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?

expression darkened as she made a plan to coax Zachary home and then give him a good talking-to. She called him, pretended she didn't know anything, and said, "Why

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

said he'd like all four of us to spend some

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

the call ended. She nearly smashed it

swung open, and Steven walked into the living

suppressed her anger as she switched

to her, he would surely listen to

come back, so she recounted Cody's story to him. She even embellished the details as she went. Frustrated, she said, "Can you

reply immediately, and Jessica

is the second time Cody's

Jessica's heart sank.

Instead of

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

that Cody was acting that way to defend her, which made it hard

teacher talked to me today. She said Cody's behavior is starting to affect other kids, and she suggested transferring him to