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 into

cutleries and said warmly, "Come on,

grinned as he replied, "I've been drooling just

sparkled with affection, clearly charmed by his

chimed in, "What do you like to eat,

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 his eyes curved into crescents as he

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

was filled with warmth and

...

the table, but Harry quickly stepped

take care of this," he said with

surprise. "Why are

cooked the meal. If I don't at least wash

letting him take

to work

the dishes in the 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

the living

of Zachary? Why did it feel

had to lift

household chores anymore.

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