The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 457

Zachary unconsciously lowered his head as he spoke.

Portia sighed and reached out to ruffle his soft hair. "Silly child. Remember that no matter what happens, I'll always be on your side unconditionally."

Her warmth stirred something in Zachary. He looked up at her, and for a moment, an overwhelming urge to cry gripped him.

He nodded and said earnestly, "Thank you, Grandma. You're the best!"

As he spoke, a thought lingered in the back of his mind.

Portia had always been so kind to him. So, why hadn't he been closer to her before?

Perhaps it was because of Chloe. She used to say things like, "Your mom's family is poor. They're just distant relatives trying to take advantage of us. They don't contribute anything and only want to leech off our wealth." Now, looking back, Zachary realized how skewed those words were.

He remembered that when his parents got married, Steven didn't have much money either.

Annalise supported him through those tough times, helping him build the life he has now.

Once Steven became successful, it was as if Chloe rewrote history in her mind. She seemed to forget the struggles they all went through and acted like their family had always been wealthy. That was when she started looking down on Annalise and Portia. Yet, through it all, Portia never asked for anything from them-not money or help, nothing.

Zachary began to understand that people who spoke the loudest and stirred up trouble weren't always the ones who truly cared. The ones who loved him the most often showed it quietly, without needing to say much at all.

lips curled into

cutleries and said warmly, "Come on,

grinned as he replied, "I've

eyes sparkled with affection,

quickly chimed in, "What do you like to eat, Zachary? Let me get

cared less about him than the others. Not wanting to be outdone, she interrupted, "He's a growing child, so he needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. Here, have a big piece of pork rib. And some greens too!" Zachary looked down at his bowl, now piled high with food, and

stood up and began serving food to the others in return,

was filled with warmth and cheerful

...

clear the table, but Harry quickly stepped

care of this,"

"Why are you being so

head sheepishly. "Ms. Ludwig cooked the meal. If I don't at least wash the dishes,

relented, letting

got to work

kitchen, covering the leftovers with plastic wrap, and placing them in the fridge. He then wiped the table and swept the floor before heading to the sink to wash

in the living

she supposed to take care of Zachary? Why did it feel like he was taking care of her instead?

had to lift a

household chores anymore.

more it didn't sit right with her. Acting like a hands-off overseer didn't