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?

to coax Zachary home and then give him a good talking-to. She

"I've been getting home

of

unfazed. "I've got things to take

call ended. She nearly smashed it

door swung open, and Steven walked into the living

suppressed her anger as she switched gears and softened her voice.

he would surely listen to

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

reply immediately, and Jessica

time Cody's been picking on a

Jessica's heart sank.

continued, "As his mother, you know Cody's behavior isn't right. Instead of guiding him to do

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

well that Cody was acting that way to defend her, which made it hard for her to see his

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