The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"How are you feeling right now?" Sasha asked. "Yvonne doesn't love you anymore, but you're still stuck on her?"

Shane's reply was deliberate, each word carefully enunciated. "That's ridiculous. I don't feel anything for her anymore. I never cared that much in the first place, so of course, I walked away before it got too far. Still, I've got to admit, your tactics were pretty low."

Sasha didn't bother to deny it. After all, Shane hadn't exactly been kind to her in the past, either.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Shane changed the subject. "So, why are you calling me so early?"

"I'm checking out potential office locations," Sasha explained. "After that, I'm going to compare rents in the city center with those in the suburbs. We'll see what fits the budget and sign a lease accordingly."

She wouldn't go looking for him unless it was something important.

Shane agreed with her plan without hesitation. "Fair enough."noveldrama

"Do you have a car?" Sasha asked.

To her, a day this significant called for using a private vehicle. She didn't trust rental cars-there was always the risk that someone might overhear their conversation about the plans.

"Maybe," Shane replied. "I'll check with my dad in a bit and see if he'll let me use one of ours. If not, we'll have to take your car."

Sasha considered it before saying, "I'll talk to my family and arrange to borrow a car. You stay home and wait. I'll come pick you up."

Shane appreciated the opportunity to get a bit more rest and quickly agreed, "Alright, that works."

After hanging up, Sasha headed downstairs and told Douglas she needed a car.

Douglas promptly made arrangements, assigning a dependable family driver to accompany her. Together, they went to pick up Shane.

As soon as Shane got in, he turned to Sasha and asked, "Have you decided on a location yet?"

"Not really Sasha said, letting out a deep breath. "Ideally, I'd like something in the city. That way, could stop by the office after

wrapping up my day. But honestly, it doesn't seem realistic."

"What makes you say that?" Shane asked, his eyes fixed on her.

"I've looked into rental prices. It's ridiculously expensive for the space we need," Sasha explained, holding his gaze.

Shane fell silent.

The driver took them to a real estate agency in the city center. There, Shane and Sasha explained that they were starting a company and needed a large office space.

However, every property the agent showed them came with exorbitant rent-tens of thousands per month, totaling millions annually. They'd owe the landlord a fortune even if they didn't make a dime.

Shane and Sasha shared a look and silently agreed that the city-center options were out of reach.

The agent smiled, asking them, "Didn't find anything that caught your eye?"

Sasha didn't hesitate. "Exactly. The rent is just way too high for us. Let's check out the suburbs instead."

"You'll definitely save more that

way," the agent replied with a

cheerful smile. "I actually have a few suburban listings that might interest you. Want to take a look?"

Switching agents felt like too much hassle, so Sasha agreed. "Sure."

On the way, the agent repeatedly highlighted how much cheaper suburban office spaces were costing less than a tenth of what downtown options would.

After checking out a few locations, Sasha suddenly had a new idea. Why keep paying rent when she could buy a space instead?

She turned to the agent and asked, "Are any of these offices for sale?"