The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric retrieved the project proposal from his office and returned with the paperwork, which he duly handed to Otis. "I've gone over the proposal."

Otis asked in surprise, "Shouldn't I be discussing this with Zane?"

Eric cocked a brow. "Why would Mr. Huxham personally discuss the details of a small-scale project like this with you?"

Otis countered, "Why wouldn't he?"

Taking his seat, Eric pointed out sardonically, "Can you imagine how busy Mr. Huxham will be if he must attend trivial project meetings such as this one every day? He wouldn't have enough time to sort out his work even if he had 48 hours in a day!

"He's a busy man, and if you aren't interested in continuing this discussion, we're happy to hand the project over to someone else. We're not exactly dependent on you."

Otis scowled. "I see..."

"Great," Eric replied curtly. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Otis sneaked a look at Yelena, who understood his silent instruction and took the seat beside Eric. "Could you give us an idea of what Mr. Huxham has been working on lately?"

"Divulging Mr. Huxham's work is out of my job scope," Eric answered flatly. "Kindly refrain from prying."

Yelena's face darkened, but she knew she could not afford to tick off someone like Eric, even if he was only a secretary. She took a deep breath and pressed, "Can I at least ask what kind of woman he fancies?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Eric had no idea why Yelena even bothered with such inane questions. "He's into women like Annalise."

Yelena shook her head. "No, that can't be right. Annalise is old and shares a child with another man. What's there to like about her? With Mr. Huxham's looks and money, I'd think he'd be into someone young and beautiful instead."

Eric shot her a withering look. "So why doesn't he marry someone young and beautiful, then?"

Besides, after getting to know Annalise, he thought she was a decent woman. She was a good comic artist whose work appealed to a wide audience. More importantly, she was great at making money and seizing opportunities.

Yelena sneered contemptuously, "Annalise must have ensnared him through unsavory means, that's why!"

Eric could no longer hide the disgust he felt for Yelena. If Zane were so easily seduced, he would have been in a romantic relationship long ago. He said acerbically, "As far as know, Annalise hasn't done anything of the sort. Think of theirnoveldrama

relationship however you want. It's not as if it affects me."

He then looked at Otis and changed the subject. "Mr. Jamison, shall we proceed with the negotiations? If not, I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave. I've got a long day ahead of me, you see."

At that moment, Otis understood that Eric was growing tired of them.

It was one thing for his plan to have Yelena seduce Zane to fail, but losing out on a business opportunity in the process would be a shame. As such, he snapped at Yelena, "Shut up. We can talk about this after the negotiations."

Yelena held her tongue, albeit reluctantly.

It was only then that Eric highlighted the issues with the project proposal. Otis nodded in agreement and promised to amend the terms, but Eric could tell the man was only humoring him.

He brushed off Otis' dismissive behavior and warned, "If the terms of the contract have not been tweaked by our next meeting, I will call off the collaboration."

"Aren't you worried Mr. Huxham may disagree with your way of doing things?" Otis asked sullenly.

"I can call the shots when it comes to minor projects like this one," Eric retorted coolly.

Otis fell speechless, but Yelena interjected, "You're speaking to Annalise's father, as in Mr. Huxham's father-in-law."

Eric was not intimidated at all. He eyed Otis coldly. "Yes, I'm well aware. also know you had an affair while Annalise was still a child and refused to provide child support. Not to mention, you picked on her a lot, too."