The Unveiled Rose

Jessica lowered her head, adopting a pitiful expression. "He only has eyes for Annalise now."

Chloe, reassured by Jessica's submissive tone, exhaled softly and gave a firm nod. "Leave Steven to me. I'll handle it."

Jessica's face lit up in excitement. "Really? Thank you so much, mom!"

...

After leaving Jessica's home, Chloe returned to her bedroom and sat down, deep in thought. She needed a plan to convince Steven.

Steven had always been like this-stubborn to a fault. Once he made up his mind, no amount of persuasion could sway him.

Realizing she couldn't handle this alone, she decided it was time to call in support.

After weighing her options, Chloe concluded that Zachary was the key.

As Steven's only son, Zachary held a special place in Steven's heart. If Zachary spoke up on Jessica's behalf, Steven would likely relent, at least temporarily. Without hesitation, Chloe dialed Zachary's number.

The phone rang and rang, but no one answered.

Chloe's face darkened. So, Zachary wasn't even bothering to answer her calls now, huh?

Chloe was furious and immediately called Steven instead. "What's wrong with Zachary? Why isn't he picking up? Is he still mad at me?"

Steven retorted, "Mom, did you check the time before calling him?"

Chloe glanced at her phone screen. It was already past 11PM.

Steven added pointedly. "He's a little boy in kindergarten. He has to go to bed early and wake up early. Why are you calling him so late?"

Chloe figured, since calling Zachary was just to talk about Steven anyway, she might as well address it directly now.

"I want you to reconcile with Jessica," she said without hesitation.

Steven sighed, rubbing his temples as the headache set in. "I can't do that."

Chloe's voice turned cold. "You haven't even tried. How can you be so sure?"

"Mom, I lived with her for a while," Steven replied honestly. "She was my first love, my so-called dream girl. I thought being with her would be perfect, like a dream come true. "But reality was different. It didn't work, and it won't work now. So, mom, please don't force me." Steven deliberately slowed his words to ensure his message was clear.

Before Chloe could respond, the line went dead. She stared at her phone, stunned by the abrupt end to the conversation.

That ungrateful son of hers had hung up on her, blatantly ignoring her advice.

Lowering herself onto the couch, Chloe sat quietly for a long while, calming her frayed nerves.

She had expected Steven to be difficult, but his flat-out refusal still frustrated her.

With a sigh, she rested her head in her hand. If she wanted to persuade Steven, she would have to wait until tomorrow when Zachary was awake. He was her best bet-he would surely help.

The next morning, Willow was already up and active.

By the time I reached her bedroom door, she had finished getting ready and was seated on her bed, reciting a speech.

Her delivery was fluent, her tone full of emotion.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching her with pride.

Willow had grown so much over the past few months. I still remembered when she would only speak to me and needed encouragement to even talk to Zane.

Now, she had not only moved past her parents' deaths but had also become cheerful and lively. She could communicate with everyone around her, and today, she was preparing to give a public speech. I couldn't be prouder.

When Willow finished reading, she set down the paper and ran over to me. "Mom, how did I do?"

"You were amazing," I said without hesitation, my tone full of praise.

Willow was used to being complimented, but her chest still puffed up like a proud little swan. "Of course I was!"

Then, after glancing around to make sure Zane wasn't nearby, she tugged me into her bedroom and whispered, "Mom, do you have some money on you?"