The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

So, Zane kept the money.

Sasha paused briefly before saying, "The venue's still at the hotel, but there's a small auditorium inside. It fits a few thousand people, so I just went ahead and rented the whole place."

"A few thousand people?" Zane was caught off guard. "You're kidding, right?"

Sasha lowered her voice. "I only shared it in our group chat. I didn't expect everyone to spread it to their friends. Then people just started sending me money, and, well... I couldn't exactly say no, could I?"

It wasn't technically her money, but taking it still made her happy.

Zane stayed quiet.

Sasha knew she'd been a little sneaky about it, but since people had already paid, she owed them the best experience she could offer.

Mustering her courage, she explained, "Here's the plan. First, you'll go on stage and share the key lessons you've learned from running your own business. Then, if anyone has questions, you'll answer them. After that, we'll wrap things up and go home."

"Alright," Zane responded coolly.

He didn't object, and Sasha exhaled in relief. Then, she steered the conversation elsewhere. "I talked to Anna a few days ago, and we thought it'd be a good idea to set up a PR department."

"Then go for it," Zane said, sounding detached.

Sasha looked even more troubled. "Shawn and I can't agree on whether we should set up a PR department. So I wanted to get your opinion-should we go for it, or is it better to skip it?"

Zane gave his take. "I think you should split it off. Start your own PR company instead of doing it with him."

Sasha was taken aback. "Huh?"

That idea hadn't even crossed her mind.

"If you don't have enough funds, you could

bring in other investors. You don't

You rather to invest on

have to work with him on everything, know," Zane said.

It was only then that Sasha had a realization. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Since she and Shawn had started the business together, she had just assumed the PR department had to be part of it. She hadn't even considered that it could be independent. en

Thrilled, she said, "Alright! I'll set up a PR company in the next few days!"

Shawn looked like he had something to say, but after a brief pause, he reminded himself that he and Sasha were just business partners. He had no right to stop her if she didn't need his money or connections, so he let it go.

With that settled, the room grew quiet until a sudden rumble broke the silence. Everyone glanced around, trying to figure out where it had come from.

Sasha scratched her head sheepishly. "I rushed over this morning and didn't have time for breakfast."

Her eyes lingered on the spread across the dining table, and she asked with a hint of awkwardness, "Do you mind if I eat here?"

She took a deep breath, savoring the aroma. "It doesn't just look amazing. It smells incredible, too! I've been dying to try it."noveldrama

Looking less than pleased, Zane got up and went to the kitchen. Moments later,

he returned with plates and cutlery, handing them to Sasha and Shawn.

"Thanks," Shawn said politely.

Sasha, on the other hand, wasted no time. "Alright, let's dig in!"