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?

and then give him a good talking-to. She called him, pretended she didn't know anything, and said,

why Jessica called him, but he played along. "I've been getting home late for days, and you never cared.

four of us to spend some time together. You know, do something fun

Zachary replied, unfazed. "I've got things to

as the call ended. She nearly smashed

open, and Steven walked into

as she switched gears and softened

wouldn't listen to her, he would surely listen

be able to convince Zachary to come back, so she recounted Cody's story to 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

didn't reply immediately, and Jessica gradually

second time Cody's been

Jessica's heart sank.

his mother, you know Cody's behavior isn't right. Instead of guiding him to do better, you're blaming the person who stopped

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?"

defend her, which made it hard for her to see

behavior is starting to affect other kids, and she suggested transferring