Chapter 161

Adrian gently led Lysander closer, and the three of them sat down facing each other. “Zinnia, here’s the menu. See what you’d like,” Adrian said, sliding it over to her.

They hadn’t expected their guest to be such a young girl. Had they known, they wouldn’t have chosen to meet at a club. They weren’t accustomed to dealing with someone her age. They’d never had a girl in the family before; seeing someone as young as Zinnia, they honestly didn’t know what to do.

“I’m good, I actually have something to do later,” Zinnia said, quickly producing a bottle from her bag and placing it on the table. “Lysander, this is the medicine my master made for you.” She was eager to return to Maisie.

“We trust the medicine made by Mr. M,” Lysander replied with a gentle smile.

After ordering pastries, Adrian put down the menu, holding a fancy box. He offered a small gift of thanks. “You’ve already paid my master,” Zinnia said.

“That was for Mr. M, and this is for you, Zinnia,” Adrian explained. “You made a special trip to bring the medicine. This is our way of saying thanks.”

Zinnia, knowing the gift probably didn’t mean much to them, didn’t refuse. “I’ll take my leave then,” she said. Maisie would worry if she didn’t hurry back.

“Wait a second, Zinnia,” Adrian said. “I already ordered pastries. I’ll have them packed for you. They’re all handmade and delicious; I’m sure you’ll love them.”

Hearing she was leaving, both Lysander and Adrian felt a sudden sadness. Adrian quickly stood, stopping her while signaling the waiter to pack some pastries.

Zinnia said, “No, thanks.”

“Zinnia, these pastries are rare and delicious,” Lysander said kindly. “If you need to go, I won’t hold you, but please take them. They’ll be packed quickly.”

“Your master trusted us to care for you and told us how much you love soft, chewy pastries,” Lysander added, looking at Zinnia with gentle eyes.

She felt genuine kindness from him. “Thank you,” Zinnia said.

Adrian had already begun arranging everything, so Zinnia couldn’t leave. She thought, ‘I didn’t expect Master to tell them so much. They even know I love pastries. It seems Master truly trusted them.’

Adrian soon returned, carrying several beautifully packed boxes of pastries. “Zinnia, are you going home? We can arrange a ride for you,” he said as he approached.

Zinnia politely replied, “No need. I’m meeting friends at the mall.”

“Adrian, walk Zinnia out,” Lysander instructed.

“Lysander, there’s really no need,” Zinnia said politely, not wanting to trouble them.

“It’s no trouble at all. Let me walk you out,” Adrian offered. For some reason, he wanted to spend more time with Zinnia. Even he found this urge perplexing.

“Grandpa, wait for me here. I’ll be right back,” Adrian said, turning to his grandfather.

Lysander gave Zinnia one last long look. “Zinnia, why not add Adrian on Facebook? Mr. M asked us to look after you. We’ll be in Jington for the next six months. If you need anything, you can always ask him.”

Adrian had already taken out his phone. Since they were the people Master trusted, Zinnia felt she had no choice but to comply. She thought, They are the backup Master set up for me.

“If they can reach Master, he’ll definitely worry if I don’t add them,” she reasoned, adding him. As Adrian looked at her profile picture, a small smile appeared on his face.

Zinnia walked out with Adrian. Lysander watched from behind, his wise eyes fixed on Zinnia. ‘How could her eyes look so much like my son’s?’ he wondered.

Outside the club, Zinnia stopped. “I can handle the rest myself.”

“Alright, Zinnia. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything,” Adrian said, handing her the box.

“Okay,” Zinnia replied, taking the box. Adrian watched her disappear into the mall, then returned to the club. Lysander remained seated, his gaze lingering on the empty chair.

“Did you see her off?” Lysander asked.

Adrian nodded. “Yeah, I only came back after seeing her go into the mall.” He added, with a teasing smile, “Grandpa, do you have a soft spot for Zinnia?”

“Don’t you think she looks a bit familiar?” Lysander asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Grandpa,” Adrian said, “Mr. M told you to cut back on coffee.”

Adrian quickly stepped forward and gently took the coffee away, unsure why Lysander had said that.

“I’m dying, and this is the only pleasure I have left! You won’t even let me drink it?” Lysander grumbled, glaring at his grandson.

“Once you’re fully better, you can drink as much as you want,” Adrian said firmly. “You just got out of the hospital, so I need to watch you.”

“Adrian, don’t you feel something strange about that girl?” Adrian looked at him helplessly, then sighed, “I should never have brought you back with me. Now I can’t even enjoy a good cup of coffee.”

Adrian turned to face him. “Grandpa, you feel it too?”

Lysander said, “Zinnia’s eyes are very much like yours.” Both had that slight upward curve at the outer corners.

“Grandpa, my parents only had me. If Mom finds out Dad cheated, he’ll come crying to you,” Adrian teased.

Lysander’s face darkened, his tone losing its gentleness. “Maybe you should get your head checked.”

“Wait, are you saying she’s Uncle Galen’s daughter? But he’s never even been married. How could he have a kid?” Adrian blurted out, surprised.

Lysander sighed. “Remember he’s a playboy? If Zinnia really is the child from his reckless youth, then our whole family failed her.”

Lysander’s instincts were always accurate. He knew Zinnia had to be part of the family.

Adrian fell silent, thinking back over ten years to when his uncle was known as a notorious playboy. He’d cleaned up his act after some trouble…but with all his past flings, maybe he had left a child behind.

After meeting Zinnia, that strange feeling of familiarity made it seem plausible. “Look into her background. Better to check than miss this chance,” Lysander said.

They never had a girl in the family. ‘If only she really belonged to the family,’ he thought wistfully.

“I’ll look into it,” Adrian agreed, feeling excited inside.