The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Otis was worried that Yelena might lose her determination to go after Zane.

He let out a derisive snort and said, "Think about everything you did to Annalise back then. If you were in her shoes, would you forgive someone who treated you that way?"

"No." Yelena shook her head. She had to admit that what she'd done then had crossed the line. It had been downright cruel.

Willow sat in the car, lazily resting her head against my arm. She looked up at me and asked, "Mommy, who was that woman just now?"

I chose my words carefully before saying, "She's the daughter of a prick. Neither of them means well. Just ignore them."

Willow pouted. "I could tell she wanted to steal Dad and make him her husband! She's a bad person!"

Seeing how upset she was, Zane tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. I won't be with her. I love you and your mom."

That was enough to put Willow at ease. She stressed every word as she said, "But if you ignore her, she'll just find another way to come between you and Mom and mess up your relationship. Mommy, no matter what she says, don't believe her, and don't get mad at Daddy!"

hair. She was still so

gently reassured her. "Don't worry.

...

Since Otis was handling everything on his own, Steven wouldn't know anything unless Otis chose to fill

dialed Otis'

Otis hadn't expected a call from Steven at

his tone light. "Oh, nothing big. I just wanted to check in on your plan. You know how much I love Annalise.

sworn to Steven that he could

following up, Otis couldn't shake the unease

a long pause, he finally asked, "Did you know Annalise

"What?" Steven was stunned.

instantly. Journalists would have picked up on it if someone like Zane had

far as he knew, Annalise and Zane

happened just a few days ago. Zane told me

completely floored. Was Otis really telling