The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 173

"But to me, teaching you to read is resting," I told Willow gently. "Do you understand?

"So, don't worry. You won't wear me out. Mommy isn't that fragile."

Willow still looked uncertain. "Really?"

I nodded. "Of course."

Finally reassured, Willow smiled, grabbed my hand tightly, and pulled me outside to join her for a run.

Zane followed behind us. His usually cold gaze softened with a hint of warmth.

...

After our exercise, we all freshened up and then took Willow to school. She entered the school gates but didn't head straight for the classrooms. Instead, she stood at the entrance, as if waiting for someone.

A few minutes later, a girl with pigtails got out of a car. Willow immediately ran over to her. The two girls held hands and bounced around happily.

The little girl was chatty, talking nonstop, while Willow listened coolly, responding with occasional nods or shakes of her head.

was getting along well.

myself reflecting on Willow's behavior these past few days-the way she set goals and knew

comic. I wanted to draw Willow's determination, hoping it would inspire others

themselves for them to see through their

first time, I felt that my comics could have a purpose beyond simply recording life. I could use them

this in mind, I dove into my work

...

focused Annalise was on her work, and it seemed to put

desk and left the

to himself. Having worked with Zane for years, it was surprising to

a file. "The custom plush toy you asked for is ready. The factory says it will be shipped

Zane nodded lightly. "Good."

ongoing projects within the Huxman Group,

particularly interested in the next update, Eric subtly observes

proposal has been finalized. Only minor adjustments

table and said, "Do you have a copy? Let me take a

from his

through it and then looked