The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 713

Otis turned and looked through the car window. A trace of disdain flickered in his gaze as he watched Zane and Annalise chat happily inside.

He wanted to see if the two of them could still laugh like that later.

…

A flood of posts suddenly appeared online. The general headline was, "Do you know about Zane's girlfriend's dark past?"

The mere mention of a "dark past" was enough to draw a crowd, with curious readers piling in to ask what had happened.

The netizens who started the topic quickly began fabricating rumors without restraint. They claimed that Annalise used to bully classmates in school, disrespect teachers, and more.

Sasha was hunched over her desk, focused on work. It wasn't until a friend sent her a message that she noticed the posts spreading across the internet.

She rolled her eyes. If Annalise had really done the things they were saying, wouldn't people have exposed it years ago, back when Steven became successful? Why would they wait until now?

These people weren't even trying to make their lies believable.

Sasha scoffed and went right back to work.

…

Once Otis left, Zane finally turned to me and asked, "Do you think he'll back off now that he knows we're married?"

"Definitely not." I had been dealing with Otis ever since Portia divorced him years ago. At this point, I knew him like the back of my hand.

"He'll keep stirring up trouble, but don't worry. I'm in control."

If anyone else had said that, Zane might have had his doubts.

"So…" I met Eric's gaze and continued, "There's no need to rush. As long as we've done nothing wrong, their attempts to bring us down will only end up strengthening us."

Eric had been visibly anxious, but after seeing my conviction, he suddenly felt reassured. "Understood. I'll proceed as you said."

"Good."

With that, he nodded and left.

I leaned back on the couch, closing my eyes to rest.

Just then, Zane broke the silence. "You really predicted all of this?"

I stretched lazily and replied, "Of course. And if I'm not mistaken, the so-called 'victim' they claim I bullied should be making her appearance soon. Keep an eye out when you have time. It should be quite the performance."