The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 302

Zane watched as Annalise walked away, silently reminding himself to stay patient.

He knew that winning Annalise over would be more challenging than he had anticipated, so he resolved to take things slowly. After all, she was destined to be his. The intense desire to possess Annalise surged within his dark eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

All of a sudden, his phone rang, and he answered casually, "Yes?"

Rowena hesitated, struggling to replace the right words.

"I'm busy," Zane said flatly.

Finally, Rowena said reluctantly, "I've been thinking things over these past few days. Zane, you're an adult with your own views, so I shouldn't interfere too much as a mother." Zane then arched a brow. "Did Tinsley talk you into this?"

Rowena sounded surprised. "How did you know?"

Zane replied matter-of-factly, "Though her workability isn't as exceptional, she's always been open-minded. In this family, she's probably the only one who could reason with you." Rowena chuckled awkwardly but didn't deny it.

Zane continued, "If you want me to forgive you, it's simple. Apologize to Annalise in front of me. As long as she forgives you, I'll let it go."

Immediately, Rowena's face hardened as she snapped, "No way!"

Then, Tinsley chimed in, "Mom, in that case, I might as well sell the company."

Rowena deflated instantly, sighing as she replied, "Fine, I'll do it."

Zane's response was as calm and detached as ever. "Good."

...

When I stepped out of my bedroom in the morning, I saw Willow tiptoeing cautiously down the stairs.

She turned around when she heard my footsteps. Upon seeing me, she straightened up and put on a serious expression. "Mommy, you're not feeling well. You should be resting!"

Then, I gently caressed her little face. "Ever since I started exercising, I've been feeling much better. I can even run with you in the mornings without any problems."

Willow still seemed unconvinced. "Really?"

I smiled at her and sincerely replied, "Of course!"

Yet, Willow remained worried. She looked at me and added, "If you feel unwell, remember to stop right away."

Then, she emphasized, "Don't push yourself!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll listen to you, Willow."

Having heard my response, Willow smiled in satisfaction.

Zane walked over to us and added his own reminder, "Your health is the most important."

I hadn't expected Zane to say something like that. "Don't worry, I'm not a child. I understand these things." Zane's expression softened with a smile. "Good."

After the run, I could feel the fatigue setting in. By the time I finished my workout, I was drenched in sweat.

I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower and changed into fresh clothes before I went downstairs to join Zane. Together, we drove Willow to kindergarten. Willow used to be inseparable from Penelope. Even if Penelope hadn't arrived at school yet, she would jump out of the car just to wait for her.

Now, it seemed that she preferred to stay close to me. It wasn't until she saw Penelope's figure that she reluctantly said goodbye to me and went off to replace her.

...

Willow held Penelope's hand, staring at Zachary in the distance. "He was hospitalized with gastroenteritis yesterday, but he's already back at school?" Penelope was equally shocked. "He's so dedicated."

Willow made a firm decision. "I'll work harder than him from now on!"

If Zachary became even more outstanding, people might say Annalise had poor judgment for passing on such a great son and ending up with a daughter so average. She didn't mind what people said about her, but she couldn't accept them speaking badly of Annalise.