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 a

and said warmly, "Come on, try my

he replied, "I've been drooling just smelling

affection, clearly charmed by

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

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!"

began serving food to the others in return, earning

room was filled with warmth

...

clear the table, but

take care of this," he said

looked at him in surprise. "Why are you being so

scratched his head sheepishly. "Ms. Ludwig cooked the meal. If I don't at least wash the dishes, wouldn't that make me

relented, letting him

to

dishes in the kitchen, covering the leftovers with plastic wrap, and placing them in the fridge.

sat alone in the living

she supposed to take care of Zachary? Why did it feel like he

lift a finger for

household chores anymore.

the more it didn't sit right