The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 107

It was clear what Jessica was asking. Cody had to have that locket.

But Steven was not playing along. "I've given you plenty of money lately. If you want to give Cody one, take him shopping yourself."

As he spoke, he gently nudged Zachary. "Do you want to open it and see if you like it?"

"Yeah!" Zachary had caught on.

While Steven often sided with Jessica and Cody, he still protected Zachary when it really mattered.

Zachary set the bag aside and opened the jewelry box. Staring at the gleaming gold locket, he declared, "I love it, Daddy!"

better find a safe place for it, then,"

he opened his custom desk. Inside was a hidden drawer containing a few bankbooks. They detailed all the money Annalise had saved for him. There were also some property deeds, mostly for retail spaces, which Annalise had bought for him. Zachary started

his door, only to see Steven playing with Cody while Jessica cheered them on.

his real son the

...

her

sat beside her with a storybook, reading patiently.

her mind, I set down the book. I

up and hugged me. She then buried her face in

this

it then," she said softly. "But today, he came up to me and said sorry when no one was looking. He also

spoke, her voice turned sad. "He's been so much