Otis was baffled. Wasn''t Steven supposed to be gullible? Everyone said he was easy to fool and would believe anything as long as it was said convincingly


    enough.


    But no matter how Otis tried to exin, Steven kept insisting on evidence. He was nothing like the rumors!


    Steven masked the disdain in his eyes. He might have fallen for Otis'' words if he hadn''t identally uncovered the truth about Annalise''s childhood.


    He said calmly, "Records don''t just vanish, no matter how many years have passed. If you can''t find them, give me your phone. I''ll help you look."


    Otis stiffened as Steven reached out his hand. He knew that he''d have no way to back out if he didn''te up with an excuse now. "Does it really matter?" he tried to brush it off.


    Steven remained unfazed. "Of course. I respect you as an elder, but even elders should back their words with proof. You don''t think I''m stupid, do you? Did you think I''ll just believe everything you say without question?"


    He stared at Otis, who leaned back slightly, instinctively retreating.


    Steven scoffed and continued, "I knew exactly what you were trying to do from the start. You want to act like you''ve always been good to Annalise. Are you trying to make her seem ungrateful and me her for holding a grudge against you?


    "Do you really think a man like you could have raised a daughter as exceptional as Annalise?"


    Otis narrowed his eyes and replied tly, "I may not have treated her well, but you can''t deny that I''m still her father. As long as I''m willing to say the word, she''ll have no choice but to do as I say and marry you. Isn''t that right?"


    Steven had wanted to reconcile with Annalise. After hearing Otis'' words, he felt exasperated.


    "What era do you think we''re living in? Do you really think you can control Annalise''s marriage? Let''s not even talk about how you''ve never fulfilled your duties as a father. Even if you had truly been good to Annalise, she still wouldn''t follow your orders."


    Steven had harsher words on the tip of his tongue but held them back in the end.


    one


    Otis, having seen his fair share of the world, remainedposed despite Steven''s open hostility. "This is your only chance to get back together with Annalise, isn''t it? You should be well aware that she and Zane have a strong rtionship now. There''s no way you can break them apart through any other means."


    Steven stared at Otis, suddenly at a loss for words.


    He never truly cherished Annalise during their years together; if he had, things would not havee to this.


    A trace of bitterness surfaced in his expression.


    Seeing Steven waver, Otis continued, "I can guarantee you a good oue as long as you give me a chance."


    Steven hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "How long do I have to wait?"


    Then, as if to rify his stance, he added, "Let me be upfront-I don''t have much patience."


    Otis remained unfazed. "One week.


    In a week, Annalise will obediently leave Zane ande back to you. All you need to do is sit tight at yourpany and wait for my good


    news."


    en


    Steven knew he should refuse Otis. However, he found himself unable to say so.


    After a long silence, he finally forced out a single word, "Okay."