The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 539

Jessica's behavior only solidified the truth for Casper—Jessica was after his money.

His reply was curt. "Fruitful."

Casper was busy every day. He was focused on work, leaving little room for distractions like Jessica. Oddly, he found this busyness comforting.

"Do you have enough money? Do you need any help?"

"I do," Casper responded. He had no interest in talking to Jessica but forced himself to remain civil for Zane's sake. "Thanks, but I'm fine."

Jessica felt a twinge of indignation. Casper, who once clamored for her attention, now seemed indifferent.

"You're so cold these days. You say you've forgiven me, but deep down, you're still upset with me, right? I meant it when I apologized, you know. I truly want to make things right between us."

She hit send and stared at the screen, waiting. Casper read her message and hesitated. What could he say? He wasn't angry, but he wasn't interested in pretending everything was fine either.

After a moment, he settled on a safe excuse. "I know, but I'm really busy right now."

Jessica probed further. "When you're free, can we sit down and talk?"

"Sure."

With that, Casper tossed his phone aside. He'd planned to use the evening to unwind. After all, the last few days of racing against deadlines had left him utterly drained. But the moment he rested, Jessica's face crept into his mind unbidden.

Casper refused to dwell on her any longer. Hence, he buried himself back into work.

Meanwhile, Jessica, sensing that she had hurt Casper deeply, decided to send a long message to apologize. "I know you probably won't believe anything I say. But no matter what, I need you to know—of all the men I've ever been with, you're the only one I've truly loved."

No matter how unreasonable Jessica was or how upset he became, Casper had always endured it. Even his tone with her had been soft and careful.

As Jessica recalled the way he used to treat her, a sigh escaped her lips. Clearly, this time she'd have to put in the effort to win him over again.

Jessica turned her attention to Zane. She stared at their chat window for a long moment before typing a message.

"Busy with work?" Casper sat motionless, staring at his phone screen.

He had been second-guessing himself, wondering if he was being too harsh on Jessica. After all, she was pregnant. Emotional outbursts were normal, weren't they?

As a man, he should be more understanding. However, the moment her message appeared, all those thoughts evaporated.