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!"

for it, then," Steven said as he patted Zachary's

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

with Cody while Jessica cheered

that there was a limit to Steven's love for him. He would defend Zachary one time, then act like Cody was his real son the next second. Staring back at his desk, he wondered if giving Annalise all the properties and savings

...

from her bath,

with a storybook, reading patiently. But

her mind, I set down the book. I

then buried her face in my chest. "Remember how Zachary

sudden mention of this caught me off

he came up to me and said sorry when no one was looking. He also promised never to be mean to me again. could tell he really

voice turned sad.