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!"

safe place for it, then," Steven said as he patted

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

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

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

...

her bath,

beside her with a storybook, reading

her mind, I set down the book. I

then buried her face in my chest.

sudden mention of this caught me

up to me and said sorry when no one was looking. He also promised never to be mean to me again.

her voice turned sad. "He's been