The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"You think you still deserve to be his grandma?" Portia retorted instantly. "Let me make this clear-Zachary is done with the Pelhams. If you ever come after him again, you'll regret it!"

She guided Zachary into the living room and slammed the door shut.

"How dare you say that to me?" Chloe snarled from the other side.

Portia flung the door open again and snapped, "And what's the problem with that?"

"I'm only upset because of Annalise!" Chloe seethed at Portia. "She and Steven are already divorced, but she's still butting into Jessica's life, pushing her around. I stood up for Jessica, and Annalise had the nerve to call the police on me!" Portia laughed. "Well, if the police took you away, that only means Anna was in the right. And you're still claiming she's pushing Jessica around?"

She sneered and snapped, "You and Jessica really need to take a good look at yourselves! You're an insufferable old hag, and Jessica's nothing but a homewrecker!noveldrama

"After Anna broke things off with Steven, she was done with all of you. But you two started trouble, so of course, she's defending herself! Do you think you can just walk all over her?"

Portia's fury grew with every word she spoke. Annalise had never said a thing about how badly the Pelhams treated her, and only now did Portia see how far they had pushed her. Portia wasn't one to back down. She stormed toward the door. "The Pelhams are all rotten, and you're still trying to make life harder for Annalise! I'll beat you senseless!"

Realizing Portia wasn't joking, Chloe dashed away. "You insane old hag!"

Portia picked up the pace, shouting, "Stop right there!"

Chloe rushed into the elevator, desperately pressing the close door button.

Realizing there was no catching her, Portia growled, "You'd better stay away, or next time, I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

Chloe finally breathed a sigh of relief when she was sure she'd escaped.

"That whole family's insane!" she muttered irritably.

Only after Chloe fled into the

elevator did Portia turn around. She

spotted Zachary a little distance

away and suddenly felt concerned

that she might have

him.

Her mind raced for the right words.

Before she could speak, Zachary smiled and said, "You're the best, Grandma."

"You're not afraid of me?" Portia asked.

"Of course not." Zachary walked over joyfully and took her hand. "I'm happy that you're looking out for me. Why would I be scared?" Portia hadn't expected Zachary to be so thoughtful. Delight filled her eyes.

"That's good to hear," she said.

She held his hand and led him into the living room, saying, "You must be worn out from all that studying. I've kept the food warm for you. Let's eat together."

Zachary hadn't expected Portia to be waiting for him so they could share a meal Seeing the table set with dishes overwhelmed him, and tears began to fall.

Portia crouched beside him, wiping them away. "Why are you crying, sweetheart? Have you already eaten somewhere else?" Zachary shook his head, choking on his words. "I just thought you might've already eaten..."

"Oh, you silly thing," Portia said lovingly. "That's not something to cry about."

"Yeah, but it's been so long since anyone cared to wait for me," Zachary whispered.

Portia picked him up and helped him settle at the table. "Well then, let's eat together, okay?"