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.

curled

his cutleries and said warmly, "Come

grinned as he replied, "I've

affection,

Harry quickly chimed in, "What do you like to eat, Zachary?

think she 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

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

was filled with warmth

...

clear the table, but Harry quickly stepped

of this," he said with a

him in surprise. "Why are you being so

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

finally relented, letting him

to work

fridge. He then wiped the table and swept the floor before heading to

alone in the living room, deep in

of Zachary? Why did it feel

lift a finger

household chores anymore.

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