The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You're afraid that if I stick around, I'll compete with you for Anna!" Sasha had already pieced together his intentions. "That's why you keep praising the idea of starting a business. You're hoping I'll quit on a whim so I'm not here to talk to Anna all the time!"

If Sasha were to quit, Annalise would be spending every day in the office with Zane!

Resolute in avoiding that, Sasha decided she'd stick around with Annalise at work until retirement. She snickered inwardly. There was no way she'd let Zane win.noveldrama

Shane gave Sasha's arm a light pat. "Mr. Huxham is incredibly busy. He doesn't have the time for what you're accusing him of."

Sasha shot back irritably, "You haven't spent enough time around him. Of course, you wouldn't know what he's really like."

Zane didn't even try to mask his disappointment. "Guess that plan didn't work."

"Your punishment is to help us understand what to look out for when setting up the company," Sasha declared.

She handed Zane their planning materials.

After a quick skim, he remarked, "Anna's earlier suggestions were all correct, but there are still some

gaps. She's never started a business or run a company, so it's natural she'd miss a few things."

Handing Sasha a pen, Zane swiftly identified the company policies that needed revision, marking them as

he went. Shane, impressed by the sharpness of Zane's advice, paid close attention.

When Zane finished, he asked if they both had followed the issues he'd mentioned.

They nodded confidently, but Zane wasn't buying it. He threw a few follow-up questions their way. Shane froze, clearly at a loss.

With a shake of his head, Zane sighed. "You didn't get it, did you?"

"I think I do!" Sasha jumped in and rattled off her understanding of his points.

Zane raised a brow and fired more questions at her. To his surprise, she nailed every single one. His expression shifted slightly as he studied her.

Satisfied, he finally said, "Alright, then-if something comes up in the future, have him come to you." Sasha grinned smugly. "See? I knew it-I'm a genius."

After staying little longer at the Huxham residence, Sasha and Shane had to leave to sort out the paperwork. They said their

goodbyes, hopped into the conet

and

headed off to handle the company registration.

During the ride, Shane kept glancing at Sasha.

Puzzled, she fixed her gaze on him, asking, "What is it?"

"Did you actually understand everything Zane explained?" Shane asked.

"Of course," Sasha replied confidently. "Why wouldn't I?"

Shane blinked in disbelief. "Why does none of it make any sense to me?"

"That just proves you've never really listened when your parents talk about their work," Sasha said with a casual shrug. "Many of my friends talk about starting businesses, too, sharing tips and insights. I wasn't planning to start one back then, but I found their ideas impressive, so I paid attention."

Shane stared out the window. "Guess I should start talking to my dad more."

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Sasha hummed, pulling out her phone. "He won't lead you astray Some of it might be a little outdated, but just keep what's useful and leave the rest behind."

Shane nodded. "Got it."

When he fell silent, Sasha sent a message in the group chat. "Zane shared some great tips earlier. Anyone want me to pass them along?"