The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 239

After breakfast, I dropped Willow off at school. A sense of relief washed over me as I watched her happily run toward Penelope.

Zane and I returned to the office. As soon as I sat down, I received a call from Rowena.

"Come downstairs," she said.

I was confused. "Huh?"

Rowena sounded impatient as she said, "I need to talk to you."

Since she was Willow's grandmother and Zane's mother, I figured she might want to discuss something related to either of them, so I didn't refuse. "Okay."

We met at a local tea house not far from Huxham Corporation. Rowena ordered a pot of Earl Grey tea, poured herself a cup, and politely poured me one when she saw me approach. She got straight to the point. "Do you know why my son still isn't married?"

I shook my head.

Rowena seemed pleased with my response. "When he was in school, there was a girl he secretly liked..."

I couldn't help but wonder why she was suddenly bringing up Zane's past love life, especially since she had always disliked me so much.

Seeing that I was listening attentively, Rowena continued with more enthusiasm, "Unfortunately, they didn't end up together. Even now, Zane still thinks about her."

Finally, I understood that Rowena was implying Zane had stayed single because of his first love.

I asked, "If they were so happy together, why didn't they end up dating?"

I took a sip of my tea, then looked back at Rowena.

She seemed puzzled. "Aren't you upset?"

I curiously asked, "Why should I be upset? Should I sympathize with Zane's past just because I work for him?"

Rowena frowned. "Don't you like Zane?"

I was caught off guard by the question. "He's a good guy, but that doesn't mean everyone has to love him, right?"

As I said this, I suddenly realized what Rowena might be trying to do-she probably thought I liked Zane and was warning me to give up on him.

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

Rowena fell silent.

...

After sending Zachary off to school, Chloe made a special trip to Jessica's house.

When Jessica saw Chloe, she excitedly went over to greet her and affectionately said, "Mom, what are you doing here?"

She knew how important Chloe was to Steven, so she made sure to treat her well.

Chloe didn't get straight to the point. Instead, she subtly hinted, "Zachary was really close to you at first, so why has he been refusing to come home ever since you joined the Pelham family?" Despite her mistreatment of Zachary, Jessica shook her head and feigned innocence. "I don't know. The school is far from here, and I haven't been back much lately. Could it be that Zachary and Steven had a falling out?" Chloe grew irritated and snapped, "Since I'm seeking you out myself, it means I already know everything! Yet, you're still trying to fool me!"

Jessica fell silent.

Chloe firmly said, "Let me warn you, Jessica. No matter how you've treated Zachary in the past, if you ever try to bully him again..." She lowered her voice and threatened, "I have plenty of ways to deal with you." Jessica's face darkened.

Chloe then left, feeling satisfied now that she had delivered her warning.

...

Back at the office, Zane stopped what he was doing and walked over to me. "What did she say to you?" he asked.

"She said you're still single because you're waiting for your 'first love," I answered, then asked curiously, "By the way, what is she like?"