Chapter 13

That first night at the Lynn residence, Zinnia slept deeply. There was no rattling air conditioner or creeping drafts–just perfect stillness. When she finally stirred the next morning, sunlight told her it was nearly ten before she wandered downstairs.

Downstairs, Sofia was trimming her potted plants while Henry lounged in his favorite chair, sipping tea and peering at the newspaper through his reading glasses.

“Zinnia, you’re awake.” Sofia turned at the sound of footsteps, her face lighting up.

Zinnia looked much better today, her fresh-faced sweetness making them want to hug her.

Henry folded his paper with a rustle. “Benedict, tell the chef to prepare breakfast for Zinnia,” he called out, grinning at her.

“Right away.” Benedict acknowledged before disappearing toward the kitchen.

“Good morning, Grandma, Grandpa,” Zinnia greeted them.

Sofia’s gaze lingered on Zinnia’s faded outfit–the yellowed white tee and frayed jeans. “Didn’t Jackson leave clothes for you, dear?”

“He did,” Zinnia replied, though she wasn’t sure why Sofia had asked. Her mind drifted to the walk-in closet full of beautiful dresses–lovely things she’d never imagined could be meant for her.

Instead, she still wore the clothes her master had given her. Though pilled and worn, they had always been enough for her.

Her master would wear the same threadbare clothes for years, yet never failed to buy her new seasonal outfits. The contrast wasn’t lost on Zinnia.

“Don’t you like the clothes Jackson picked for you, dear?” Sofia asked gently. “Let me take you shopping–we can even have selections brought to the house for you to choose.”

Misreading Zinnia’s hesitation as dissatisfaction, Sofia resolved to refresh her granddaughter’s wardrobe.

“That’s not necessary, Grandma.” Zinnia shook her head. “I brought enough from Tareston.”

The truth was, what little money she had went toward medicinal herbs, leaving nothing for frivolities like clothes.

“These clothes were picked just for you,” Sofia insisted, her heart aching at Zinnia’s hesitation. She couldn’t believe her daughter had failed to provide such basic things for Zinnia.

Henry’s cheerful face dimmed slightly: The Shaws’ neglect grew more appalling by the minute.

Sofia forced down her rising anger and took Zinnia’s hand. “Come along, dear. A beautiful girl should have beautiful clothes.” She made a mental note to have strong words with her daughter later–this level of neglect was simply unacceptable.

She guided Zinnia upstairs to the walk-in closet bursting with designer pieces.

“Really, Grandma, my clothes are fine,” Zinnia protested, uneasy about accepting such generosity. Debts of kindness, she knew, were the hardest to repay.

“Fine? There’s nothing fine about frayed edges.” Sofia’s voice held gentle firmness. “Zinnia, you’re our princess now, and princesses deserve proper clothes. Sit–I’ll choose something for you.”

Practical as ever, Sofia recognized Zinnia’s discomfort and sighed quietly. “Those Shaws have done real damage. Healing would take time.”

Before Zinnia could protest, Sofia steered her toward the walk-in closet, selecting a butter-yellow sundress. “Try this, darling,” she urged, smoothing the fabric. “It’ll be perfect on you.”

After breakfast, Zinnia approached Sofia again, her canvas bag in hand. “Grandma, I need to pick up some things in town.”

“Of course,” Sofia agreed easily. “What do you need? I’ll have the car brought around.”

“Thank you, Grandma.” Zinnia accepted without argument. The Lynn residence’s remote location made taxis both inconvenient and expensive. Besides, since she needed herbal supplies for Henry, she figured that using the family car was simply practical.

“Zinnia, take this and buy yourself something nice,” Sofia said, pressing a card into her granddaughter’s hand.

“But Grandma, I have money,” Zinnia protested with a small frown.

Her master had left her some money before he went away–enough to cover what she needed. And the herbs she was after now weren’t even pricey.

As for the rare ingredients, she’d settled that matter last night with a quick call made to Tareston. Someone there had agreed to ship them to Jinston right away, and they should be arriving soon. Then she could get started on Henry’s medicine.

Today’s agenda was simple–run errands and find a place to stay.

“Nonsense,” Sofia insisted, closing Zinnia’s fingers around the card. “Grandma’s money is different. Let me spoil you for once.”

By now, Sofia had given up expecting much from her daughter’s family when it came to Zinnia’s wellbeing.

If Maelis had sent Zinnia any money, it would mean she still had a shred of decency left. If not, Sofia was ready to tear into her again–exactly like the phone scolding she’d delivered after last night’s dinner.

“Go ahead, dear. The car’s waiting out front,” Sofia said, tucking the credit card into Zinnia’s palm. “If you miss lunch, call Jackson and make him treat you to something nice.”

Then she turned towards Henry and called out, “Henry, give me a hand with these flowers, would you?”

Zinnia stared at the card, its weight familiar. It reminded her of the one from her master, still hidden in her backpack.

As Zinnia walked out, she weighed the two cards in her mind. ‘Grandma’s is undoubtedly loaded. After all, the Lynns are famously wealthy. But Master’s card…’

Her lips pressed together as she shook her head. Though she’d never checked the balance, she knew with certainty it would be nearly empty. She could just picture her perpetually broke master scraping together coppers for years to fill that card.

Back in Tareston, none of the town’s children had seen beyond their hometown. This vibrant city, bursting with possibilities, made Zinnia determined to earn enough to show them the wider world someday.

Back at the Shaw residence, Maelis was always hovering. Every time Zinnia tried to leave, the interrogation began. “Where do you think you’re going? What are you going to do?” Maelis would demand.

Betty would chime in with faux concern, “Zinnia, you know Jinston is full of important people. You must be careful. If you accidentally offend someone, call us immediately so we don’t worry.” The words sounded caring but carried a clear warning.

Maelis ate it up. Soon, every attempt Zinnia made to go out was met with such intense scrutiny that she simply stopped trying.

Now, finally free from the Shaw residence, Zinnia could move about as she pleased. She mentally ran through her to-do list as the car pulled up to a downtown shopping mall.