The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 431

"Apparently, Zane had a first love back in junior high," the caller informed.

Steven's disappointment vanished as he asked incredulously, "Really?"

The caller feigned offense. "Don't believe me?"

"Well, it looks like Zane and I aren't so different after all," Steven mused triumphantly. He had been convinced that Zane was as perfect as Annalise had made him out to be. He instructed the person on the other line, "Find out more information on this."

"Got it."

Steven's spirits were visibly lifted after he hung up. He just had to be patient for a little while longer.

Once Zane's first love showed up, Zane's loyalty would sway, and he was bound to hurt Annalise the way Steven had. When that happened, Annalise would be Steven's for the taking.

It took superhuman effort on Steven's part to will himself to be patient and not rush things along. At the end of the day, nothing else mattered as long as he could get Annalise back.

He took a deep breath. When his gaze fell on Zane again, it was full of mockery. The man was still hung up on a mysterious first love he had back in junior high, yet he claimed to love Annalise. He was not so much a fine specimen as he was a smooth liar.

Not that Steven should tell Annalise about this now. He had to first gather enough evidence so that when he exposed Zane's true colors to her, she would be so disappointed that she'd give up on Zane entirely!

A vile thought crossed Steven's mind at that moment: if he couldn't have Annalise, no one else could. He would never admit this out loud, but ever since he lost Annalise, he felt like he was swallowing acid whenever he saw her living happily with Zane.

…

It wasn't until Zane had finished his work that he picked up his phone and called Shane's father, Carlisle Winslow.