The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 238

Zachary wiped away his tears. "I didn't realize how much Mommy cared for me until I lost her."

He couldn't continue. The words caught in his throat, and he feared that if he spoke any more, the tears would come flooding back.

He stood up slowly. "Grandma, I'm really tired. I think I'll go to bed now."

As Chloe watched him walk into his bedroom, her expression hardened with anger.

She couldn't stand Jessica, who had promised she would treat Zachary well. That promise was the reason Chloe had supported Jessica becoming Steven's wife, replacing Annalise.

As soon as Jessica took her place, she started mistreating Zachary. She completely ignored everything she had promised Chloe.

Zachary must have been devastated, with his real mother cast aside and now, his stepmother mistreating him.

Chloe stood up slowly. It seemed she would need to have a serious conversation with Jessica the next day.

...

The next morning, I didn't immediately find Willow. Instead, I knocked on Zane's door first.

voice came through,

I replied

he realized it was me, his tone softened

I should enter his bedroom. After a moment, I decided to say, "I'll wait for you on the balcony. I need to talk

I headed to the balcony and sat

was especially beautiful. The dew on the leaves bent them, slowly dripping

immediately as I

to me and asked, "What did you want to

at him and said, "I was so caught up with work yesterday that there were a lot of things I

an eyebrow.

you should find time today to ask Penelope if she'd be willing to

concern about Penelope not wanting to help and hadn't offered a

Zane smiled. "No problem."

question that had been on his mind, "When do you think it would be a

for a long time before answering, "I

to Willow's room and

"Willow," I called.

came from inside, "Mommy, you're late today. My practice is already over.

I had discussed, so I just nodded.