The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel 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.

Zachary's lips curled into a smile.

Hannah handed him his cutleries and said warmly, "Come on, try my cooking."

Zachary grinned as he replied, "I've been drooling just smelling it!"

Hannah's eyes sparkled with affection, clearly charmed by his enthusiasm.

Upon noticing the exchange, Harry quickly chimed in, "What do you like to eat, Zachary? Let me get you some."

Portia was worried that Zachary might think she cared less about him than the others. Not 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 smiled.

Out of courtesy, he stood up and began serving food to the others in return, earning approving laughter and smiles.

The room was filled with warmth and cheerful chatter.

…

After dinner, Portia stood up to clear the table, but Harry quickly stepped in, taking the dishes from him.

"I'll take care of this," he said with a grin.

Portia looked at him in surprise. "Why are you being so diligent all of a sudden?"

Harry scratched his head sheepishly. "Ms. Ludwig cooked the meal. If I don't at least wash the dishes, wouldn't that make me look bad?"

Portia finally relented, letting him take over.

Harry got to work efficiently, stacking 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 sink to wash the dishes.

Portia sat alone in the living room, deep in thought.

Wasn't she supposed to take care of Zachary? Why did it feel like he was taking care of her instead? She hardly had to lift a finger for the household chores anymore.

The more Portia thought about it, the more it didn't sit right with her. Acting like a hands-off overseer didn't seem fair.

Determined to contribute, she picked up her phone and started browsing online for dishwashers. If she bought one, the others could have less housework to do.

"Grandma, I'm going to my room to study," Zachary said as he grabbed his backpack.

Portia blinked in surprise. "Study? At your age?"

Most kids at Zachary's age would be busy playing, wouldn't they? But here he was, focused on studying.

Portia whispered, "Why are you putting so much pressure on yourself?"

She thought that a child in kindergarten should just be playing happily.