The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

When Carlisle heard Douglas' question, he asked in annoyance, "Why? Are you here to laugh at my misery?" "Of course not!"

Douglas was patient. Even though Carlisle was rude, Douglas chuckled and asked, "Well, didn't you invest a lot of money into our collaborative project? I know you said you don't want the money anymore, but I still think it's best to return it to you." Then, Douglas repeated what Zane had told Douglas in his own words. Douglas said, "It's not a lot of money, so it may not be much help, but this is the best I can do."

With a stern tone, Carlisle asked, "Did Mr. Huxham tell you to do this?"

Surprised, Douglas asked, "You could tell?"

"It's because I know you... If you see me suffer, you would only stand and laugh at my misery," Carlisle said awkwardly.

Douglas didn't refute either.

Carlisle continued, saying, "Tell Mr. Huxham I thank him for his help. Also, thank you."

Before Douglas could say anything, Carlisle hung up.

...

Carlisle gazed blankly at his ceiling as he sunk onto his couch.

After studying the differences between his company's and his competitors' products, Carlisle realized that his competitors had made numerous improvements to their products while his products had remained the same. Carlisle sneered.

He had been overly confident, and he never noticed the problem. In fact, he often thought that Zane had to rely on him to gain profits. Carlisle felt like a fool.

But this time, Carlisle was determined to improve his products and plan to operate the business well.

Because of this incident, Carlisle

saw the true colors of the people

around him. When his company was in its heyday, people would flock t him and get on his good side. But when his business began to decline, people scrambled to burn bridges in case he asked them to lend money.

Carlisle's enemies also took the opportunity to attack him. There wasn't anyone who genuinely intended to help him.

At this point, Carlisle thought he should start building his own alliances. He didn't want to fall into another helpless situation again.

Just then, somebody knocked on the door.

Carlisle said, "Come in."

Shane entered the room and asked, "Were you asking for me, Dad?"

As the eldest son of the Winslow family, Carlisle had high hopes for

Shane, his appointed heir.

of that, Carlisle needed Shane to grow quickly and become independent. Only then, Carliste could be relieved of his burdens.

Carlisle said sternly, "Starting today, stop messing around. Come back and work in the company."

Displeased, Shane said, "No way. I'm not interested in the business."

As Carlisle watched Shane's

carefree behavior, he suddenly felt

pathetic. The company was in

danger, and despite his old age, Carlisle had to work overtime every day. Meanwhile, the young man, Shane, focused only on having fun.

Carlisle said sternly, "Think about it, Shane. The company's situation isn't as good as you think it is. We may go bankrupt at any time. If you don't work for the company and bring in profits, we will stop providing for you." But Shane didn't take his father's threat seriously. Shane said, "Whatever, then."

Carlisle didn't know what to say about Shane. After a long silence, he said, "Look at Sasha. She's about your age, and she's a girl. She was so pampered, but she's working in the busiest department in Zane Huxham's company. "Now, look at yourself..."

In the past, Carlisle had been proud of his son. He thought that Shane was outstanding. But now, Carlisle was frustrated by Shane's nonchalant attitude.

"There's no use, Dad. Whatever you say won't get to me," said Shane.

After all, Shane believed that his father would never give up on his very own son.noveldrama