The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Casper shook his head. "We wouldn't be stuck in this situation if things were that simple."

Gary looked bewildered.

Casper continued, "Before Jessica and I divorced, she saw straight through your lies. She made it clear before Cody, saying she'd walk away from me if I went back to help you two with the company. But if I stayed with her, she'd stick by me no matter how tough things became."

Gary's face darkened, clearly unprepared for the truth to come out this way. Julia's expression was equally troubled.

Casper leaned his head back, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "In the end, I chose to return, worried about what might happen to the company. To sever ties completely, she started seeing Steven again."

The truth was that Jessica had held onto a sliver of hope for Casper. After all, they'd loved each other for so many years.

But as their relationship dragged on, she realized Casper would never change, and she finally gave up on her feelings for him. Now, the success of her comic had even given her the courage to walk away from Steven.

"Steven's own son, Zachary, cut him off. Now, all Steven cares about is building a happy life with Jessica. So you two should drop this plan of yours."

Gary sensed the situation wasn't working in their favor. "If there's barely a chance for you and Jessica to get back together, why not find someone new?"

Casper's tone was dripping with disdain. "Who? Ruby, the woman who destroyed my marriage? I'd sooner strangle her than date her. As for anyone else, forget it."

He added casually, "I'm still not over Jessica."

Just then, the food arrived.

Casper had no interest in continuing the conversation. Ever since Jessica had cut him off completely, he'd buried himself in work day after day a relentless effort to push her out of his thoughts.

But now that Gary had brought her up, Casper couldn't stop his mind from drifting back to her.

"Let's eat. No point dwelling on things that only bring us down," Casper said.

Gary was on the verge of pressing the issue further, but Julia stopped him with a light touch. Reluctantly, he dropped it and turned his attention to his meal.

Casper finished quickly and said, "I'll get going. Work tomorrow."noveldrama

"Alright," Gary replied. The table was left with just Gary and Julia now.

"Look at him," Gary muttered.

Julia sighed. "He's still completely stuck on Jessica and refuses to marry anyone else. But there's no way they're getting back together. What are we supposed to do about it?"

Gary, who had been hungry

moments ago, suddenly lost his appetite. I find a way to bring

Steven down once we get home net

Take away his money, and Jessica won't stay with him. Then, Casper can step in and win her back. The odds will be on his side."

Julia's eyes brightened instantly. "You're right!"

"She's making her own money now, but there's no guarantee that'll last. If things go south, the pressure will pile up, and she'll start looking for stability from a man again," Gary said.