven kept insisting on evidence. He was nothing like the rumors!

Steven masked the disdain in his eyes. He might have fallen for Otis' words if he hadn't accidentally uncovered the truth about Annalise's childhood.

He said calmly, "Records don't just vanish, no matter how many years have passed. If you can't find them, give me your phone. I'll help you look."

Otis stiffened as Steven reached out his hand. He knew that he'd have no way to back out if he didn't come up with an excuse now. "Does it really matter?" he tried to brush it off.

Steven remained unfazed. "Of course. I respect you as an elder, but even elders should back their words with proof. You don't think I'm stupid, do you? Did you think I'll just believe everything you say without question?"

He stared at Otis, who leaned back slightly, instinctively retreating.

Steven scoffed and continued, "I knew exactly what you were trying to do from the start. You want to act like you've always been good to Annalise. Are you trying to make her seem ungrateful and blame her for holding a grudge against you?

"Do you really think a man like you could have raised a daughter as exceptional as Annalise?"

Otis narrowed his eyes and replied flatly, "I may not have treated her well, but you can't deny that I'm still her father. As long as I'm willing to say the word, she'll have no choice but to do as I say and marry you. Isn't that right?"

Steven had wanted to reconcile with Annalise. After hearing Otis' words, he felt exasperated.

"What era do you think we're living in? Do you really think you can control Annalise's marriage? Let's not even talk about how you've never fulfilled your duties as a father. Even if you had truly been good to Annalise, she still wouldn't follow your orders."

Steven had harsher words on the tip of his tongue but held them back in the end.

one

Otis, having seen his fair share of the world, remained composed despite Steven's open hostility. "This is your only chance to get back together with Annalise, isn't it? You should be well aware that she and Zane have a strong relationship now. There's no way you can break them apart through any other means."

Steven stared at Otis, suddenly at a loss for words.noveldrama

He never truly cherished Annalise during their years together; if he had, things would not have come to this.

A trace of bitterness surfaced in his expression.

Seeing Steven waver, Otis continued, "I can guarantee you a good outcome as long as you give me a chance."

Steven hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "How long do I have to wait?"

Then, as if to clarify his stance, he added, "Let me be upfront-I don't have much patience."

Otis remained unfazed. "One week.

In a week, Annalise will obediently leave Zane and come back to you. All you need to do is sit tight at your company and wait for my good

news."

en

Steven knew he should refuse Otis. However, he found himself unable to say so.

After a long silence, he finally forced out a single word, "Okay."