The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Steven was amused. "Why are you apologizing all of a sudden?"

Jessica's voice was barely audible. "You're involved in this because of me."

Steven's expression turned serious. "What do you mean?"

"I think it's Casper's parents, Julia and Gary, who are coming after you. Remember when I told you they found out the woman they thought was their daughter-in-law had been lying to them?

"The kid she said was Casper's wasn't his. Cody's their only real grandson. That's

why they felt guilty about how they treated me back then."

Jessica's voice lowered even further. "Not long ago, they came to me to apologize. They asked me to forgive them and fix things with Casper. I turned them down.

"Then, they threatened me. They said if all I cared about was money, ruining you and leaving you with nothing would be the way to make me walk away."

Steven's expression grew more somber by the moment. The Gibsons' company still wielded considerable influence in the industry. Despite the setbacks they'd encountered over the past two years, there was no question that the Gibsons had a strong foundation.

As long as the company remained afloat, there would always be people eager to work with them. Bringing Steven down would be no trouble for a company like that.noveldrama

While Jessica spoke, she lifted her head with determination, locking eyes with Steven. "Maybe we should end things. If they find out we're no longer together, they'll probably back off."

"Not happening. I'll find a way to handle the company. Don't let this get to you. And as for ending things... that idea never even crossed my mind the moment I chose to commit to you and build a future together."

With that, Steven gave Jessica's shoulder a reassuring pat. "I'm confident I can handle this. I'm getting to work now."

Jessica made a soft sound of acknowledgment. She watched Steven until he was out of sight, then pulled out her phone to check her bank account.

Recently, the animated series based on her comic had premiered. The sales of her merchandise and other products were also thriving.

With the money she was making, along with the funds Steven had given her and the savings from the house she sold, Jessica realized that even if Steven went bankrup@right away, she'd be fine.

As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she felt a sense of relief. Just then, her phone rang. She checked the caller ID and answered the call without giving it much thought.

Gary's voice came through the line, full of smug satisfaction. "I'm sure you've heard about the mess the Pelham Group is in because of you, right?"

"Do you really need to go this far?" Jessica replied, her tone sharp from her irritation.

She had belieÿed that after their last conversation, Gary and Julia would have given up on the idea of bringing her back into the Gibson family. It hadn't even crossed her mind that they were still clinging to their misguided hopes.

Gary let out a laugh. "Of course. You've stayed in our home before, so you know exactly what kind of person I am. To be honest, when I decide on something, I make it happen."

Jessica's frustration was starting to boil over. "You're really that certain Steven can't handle this situation?"

"He might pull it off. But one thing's certain-Pelham Group is going to take a major hit, no matter what," Gary said, unfazed.

Jessica was momentarily at a loss for words.

Gary continued, his tone unwavering, "I know you're the type who values loyalty and emotional ties. Even if he crashes, you'd likely stick by him. But what if the financial gap s massive?

"What if it means putting every penny you've worked so hard to save on the line?

Would you still be willing to do that?"