The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 747

However, Zane didn't show up at all. Yelena just couldn't understand why.

…

After dinner, I took Willow with me to pick up Zane. We had barely reached the hotel entrance when he walked out. His usual gentle gaze landed on Willow and me as he asked, "Wasn't it a hassle to come all this way just for me?"

Willow instantly dove into his arms. "Not at all, Daddy! I'm happy as long as I get to see you."

Zane held her close with a fond smile. "Is that so?"

Willow nodded eagerly. After I got into the car, Zane handed Willow over to me. We had barely settled in when Yelena caught up, her eyes red from crying.

"Zane, do you have any idea what just happened to me?" she demanded.

Zane's gaze rested on her. "What?"

Clutching the hem of her clothes, Yelena said, "I was nearly taken advantage of at the party, and you just stood there and did nothing?"

Zane was puzzled, unsure of what she expected him to do.

"It's already being handled," he said. "They'll make sure justice is done if your claims are true. But you're unwilling to cooperate and are dissatisfied no matter what they propose. So, what do you actually want?"

Zane wasn't clueless. It took Yelena a moment to gather her thoughts. "I just wanted you to step in and handle it for me."

Zane remained composed. "I'm not the police. And besides, I don't like unnecessary drama at dinner parties. That's why, whenever I'm invited, the hosts make sure nothing like that happens."

I chimed in, "I wouldn't mind Zane helping you if you were truly a victim who'd been taken advantage of. But that's not the case, so why should we spare you any mercy?"

"Save your excuses!" Yelena hissed through gritted teeth. "You're just afraid Zane will fall for me! Face it—you're past your prime, divorced, and have a kid.

"You've lost your appeal! But I'm young and beautiful. As long as Zane spends time with me, it won't be long before he chooses me over you!" She practically shrieked the words.

I only found her pathetic. "Believe whatever you want. It makes no difference to me."

Zane figured he should set the record straight. Otherwise, Yelena would keep pestering him and wasting his time.

"If I was the kind of guy who only went for young, pretty women, do you really think you'd be the first in line?" he asked.