The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 332

I spoke slowly, my tone calm. "When it comes to material aspects, Zane clearly treats me better. On top of that, he respects me more. No first love lurking in the background, and no entanglements in messy emotions."

Steven quickly retorted, "What if he's just like me? What if he has a first love who hasn't come back to town yet?"

That, I thought, had little to do with me. But I couldn't say that outright. As I mulled over how to respond, Steven pressed further.

"Can you guarantee that if his supposed true love comes back, he won't be worse than me? Here comes the issue…"

Zane sat down beside me. "Mr. Pelham, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you something too. Who exactly is this supposed true love of mine?"

Zane felt a wave of relief wash over him. It was a good thing he had followed along; otherwise, if Steven's nonsense had been allowed to continue unchecked, his path to win Annalise over would undoubtedly become even more challenging.

Steven froze at Zane's pointed question.

Zane's tone was icy as he spoke. "I understand the pain of losing someone you love, but that doesn't give you the right to spread baseless rumors."

Steven's expression hardened. "Can you sweat that, from childhood until now, Annalise is the only woman you've ever had feelings for?"

Zane responded calmly. "Absolutely."

Steven scoffed. "That's impossible."

Zane’s expression didn’t waver, but his lips curled into a faint smirk. "Oh?"

Steven pressed on, almost triumphant. "Everyone has moments of infatuation when they're young. You must have, too. You've been surrounded by outstanding people your whole life, there's no way you haven't felt attracted to at least one or two of them."

His certainty was almost as if he had uncovered undeniable proof of Zane's dishonesty.

Zane, however, leaned back against the couch, unfazed. "I was focused on studying during school.

"In university, I was busy building my career. I didn't have time for such distractions. Unlike you, it seems. You've always had plenty of time to dwell on love."

Steven's face froze as he struggled to find a retort.