The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 323

Zane would certainly give Jessica a few more glances. Over time, she believed she could push Annalise out of the picture and become Zane's lover.

"I don't know," Steven replied honestly, his tone carrying a weight of sadness. "She was the one who pursued me.

"After we got together, she was kind, and she treated me even better. She never fussed about celebrating holidays or expecting surprises. If I told her I was too busy with work or claimed I just didn't understand those things as being a straight guy, she'd forgive me without

question.

"She'd then take care of everything in my life with meticulous thought."

Steven's voice faltered as he spoke about his past with Annalise. A dull ache swelled in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Jessica, listening to his words, nearly rolled her eyes. What he described could be seen as having a wife-but more accurately, it sounded like having a free domestic maid. No wonder Annalise had decisively and unflinchingly let go of him when she left. She had absolutely no regrets.

Steven continued, "So all I know is that she used to love me and Zachary more than anything."

...

Willow and Penelope played energetically upstairs until 8:30PM, finally stopping when they were both exhausted.

Penelope looked longingly at Willow's toy house. "It's getting late. I should head home now," Penelope said reluctantly. "If I don't, my mom will miss me."

Willow grabbed Penelope's hand. "Then I'll walk you out."

Milton and Dorothy, having spent much of the day with the children, stayed home to rest. It was Zane and I who drove Penelope back home.

The two little girls had endless things to talk about, their excited chatter filling the car with lively noise. I leaned back in my seat, watching them with a smile.

Zane, seated in the driver's seat, kept his focus on the road.

When we arrived at Penelope's neighborhood, Zane parked the car by the gate. Penelope stepped out, and Willow walked alongside her, while Zane and I followed behind.

We took the elevator to Suzy's apartment. But as soon as we stepped out onto her floor, we noticed her apartment door wide open.

Zane and I exchanged a glance, both of us instantly alert.

Zane stepped forward, shielding me and the children as he entered the apartment. From the living room, we heard Liam's menacing voice: "So what if the kid wants to stay with you? You still owe me child support, or you're not leaving here alive!" Suzy's voice, trembling with anger, shot back: "Why should I? When we divorced, we agreed you'd take care of Penelope. I walked away with nothing, not even a share of what belonged to our child. And yet, how have you treated her?

"I've already been generous enough to take her back and not demanding what's rightfully hers. And you still dare ask me for money? Keep dreaming!"

"You'll regret this!" Liam snarled, his voice laced with venom. "Don't blame me for what happens next!"

Before Liam could act, Zane kicked the door open. The sharp bang startled everyone as Zane strode in, his expression cold and unyielding. He immediately spotted Suzy tied up and Liam charging toward her with raised fists.

Zane wasted no time, delivering a powerful kick that sent Liam sprawling to the floor. "Bullying a single woman-what a man you are," he said icily.

Seeing a chance to escape, Suzy scrambled to her feet and dashed behind Zane, clutching onto him for safety.

Zane shielded her as he directed her toward the hallway. "Annalise and the kids are outside. Let them help you untie the ropes"

Suzy nodded quickly, her voice trembling. "Okay."

Zane shut the door firmly behind her and turned his attention back to Liam.

...

Suzy stumbled out of the apartment, her disheveled appearance revealing the ordeal she had just endured. Tears streamed from her eyes as she reached in.

The sight shocked both girls. Penelope rushed to Suzy's side, her small face filled with worry. "Mom, was it the bad guy again?"

The "bad guy" she referred to was her father, Liam.