The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Chloe stood frozen in place.

Zachary added, "Right now, you, Daddy, and Ms. Jessie make up a family, got it? As for me, I'm free to decide who I want to be with. That's my choice. It has nothing to do with you, so you don't get to meddle. And about this whole 'leech' thing..." His tone sharpened. "Grandma Portia is awesome. She doesn't ask me for money. She even makes her own and shares it with me. She's nothing like what you're making her out to be. So please stop trying to stir up trouble between us." Chloe could barely believe what she was hearing.

Portia's anger flared. "I've always wondered why Zachary started drifting away from me. Now I see it's because of you, stirring the pot behind our backs, you old hag!"

She marched up to Chloe. "If you ever run your mouth in front of Zachary again, I'll make you regret it!"

Chloe glared at her. "Am I wrong? You and Annalise are broke and leeching off Steven!"

Annalise had done so much for Steven, yet no one seemed to appreciate her sacrifices as his wife. Portia didn't know exactly how to respond.

"Steven was nothing but a broke guy when Anna was with him," Portia said. "His ex dumped him, but Anna never judged him. Now that he's gotten a taste of success, he looks down on her?"

She just couldn't understand how Chloe could be so shameless.

"Why shouldn't he look down on her?" Chloe shot back.

"Yeah, why shouldn't he, right?" Portia sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "And now Anna's divorced him, just like you wanted. You must be so thrilled about that, right?"

Chloe fell silent.

"You already abandoned Zachary, didn't you?" Portia questioned. "So what are you doing here today? Just taking out your frustrations on him? Well, I'm telling you, you'll never get to pick on him as long as I'm around." "You're sticking by Zachary because you want Steven's money, aren't you?" Chloe shot back.

"Hasn't Steven told you?" Portia

sized Chloe up in disgust. "He hasn't been paying child support for Zachary for ages. We take care of all our expenses on our own and never touch his money."

"No way!" Chloe refused to believe it.

Portia crossed her arms and blocked the doorway. "If you don't believe me, call him and find out for yourself."

Chloe hesitated for a moment before dialing Steven's number.

He picked up and casually asked, "What's up, Mom?"

"You're not paying for Zachary's living expenses anymore?" Chloe asked.

"Nope," Steven said without hesitation. "Why?"

Chloe couldn't believe her ears. "You've got to be joking."

"Didn't you tell me to cut him off and stop taking care of him?" Steven sounded confused.

Chloe was left speechless. She hung up, looking like she had more to say, but she couldn't find the words.

Portia cut to the chase. "Well? Are you convinced now?"noveldrama

Chloe remained silent, staring at her.

Portia scoffed. "You and Steven are both cold-hearted. The moment Jessica got pregnant with Steven's child he stopped caring about

content belongs to

Zachary.

"Now you're bringing your frustrations from the outside and taking them out on Zachary. He's just a kid and hasn't done anything wrong. Why should he bear your anger?"

"Because I'm his grandma!" Chloe snapped without thinking.