The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 339

"I can't, mom," Steven said, his voice laced with pain.

Seeing that Chloe couldn't offer any viable solutions, he added, "You should go. I need some time to think."

Chloe frowned and scolded him, "You're a grown man! How can you be so heartbroken over a woman?"

Steven grew more frustrated. "I love her. I don't even know when it started. But the day I realized it, I knew I couldn't live without her."

Chloe sighed. "If you put in enough effort, you'll forget her eventually."

Steven wasn't in the mood to hear more criticism. "I have to work, Mom."

It was an obvious attempt to dismiss her. Chloe, understanding her son's unwillingness to listen, grumbled, "Everything I'm saying is for your own good."

"That's fine. I just need to clear my head now," Steven replied firmly.

After dishing out a few more sharp remarks about his inability to move on, Chloe finally left, albeit reluctantly.

Alone in his office, Steven leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling.

For the first time, he realized something odd about his circle of friends. When he liked Annalise, no one ever encouraged him to pursue her. But when it came to Jessica, everyone seemed to subtly imply she was the one for him.

Still, this wasn't the time to dwell on such things.

While working, an idea suddenly struck him—a way to see Annalise more often.

Her comic was just starting to gain traction, and his company had a department focused on intellectual property development.

He could have his team purchase the rights to her comic and then arrange for her to work directly with him. That would give him a legitimate reason to meet with her regularly.

Her comic wasn't hugely popular yet, so it likely wasn't worth much. For a relatively small investment—less than what Jessica's jewelry cost—he could secure consistent opportunities to see Annalise under the guise of a collaboration.