The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 335

"Enough." I cut her off before Jessica could say more.

Jessica pressed on. "From now on, I'm going to pursue Zane. Let's just wipe the slate clean for all the grudges between us."

Her words stunned me. Between us was the shadow of a child's life—something that couldn't simply be forgotten. The naivety of her statement amused me.

With a cold chuckle, I finally spoke. "I saw how you treated Zachary after you got what you wanted back then. If you really ended up with Zane, do you think Willow would have an easy life?"

Of course not. The way Jessica tormented Zachary would undoubtedly be the same way she would treat Willow. Willow had worked so hard to recover and Jessica's targeting her would surely undo all of that progress.

I crossed my arms and said coldly, "I will never allow you to be with Zane."

Jessica's expression soured. "You're not his mother. What right do you have to interfere with my business with him?"

Unbothered, I replied casually, "You must've heard how Zane introduced me at the banquet last time. Jessica, I'm his girlfriend."

She froze, clearly stunned. She must've thought I was just his companion for the night.

It took her a moment to recover. "When did you two start dating?"

"Just a few days ago," I replied offhandedly.

She stared at me intensely. "So what?" she said sharply. "Annalise, you're not charming at all. If I could take your husband, what makes you think I can't take a boyfriend?

"With just a little effort on my part," she smirked, "he'll be mine in no time."

I met her gaze, amused. "Then go ahead. Let's see who wins."

It didn't matter to me anyway—Zane wasn't truly my boyfriend. If Jessica somehow managed to seduce him, I wouldn't lose sleep over it.