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 said,

getting home late for days, and you never cared. What's so

father said he'd like all four of us to spend some time together.

ahead," Zachary replied, unfazed. "I've

the call

front door swung open, and

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

wouldn't listen to her, he would surely listen to

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

immediately, and Jessica

Cody's been picking on a little girl in

Jessica's heart sank.

isn't right. Instead of guiding him to

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 way to defend her, which made it hard for her to

She said Cody's behavior is starting to affect other kids, and she