The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Otherwise, even the smallest hiccup could make us worry about how we'll secure our future if their company collapses," Sasha said.

"You're right," Shane replied. He was dreaming of running a major company and becoming the industry's top dog, with everyone flocking to him.

A smile crept onto his face. "Alright, I'm in! We'll go with your plan!"

"Leave the hotel and go home. Ask your dad how to run a company. Make sure to take detailed notes so you don't miss any important details. I'll ask my dad later, too.

"Don't worry; I'll write everything down. Then, we can compare notes and work through it. We'll go with whatever aligns, and for what's different, we'll pick the best parts from both."

"Sure!" Shane responded with excitement.

Moments earlier, he had been tangled in his emotions, regretting how Sasha's words had led him to develop feelings for Yvonne. But now, his thoughts were fully consumed by his career. Shane was convinced that women would naturally be drawn to him once he achieved success.

It was the same with Sasha. No one gave her a second glance now, but once her start-up took off, she'd have guys lining up to be with her.

It hit him all of a sudden-money was the answer to everything. If he had enough of it, there was nothing he couldn't fix. Shane left the hotel and caught a cab back home. Everyone was shocked when they saw him come back.

Scanning the group gathered in the living room, he furrowed his brow and asked, "Dad, why are they all here?"

Carlisle sighed. Ever since he announced his decision to select an heir from within the family, everyone had been scrambling for a chance to take over Winslow Group.

He'd even let them intern at the company, but their behavior had been far more entitled than Shane's. Fed up, he had sent them packing.

However, they weren't about to accept it. They showed up at his door late at night, demanding an explanation.

Carlisle's expression hardened. "Let's get one thing straight: I gave you all internships at my company, and you were paid for your time."

"We only took those jobs because we wanted to inherit the company."noveldrama

"A paycheck doesn't mean anything to us!"

"Right. It's like throwing a few coins at a beggar."

As voices clashed in the heated exchange, Shane quickly pieced it together. These people, who had clearly failed at Winslow Group, still wanted a shot at running it.

Shane had never been interested in taking over Winslow Group-his plans were to build something of his own. When he saw how pale Carlisle looked, he knew he couldn't just stand by and do nothing. He stepped in front of Carlisle. "What's going on here? My dad wants someone who'll take Winslow Group to the next level, not someone who wreck it as soon as they get their hands on it.

"If you can't make the cut, then leave. How dare you still have the audacity to be here?"

Shane looked around the room with disdain. "From now on, don't bother coming to me for help if you run into problems."

The group shared uneasy looks.

None of them were happy about it, but they knew that making a scène tonight would leave them with nothing and even destroy their relationship for good.

With murmurs of discontent, they eventually filed out of the house, leaving only Carlisle and Shane in the living room.

Carlisle managed a bitter smile. "I never thought they'd be so hard to deal with."

Shane didn't seem bothered by it. "Dad, think this through."