The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 260

The Huxham Corporation's area boasted lush greenery. The trees along the main roads were tall and leafy, their branches casting shadows that shielded the road from the blazing sunlight. The tranquil atmosphere was almost serene.

I turned to Zane, walking beside me. "Have you finished all your work?"

Zane, who never liked lying, replied honestly, "Not yet."

He hadn't forgotten Milton's and Dorothy's advice—to always appear slightly vulnerable around me to keep me concerned for him. Casually, he added, "I'm just feeling a bit tired."

I sighed somehow regretfully. "Too bad I can't help you much. But this account I've set up—once the merchandise starts selling, it might generate a lot of income for me."

I had thought long and hard before adding, "If your company ever runs into trouble and can't stay afloat, you're welcome to come to me. I'll take care of you and Willow."

Zane was confident his company would never face such a situation, but he hadn't expected me to think that far ahead. A fleeting, irresponsible thought crossed his mind—if the company really did go bankrupt, would it bring us closer?

With a soft laugh, Zane said, "Alright."

He stepped in front of me, pulling me into a hug. "I'm so lucky to have you."

I had grown accustomed to these embraces and responded lightly, "As you should be."

…

Meanwhile, Harry picked up Zachary, bringing along a doll he had ordered. When Zachary opened the package and saw the doll resembling Annalise, tears welled up in his eyes. They spilled over in large droplets as he clutched the doll tightly.

He didn't want Annalise to see him in such a pitiful state, so he quickly wiped his face and said softly, "I never thought I'd have a chance to be with you again, Mommy."

Though he tried not to cry, the tears wouldn't stop. Hugging the doll tightly, he poured his heart out. "Mommy, do you know how long it's been since you left me? I miss you so much!"

Harry and Hannah, who witnessed this, couldn't bear to watch. They turned away, both troubled by the scene.

How could Annalise be so heartless? How could she abandon her own son completely?