The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane followed the person upstairs. Downstairs, the clinking of wine glasses blended with the lively chatter of guests dressed in tailored suits and elegant gowns. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, but two people stood out as if they didn't quite belong.

Otis kept his gaze locked on the entrance, asking, "Have you seen Zane?"

Even though boredom was setting in, Yelena kept herself on watch. "No, I haven't!"

If she didn't adore Zane-and if he weren't filthy rich-she wouldn't have bothered wasting her time at this party.

Otis shifted his attention to Yelena. "Maybe we should start our little act now?"

Annoyed, Yelena rolled her eyes. "Who am I putting on a show for if Zane isn't here yet? That would be a complete waste of effort."

Otis took in her response and realized he was being too impatient. He forced himself to stay calm, but his patience ran thin as the dinner party officially got underway, and Zane still hadn't appeared.

He made his way to the entrance and asked the greeter, "Excuse me, has Mr. Huxham arrived?"

"He's been here for a while," the greeter said, motioning toward the second floor. "He went upstairs an hour ago."

Otis thanked him and quickly returned to Yelena. "I asked around Zane is definitely here."

Yelena glanced around, confused. "Then, where is he?"

"He's obviously not going to hang around in the same hall as us. So, I say it's time

for you to get started," Otis answered without hesitation.

Yelena lifted her chin proudly. "Dad, just watch me."

Otis settled into his seat, ready to let Yelena take over. Though Yelena was fairly attractive, she blended into the crowd of stunning women at the party. She attempted to start conversations, but no one seemed eager to chat with her.

She bit her lip, realizing that the party might go on without anyone noticing her if she didn't make a move. After mulling it over, she took hold of the arm of a well-dressed

man who carried himself with a certain gentlemanly grace

"Yes?" he turned to her.

Yelena's expression stiffened slightly. "I don't know where the restroom is. Could you show me?"

"Of course," he replied politely. He led the way, maintaining a respectful distance.

Suddenly, an ear-piercing scream shattered the lively chatter, bringing the entire room to a standstill.

Everyone rushed toward the commotion, only to find Yelena on the floor, her face frozen in terror as she stared at the man before her.

Her voice quivered. "I told you to leave me alone! Who do you think you are, forcing yourself on me?"

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, fingers pointing at the man.

He quickly explained, "She needed the restroom, so I offered to show her the way..."

But then, Yelena began screaming out of nowhere. The man was baffled.

Hoping to prevent the situation from

escalating further, the event

organizer stepped forward and tried to console Yelena. "What happened?

Let's move to the lounge and talk this over."

Yelena shook her head. "How do I know you're not in cahoots with him, trying to

take advantage of me?"

The organizer wasn't sure what had

actually happened, but her

accusation made it seem like she

had been taken advantage of, which

was why she flinched at the

slightest thing like a frightened bird. noveldrama

"How about we call the police, then?" the organizer suggested.