The Unveiled Rose

Zachary had been down ever since they talked to Annalise yesterday.

Hoping to cheer him up, Harry showed him the phone.

Zachary took one look and said without hesitation, "Buy it!"

Harry placed the order.

That seemed to lift Zachary's spirits a bit as he headed into kindergarten.

Why wouldn't they allow stuffed animals in kindergarten? If they did, he could buy one of Annalise's plush dolls to keep there. Then, she could be with him both at home and school!

...

In the conference room, Zane called Sasha. "Come see me. I need to discuss something work-related."

"Work?" Sasha panicked instantly. Had he noticed her gossiping in the office instead of working? Was she about to be fired?

Zane replied coolly, "Yes."

Her heart in her throat, what should have been a two-minute walk took her ten. She opened the door with an awkward smile. "Mr. Huxham..."

Zane got straight to the point. "Do women like vulnerable men?"

Sasha's eyebrow shot up in disbelief. Why was he asking her this? Was he trying to set her up with someone?

She waved her hands frantically and said, "Absolutely not! If you know someone like that, keep him far away from me!"

Seeing her strong reaction, Zane clarified, "I'm not interested in meddling in others' love lives."

"Then, what's this about?" Sasha was even more confused.

Zane decided to be direct since she still did not get it. "It's about me pursuing Anna."

Sasha nodded. "And?"

"Someone suggested showing my vulnerable side to her," Zane explained slowly. "I need to know how vulnerable I can be without turning her off and to make her attracted to me." Sasha raised an eyebrow, then nodded in understanding. "I see."

Zane finally relaxed.

Sasha asked, "But will you really trust my advice?"

After all, she had once pursued him. And now, he was close to Annalise. While Zane pondered this dilemma, Sasha suggested, "Why not call Eric in? He can fact-check my advice." Zane studied her for a long moment before agreeing.

Eric entered with a confused look. "Mr. Huxham, do you need something?"

Sasha quickly explained the situation.

Zane tapped the table lightly. "Now, your thoughts?"

"Well..." Sasha leaned against the wall. "Look at Jessica's approach."

Zane frowned immediately.

"She always acts helpless at the smallest injury around Steven." Though she despised Jessica, she had to admit the tactic worked. She said, "Steven falls for it every time, doesn't he?" Eric coughed discreetly. "Remember. Mr. Huxham is pursuing Annalise, not Steven."

"I'm just using an example!" Sasha snapped.

"When she and Anna are around Steven, Jessica always pretends to apologize even when she is clearly in the wrong. And Steven ends up blaming the innocent Anna for not being more understanding!"