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?

plan to coax Zachary home and then give him a good talking-to. She called him, pretended

already knew why Jessica called him, but he played along. "I've been getting home late for days, and you

all four of us to spend some time

ahead," Zachary replied, unfazed.

the call ended. She nearly smashed it to the

then, the front door swung open, and Steven walked into the living

anger as she switched gears and

he would surely listen to his

she recounted Cody's story to him. She even embellished the details as she went.

didn't reply immediately, and Jessica gradually

said, "This is the second time Cody's

Jessica's heart sank.

Instead of guiding him to

didn't 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 did anything to her. He just said a few harsh things. That's all. Is that really so bad?" Steven looked at

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

on, "The teacher talked to me today. She said Cody's behavior is starting to affect other kids, and