The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 179

Zachary didn't argue back. Instead, he simply said, "But if I don't go see her, it feels like there's this empty space inside me… Like something's missing."

Harry sighed.

Worried that he might forget later, Zachary took the initiative and said, "Make sure to drop me off at Grandma's place tonight."

Harry was confused. "Why?"

Zachary explained, instantly distracted from his tears, "Think about it—Cody picked on Willow, and I helped Willow out. Cody felt wronged, so he'll definitely tell his mother what happened. If I go home, I'd be walking right into a trap, right?"

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "You're right."

…

Just as Zachary predicted, Cody wasted no time telling Jessica what happened at school the moment he got home.

Jessica had noticed Cody's sour expression on the way home, but she hadn't known why. After hearing Cody's story, her anger flared.

Someone dared mess with Cody? Did they think she would do nothing?

Her expression darkened as she made a plan to coax Zachary home and then give him a good talking-to. She called him, pretended she didn't know anything, and said, "Why aren't you home yet?"

Zachary already knew why Jessica called him, but he played along. "I've been getting home late for days, and you never cared. What's so special about tonight?"

Jessica's voice didn't waver as she lied, "Your father said he'd like all four of us to spend some time together. You know, do something fun as a family."

"You guys go ahead," Zachary replied, unfazed. "I've got things to take care of."

Jessica stared at the phone in disbelief as the call ended. She nearly smashed it to the ground in frustration.

Just then, the front door swung open, and Steven walked into the living room.

Jessica suppressed her anger as she switched gears and softened her voice. "Steven."

If Zachary wouldn't listen to her, he would surely listen to his father, right?