The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Weren't you always putting up with Annalise before? Well, here's your chance to let it all out," Chloe said, giving Rowena's shoulder a pat. "If you're calling the shots with her, she'll be walking on eggshells, trying to keep you happy. "Once you two are on the same page, Zane's going to be happy to see you and Annalise getting along, don't you think?"

Tinsley rolled her eyes and looked away when she saw Rowena starting to fall for it. She knew it-Rowena was that easy to sway.noveldrama

Chloe noticed and got up. "I've got stuff to take care of, so I'll head out."

"Alright," Tinsley said. She saw right through Chloe's move and didn't bother with the niceties. "My mom and I've got a few things to take care of, so we won't walk you out."

"Okay."

After Chloe left, Tinsley grabbed a small stool, sat down in front of Rowena, and said calmly, "Mom, I think it might be better if you keep your distance from her from now on.'

At first, Rowena thought Chloe was being a little out of line. But as Chloe continued, it was like she was making all the right points. By the end, Rowena actually thought Chloe made a lot of sense.

"Why?" Rowena asked. "I mean, we can't believe everything she says, but there are definitely parts worth considering."

"Mom, seriously, not a single word she says is worth your time!" Tinsley insisted. "She just kept going on and on about how you need to set your daughter-in-law straight. It's obvious she wants you to go after Annalise!

"Steven's totally clueless and wouldn't stand up for his wife. But Zane? He's sharp. If he finds out you're not getting along with Annalise, he'll definitely step in and back her up."

Rowena thought it over and felt like it made sense. "Yeah, you're right."

"By then, our family would fall apart, fighting all the time," Tinsley said. "And Chloe? She'd sit back and watch you deal with the people she can't stand.

"Then, Zane would cut off your money. Chloe wouldn't be affected at all. She'd have a front-row seat to all the drama and be loving every second of it." Rowena's face fell. How had she never thought of that before?

Noticing Rowena's change in attitude, Tinsley continued, "Think about it: if I were in Annalise's shoes, married to someone like Steven, pregnant with a huge belly, and getting pushed around by his mom, I'd feel totally betrayed if he didn't stand up for me!"

Rowena, who absolutely adored Tinsley, couldn't stand the idea of her being mistreated. "If your husband ever treated you like that, I'd send men to his door and make his whole family pay for it! Then, I'd make them apologize! The nerve of them!"

Tinsley was pleased with Rowena's reaction. Seeing that Rowena was still upset, Tinsley said, "Exactly! So, what do you think will happen if you listen to Chloe? Annalise's mom will definitely step in to defend her

daughter when she sees her getting treated like that!"

Rowena didn't say anything.

Slowing her tone on purpose, Tinsley continued, "And, Mom, think about it: Annalise and Steven are already divorced but Chloe still wants to make life hell for her

Chloe's just being a horribl

ex-daughter-in-law. In other words,

mother-in-law! And you know what's the most frustrating part?"