Chapter 1702

Silas tightened his arms around her as he spoke as if fearing she might escape him.

A warm blush crept up Rose's chest, a pleasant tingle settling in her heart. Her voice dipped to a

playful whisper, more of a tease than a scold. "Well, at least you know you're being sneaky."

"Rosie." Silas couldn't tear his gaze away. A captivating blush painted Rose's pale face as he

murmured, "Well, you're just as cunning. You're the sneak who's stolen my heart.”

Rose found herself at a loss for words.

She remembered listening to Alyssa chatter about her family and Silas. He had such a handsome

face. Yet, he was so dense and cheesy that it raised concerns for him.

It seemed Alyssa was right.

Silas noticed her sudden silence and fell into a surge of panic. He turned her to face him. "Are you

still upset with me?”

Her avoidance stung, but he pressed on, "So what, Rose? It doesn't change a thing. I see you, all of

you. And I still want you in my life."

A tremor ran through Rose, shattering her composure. "Silas, is this some kind of prosecutorial

harassment? You've investigated me?"

"I just wanted to know the real you!" Silas panicked and held her shoulders forcefully.

"Rose, do you honestly think I have nothing better to do than pry into your life? It was about getting

closer to you, truly. All of this with the hope of winning your heart and earning a place by your side!

"I understand your concerns, but they're unfounded. You're Lyse's best friend. She's incessantly

badgered me about making you her sister-in-law.

"And as for my family and father, you have nothing to fear. Their acceptance knows no bounds. My

father even embraced my brother's sexuality wholeheartedly. He even welcomed Jasper despite his

past transgressions with Lyse. So why wouldn't he extend the same warmth to you? Why couldn't

he?"

A fresh wave of ache washed over Rose, constricting her heart. Squeezing her eyes shut, she shook

her head. Her hands pressed against his chest, forcefully pushing him away.

"Dr. Lovelace is the second in line to helm the Lovelace Group, and Jasper is the president of the

Beckett Group. They're royalty compared to me. There's a world of difference. Don't waste your time

on me anymore.”

Rose was truly obstinate, and she was getting on Silas’ nerves.

Frustration flickered across Silas face, reddening his face. He took a deep breath, trying to regain

his composure.

Rose averted her gaze and turned to leave as she said, "My assistant mentioned you were here to

collect Dr. Lovelace's suit. You're here on Lyse's order because she is occupied, right? My assistant is

packing it now. You can head home after that. I'm exhausted and in need of some rest.”

"That's not all. There's one more thing." Silas’ voice, now icy, came from behind her. "You still have

my badge, don't you? I have an important meeting to attend, and everyone is required to wear their

badges. Please return it to me."