The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 179

Zachary didn't argue back. Instead, he simply said, "But if I don't go see her, it feels like there's this empty space inside me... Like something's missing." Harry sighed.

Worried that he might forget later, Zachary took the initiative and said, "Make sure to drop me off at Grandma's place tonight."

Harry was confused. "Why?"

Zachary explained, instantly distracted from his tears, "Think about it-Cody picked on Willow, and I helped Willow out. Cody felt wronged, so he'll definitely tell his mother what happened. If I go home, I'd be walking right into a trap, right?" Harry nodded thoughtfully. "You're right."

...

Just as Zachary predicted, Cody wasted no time telling Jessica what happened at school the moment he got home.

Jessica had noticed Cody's sour expression on the way home, but she hadn't known why. After hearing Cody's story, her anger flared.

Someone dared mess with Cody? Did they think she would do nothing?

him a good talking-to. She called him, pretended

already knew why Jessica called him, but he played along. "I've been getting home

voice didn't waver as she lied, "Your father said he'd like all four of us to spend some time together. You

unfazed. "I've

the phone in disbelief as the call ended. She nearly smashed it to the ground

door swung open,

anger as she switched gears and softened

to her, he would surely listen to his

him. She even embellished the details as she went. Frustrated, she said, "Can you believe Zachary? Instead of sticking up for his own brother at

and Jessica

Cody's been

Jessica's heart sank.

isn't right. Instead of guiding

want a lecture. She cut him off and raised her voice, "I know you're right, but Cody is just a kid! He's being alienated by his classmates because of Willow. It's not like he actually

acting that way to defend her, which made it hard for her

went on, "The teacher talked to me today. She said Cody's behavior is starting