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!"

place for it, then,"

him. There were also some property deeds, mostly for retail spaces, which Annalise had bought for

only to see Steven playing with Cody while Jessica cheered them on. The happy scene only made him feel even

Cody was his real son the next second. Staring back at his desk, he wondered if giving Annalise all the properties and savings back would make her

...

her

into bed. I sat beside her with a storybook, reading patiently. But she kept staring at me

was on her mind, I set down the book. I looked at her and asked,

up and hugged me. She then buried her face in my chest. "Remember how Zachary apologized to

sudden mention of this caught me

no one was looking. He also promised never to be mean to me

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