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 she didn't know anything, and

along. "I've been getting home late for days, and you never cared. What's

voice didn't waver as she lied, "Your father said he'd like all four of us to spend

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

in disbelief as the call ended. She

swung open,

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

wouldn't listen to her, he would

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

immediately, and Jessica

he said, "This is the second time Cody's been picking on

Jessica's heart sank.

know Cody's behavior isn't right. Instead of guiding

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?"

acting that way to defend her, which

is starting to affect other