The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 689

Steven replied without hesitation, "Does her name even matter?"

Zane replied with an unmistakable hint of amusement, "Consider this my way of repaying you for the tip-off. Her current name is Annalise."

Steven refused to believe it. "Impossible! Annalise is so gentle and honest. She could never have done those things."

Zane said calmly, "The fact that you'd say that just proves you never truly understood her. If you had spent even a little more time with her back when you were together, you would have realized her gentleness depends on whether she could protect herself."

Steven's mind went blank.

Zane continued, "As long as she isn't harmed, Annalise is kind, patient, and always speaks to others warmly. However, the moment someone tries to use her or threatens what truly matters to her, she will find a way to end it."

There was a hint of satisfaction in Zane's voice. "Doesn't all of this sound familiar to you? It sounds like your personal experience."

Steven didn't know how to respond.

Zane didn't seem to care. He simply went on, "Even after marrying you, she kept making excuses for your coldness and how you treated her. In the end, you cheated on her, and worse, you and your child hurt her."

For the first time, a trace of genuine emotion flickered in Zane's usually indifferent gaze.