The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chapter 548

Steven lifted his head and looked at Portia.

She couldn't let what he did to Zachary slide so easily. If she did, it would only encourage others to think Zachary was an easy target, enticing everyone to bully him.

Hence, Portia stepped forward and slapped Steven across the face. "Since you beat Zachary, I'm hitting you back on his behalf. This makes us even."

Steven took a deep breath and said coldly, "I've tolerated you again and again because you're Annalise's mother. Don't push your luck."

Portia glared at him and retorted, "Annalise is unrelated to you anymore, and neither am I. There's no need to tolerate us."

With that, Portia turned and walked away without looking back.

As Steven watched her retreating figure, an unexpected bitterness welled up in his chest. He couldn't help but recall how Portia treated him with such warmth. Whenever he and Annalise visited her, Portia always prepared meals he liked. Even Annalise couldn't hide her jealousy. She would pout, teasing Portia, "You treat your son-in-law better than me. I'm jealous."

Portia would always gently tap Annalise's cheek and tease her, "You're a grown woman. Is this really necessary?"

warm and harmonious family. So

berate him. What had he done so wrong?

to Yvonne's

door, her gaze landing on Sasha. Curious, she asked,

As the pampered daughter

Sasha had

being blindsided by Yvonne, she

en novelxo

tell Shane I was assigned to that project team?" she

big deal. Shrugging,

to admit it so boldly. The flames of her fury

you get my permission? What makes you think you can tell people about my business? What gives you

What matters is that I knew, and Shane asked me.

to harass you all day." Yvonne smirked and continued, "Honestly, I

had just targeted her, she could have let it slide. But she was dragging