The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Let's go. I'll take you out to dinner," Casper said.

Gary followed behind him. "Have you thought about what's going to happen to Cody?"

Casper shrugged. "Why should I?"

"He's your only son. If you don't bring him back, are you really going to let our family line die out just like that?" Gary asked.

Casper's gaze settled on the streetlights and the thinning crowd, an unexpected sense of calm washing over him. "Isn't this exactly what you were hoping for?"

Once they stepped inside the restaurant, he passed the menu to Julia. "Take a look and decide what you'd like to order."

Julia picked a starter. "We never thought Ruby would lie to us!"

Casper leaned back, crossed his legs, and echoed, "You never thought Ruby would lie to you?"

course. "Exactly! Who would've thought she'd dare

betrayed her with Jessica, why didn't you look into

"Dad, you've built your entire career on being careful. How could you be so reckless when

had looked into Ruby's claims sooner, they might have been able

it and

Jessica horribly.

still gnawed at Casper. He'd failed her, too, refusing to stand by her unconditionally,

Gary hesitated. "I'm sorry."

even mean at this point? Jessica hates you. So does

in is about ensuring he has a better

watched Jessica and Cody after work. Their bond was unshakable. Cody's guarded demeanor only eased when he was

simple as Cody coming back just because we want him to. You need to

flared. "Then what? We just let him call another