The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 548

Steven lifted his head and looked at Portia.

She couldn't let what he did to Zachary slide so easily. If she did, it would only encourage others to think Zachary was an easy target, enticing everyone to bully him.

Hence, Portia stepped forward and slapped Steven across the face. "Since you beat Zachary, I'm hitting you back on his behalf. This makes us even."

Steven took a deep breath and said coldly, "I've tolerated you again and again because you're Annalise's mother. Don't push your luck."

Portia glared at him and retorted, "Annalise is unrelated to you anymore, and neither am I. There's no need to tolerate us."

With that, Portia turned and walked away without looking back.

As Steven watched her retreating figure, an unexpected bitterness welled up in his chest. He couldn't help but recall how Portia treated him with such warmth. Whenever he and Annalise visited her, Portia always prepared meals he liked.

Even Annalise couldn't hide her jealousy. She would pout, teasing Portia, "You treat your son-in-law better than me. I'm jealous."

Portia would always gently tap Annalise's cheek and tease her, "You're a grown woman. Is this really necessary?"

They had once been such a warm and harmonious family. So how did everything change?

Annalise had left Steven, while Portia treated him with disdain and couldn't wait to berate him. What had he done so wrong? What had he missed along the way?

…

Sasha woke up early and headed to Yvonne's office to try to reach her.