The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 186

Sasha narrowed her eyes and studied Zane, her face filled with wariness. She had been planning to set aside the heavy conversation and just go out and relax with Annalise. But why was Zane stopping them? Zane raised a finger and lightly tapped on the desk in front of him, calmly considering how to respond.

Right now, Annalise and Sasha were on good terms, so Annalise would definitely prefer to go out for lunch with Sasha. Zane didn't really have a solid reason to stop them.

The best he could manage was to try to tag along with them.

After a moment, he seemed to come to a decision and smiled-though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You two don't even know where the good restaurants are. Besides, neither of you is exactly rolling in cash." He paused, then smoothly said, "So, let me treat you."

Sasha didn't even try to hide her dislike, but after thinking about it for a moment, she realized Zane had a point.

"Fine," she conceded reluctantly.

Zane gathered his things and led the way, walking confidently ahead.

As they stood in the elevator, Zane couldn't help but glance at Sasha. Honestly, the more he spent time with her, the more he felt she was starting to interfere with his time with Annalise.

Sasha noticed the look and gave Zane a glare, clearly annoyed.

...

I followed behind Sasha and Zane and tapped my chin as I watched their exchange thoughtfully.

Wasn't Sasha into Zane just a few days ago? What had changed? Now, it seemed like she could barely tolerate him.

I couldn't make sense of it, and frankly, I didn't want to dwell on it.

We sat down at the restaurant. Zane took the menu and quickly ordered a few of the house's signature dishes with familiar ease before handing it to me.

I wasn't picky when it came to food, so I let Sasha order first.

Sasha was sitting on the same side as me. She placed the menu in the center, her body nearly pressed against mine. Her voice became overly sweet, almost sickeningly so. "Do you like spicy food, or do you prefer something milder?" Was she really thinking about me? Was she worried I wouldn't be able to enjoy my favorite foods?

I smiled and said, "Anything's fine. You can order what you like."

"Alright." Since it was Zane's treat, Sasha didn't order too much just a couple of dishes-and then turned to chat with me, thanking the waiter as he left.

Zane tried to start a conversation several times. But each time, Sasha interrupted him.

I glanced between Zane and Sasha. It was pretty clear now that Sasha was deliberately going against him.

On the other hand, Zane kept taking the hits in stride. After a few failed attempts to engage, he finally just fell silent, staring coldly at Sasha.

Sasha acted like she didn't even notice.

Zane was a domineering and commanding man in the business world. This was the first time I had seen him make such a face. I couldn't help but replace it amusing, and I had to bite back a laugh.

But Zane caught it anyway. "Are you enjoying this?"

I quickly tried to press my lips into a straight line. "No."

The moment I said that, the irritation on Zane's face seemed to evaporate. His eyes softened, and there was a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "If I made you smile, then it's my honor." I was a bit taken aback.

Wasn't Zane always so distant and serious? I never expected him to make a joke!

Realizing I might have misunderstood, he quickly added, "After all, you're Willow's mom. If you're in a good mood, you'll be able to take better care of her."

So, was he afraid I would misunderstand?

I nodded. "Yeah."

Just then, the food arrived. As Sasha ate, her gaze remained fixed on me.

I met her gaze.