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?

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

been getting home late for days, and you

"Your father said he'd like all four of us to

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

at the phone in disbelief as the call ended. She

the front door swung open, and Steven walked into

suppressed her anger as she switched gears and softened her

to her, he would

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

didn't reply immediately, and Jessica

Cody's been picking on a little

Jessica's heart sank.

isn't right. Instead of guiding him to do better, you're blaming the person who

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

Cody was acting that way to defend her, which made

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