The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Sasha looked worried, as if she thought I might have a problem with it. I nodded in

response. "It's not an issue, but I do have one condition."

Sasha's eyes locked onto mine. "Go ahead."

I chose my words carefully, making sure they landed right. "This amusement park has to revolve around my brand."

It was clear Sasha hadn't been expecting that. As soon as the words left my mouth, she sighed in relief.

"Don't worry. I've already talked to my friend about it. She's on board with including your brand in the investment."

Sasha had covered all the bases.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. "Alright. When it's time to settle the finances, just give me a heads-up, and I'll wire the money straight over."

Sasha's expression brightened. "No problem. I'll check in with her again to finalize the details."

I hummed in response, watching as Sasha hurried down the stairs. I shook my head slightly and got ready to leave. Just then, Shane showed up, his expression troubled.

"How's everything going?" I asked.

Shane shifted, clearly uncomfortable. "Everyone around me is against the idea of me investing in you. They say there are too many similar projects out there, and most of them end up losing money. I'm worried—"

Since someone else was already taking care of the amusement park's development, I didn't need any extra partners.

"It's fine. You don't have to get involved with me," I said, my tone flat.

"Are you sure it won't be an issue?" he asked.

Confused, I asked, "Why would it be? Everyone has the right to make their own choices, including both you and me."

I patted Shane's shoulder and added, "Go handle your work."

Steven stood in the conference room, his gaze moving over the group gathered around the long table.

"What's the status?" he asked. No one answered, and all eyes were cast downward.

After a beat, Darren stepped

forward, his tone steady as he

briefed Steven. "Every company we were working with has pulled out. dug into it, and it seems someone contacted them, advising them to sever ties with us."

Steven leaned forward, his hands pressing down on the table. There can't be that many companies with the influence to pull this off, right?"

Darren hesitated, carefully considering his response. "Actually, there are more than you might expect."

Steven had built Pelham Group from the ground up. Though it had grown quickly

in recent years, its foundation remained undeniably fragile.

Steven straightened, a brief flicker of frustration crossing his face. "But the number of influential companies we've gone up against has tobe incredibly small."

Darren agreed. "That's right. I've already put together a list of them."

He handed the printed list to Steven. Steven took it, then waved the others out of

the room. "You all can leave for now."

After all, this wasn't their mess to clean up. It wouldn't make a difference even if he pressed them for answers. At Steven's command, the others quickly stood and filed out of the room. In no time, itwas just Steven and Darren.

"The problems with the first two companies are behind us. We've already begun smoothing things over with them. That just leaves Huxham Corporation," Steven said.noveldrama

He looked at Darren as if waiting for his thoughts.