Yannis parked outside the Jenkins residence and turned to Zinnia, speaking softly. “Zinnia, if you need anything, just call me, okay?” He was busy with work these days, and it comforted him knowing she could spend time with Maisie at the Jenkins residence. Maisie could be a handful sometimes, but Yvette and her husband were very kind. The love and care they showed Zinnia was special.

“Zinnia, you really are my lucky star!” Maisie appeared early to greet them. Yannis, seeing Maisie, drove away.

Just as Maisie reached Zinnia, her phone buzzed. A transfer of 300 thousand dollars from Yannis appeared on the screen, accompanied by a message: [Take good care of Zinnia and don’t teach her any nonsense.]

Zinnia was confused, but Maisie was practically bouncing with excitement. “Tomorrow, I’ll give you the best day ever! Whatever you want to do, that’s what we’ll do, Zinnia!” Maisie cheered.

Zinnia agreed, and they returned to the Jenkins residence. Yvette and her husband were away on an overseas trip and wouldn't return until tomorrow, so they had the house to themselves.

Maisie had a hair treatment and massage appointment in the afternoon, so they didn't linger. As they left, Zinnia remembered she still needed to deliver the medicine.

“I’m going to walk around. Just call me when you’re done,” Zinnia said.

“Okay, Zinnia. If you need anything, just call me,” Maisie replied, gently patting her head. Maisie wanted Zinnia to join her for the treatments, but since Zinnia wasn't interested, she didn't press the issue. Zinnia left, having already texted about picking up the medicine. Using GPS, she headed to the Kensington Club.

Zinnia remembered Maisie mentioning the Kensington Club, an exclusive venue for special guests. She was at the downtown mall; the club was downstairs, a ten-minute walk away.

Zinnia took the elevator down and followed the map. Soon, she saw the beautiful Kensington Club, its entrance flanked by lifelike statues. The soft music emanating from within offered a welcome contrast to the bustling city.

A handsome man in a dark navy suit waited at the door, looking around. Zinnia arrived at the entrance, unseen by the waiting Adrian, who hadn't expected the mysterious Mr. M's apprentice to be a teenager.

Zinnia checked her map, confirmed her location, and entered the club. She approached the front desk and politely asked, “Excuse me, where is Room 6?”

At the door, Adrian paused, his attention caught by a soft voice. Turning, he saw Zinnia in a light green embroidered dress, her long, silky hair loosely braided over one shoulder.

Seeing Adrian enter, the club worker said, “Adrian, this young lady is here for Room 6.”

Zinnia turned, and Adrian looked at her. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp eyes, a high nose, and refined features, like a figure from a painting. His dark navy suit fit impeccably. Zinnia had to tilt her head to look up at him.

Adrian thought, ‘She has a remarkably beautiful face—bright eyes, soft skin, and perfect features.’ He was momentarily speechless. When Adrian saw Zinnia’s face, a strange feeling arose within him. Meanwhile, Zinnia looked at him and thought, ‘Isn’t this the man I saw outside earlier?’

Chapter 160

Adrian suppressed the strange feeling in his chest and spoke softly, “So, you’re Mr. M’s apprentice—Miss M7?” His surprise was evident.

Zinnia nodded.

“Miss M, this way please,” Adrian said, gesturing for her to follow as he led her down the hall to a quiet, private room at the end.

Adrian opened the door. The room was elegant and serene, adorned with calligraphy, paintings, high-end antiques, and fresh flowers. The aroma of coffee filled the air as Zinnia entered.

“Adrian, has our guest arrived?” Lysander’s soft, aged voice inquired.

“Yes, Grandpa,” Adrian replied.

Zinnia saw Lysander in a wheelchair. “Miss M, please sit,” Adrian said politely, guiding her to a seat. Lysander moved his wheelchair closer; Adrian assisted him. Seeing Zinnia, Lysander looked surprised and turned to Adrian. “Are you sure?”

Lysander mused, ‘So this young girl is Mr. M’s apprentice? She’s so young.’

“Grandpa, this is Miss M,” Adrian said, his initial surprise evident as he made the introduction.

Zinnia tightened her lips, disliking the title. She stood and stated firmly, “My name is Zinnia.”

Lysander's old eyes flickered with surprise as he looked at her, then at Adrian, then back at Zinnia, noticing their similar eyes. A strange feeling stirred in his chest.

Lysander said softly, “What a beautiful name.” Despite his illness and fatigue, a faint smile touched his lips as his kind eyes appraised her.

Zinnia thought, ‘My master gave me that name.’

As Lysander observed her, Zinnia returned his gaze. At nearly seventy, his gray hair was impeccably combed. His face was kind and gentle, but the shadow of recent illness, perhaps a heart problem relapse, was etched on his brow.

Seeing her stare, Lysander softly said, “Zinnia, I’m Lysander Evans.”

Adrian sensed his grandfather's fondness for Zinnia.

“This is my grandson, Adrian,” Lysander said with a warm smile.

Adrian greeted her kindly. He wondered, ‘Why do I feel so happy when I see Zinnia?’

Zinnia thought, ‘They seem noble. But I don’t think there’s an Evans family in Jinston. They must be from elsewhere.’