Chapter 179

Yannis thought helplessly, “She never fails to surprise me. I’m still alive and kicking, and she’s already making plans for my ribs!” Facing those honest, expectant eyes, he could only sigh in resignation and think, “First it was my eyes, now she’s after my ribs? Honestly, there seem to be quite a few things about me that catch her fancy.”

“Alright then,” Yannis chuckled, a smile reaching his eyes. “If I ever kick the bucket, I’ll leave everything to you in my will, including my fortune and even my body.”

Zinnia blinked and said, “Once I get you back in… who knows? You might even outlive me.”

“But if anything should happen to you, I might get to… you’ll easily live to eighty. Honestly, I probably won’t get to inherit anything from you. Who knows?”

“One of your ribs. Then I could keep it as a specimen.”

Yannis thought wryly, “She is completely oblivious to common sense. She turns down the inheritance, yet all she ever wants is my ribs.”

Yannis was at a loss for words. He mused, “To a doctor like her, money holds no appeal. She’s only ever obsessed with collecting human remains as anatomical specimens.”

“I’m serious—you might outlive me,” Zinnia said. She didn’t care about his inheritance; all she wanted was the chance to get one of his ribs someday.

“Zinnia, you’ll live to be a hundred—outliving me for sure. Someone as wonderful as you are is definitely destined for a long, blessed life,” Yannis said, frowning slightly.

Zinnia shook her head. She thought, “My body took a beating when I was a kid. I’m not built for a long life. If I’m lucky, I might make it to my sixties. If not, maybe just my thirties. Honestly, I’ve probably lived half my life already. This body of mine is barely holding together as it is.”

She knew her own condition all too well. Though her master had assured her she’d live to a ripe old age, deep down she knew better—chances were, she wouldn’t outlive Yannis.

“With me, you’re definitely going to live to be a hundred,” Yannis said firmly. “Roderick said as long as you take good care of yourself, your health will be just fine.”

“Zinnia, didn’t you say you wanted my rib as a specimen?” Yannis teased.

Yannis gently ruffled her hair, his voice warm. “So you have to take good care of yourself too. As long as I’m still alive, you need to stay healthy—otherwise, how else will you ever get your chance to collect my ribs?”

Yannis thought, “Grandpa has already examined Zinnia and confirmed that as long as she gets proper rest, she’ll be perfectly fine. With good care, she is sure to be alright.”

The next morning, Zinnia slept in until she woke up naturally. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to remember she’d come to stay at Raymond’s place last night.

“Zinnia, you awake?” Maisie called, knocking on the door.

“Come in, Maisie. I’m awake,” Zinnia responded.

Maisie pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Maisie said, “Zinnia, there’s a baby shower happening today. Mom’s already booked some makeup artists for us. Time to get up!”

The baby shower was for Soren, Wendell’s great-grandson. Although the Bacon family wasn’t as well-known as theirs, they still moved in the same high social circles. Wendell had had a significant career in politics, and his influence was still strong. The Spence and Lynn families were old friends of the Bacon family, so they were expected to attend. Wendell cared deeply about Soren, and all the important people in their circle would be there. Their presence was essential.

“Okay,” Zinnia replied. After freshening up, she put on some casual clothes and went upstairs to the dressing room.

“Where’s Yannis? Isn’t he coming?” Zinnia asked, looking around confused when she didn’t see him.

Maisie explained, “Yannis had something urgent at work this morning, so he left early for the office. He’ll just meet us at noon.”

“Being a corporate slave is so tiring,” Zinnia sighed honestly. “He is working all the time and ruining his health. No wonder he makes good money.”

“Zinnia, you really shouldn’t call him a ‘corporate slave’ in front of him,” Maisie quickly leaned over and whispered in her ear.

Maisie thought, “Damn it, I should’ve been more careful with what I said earlier so I wouldn’t influence her.”

“Okay,” Zinnia said. Seeing Maisie’s nervous look, she nodded obediently.

Yvette said, “My darlings, you’re here. Come quick—Mom had special dresses made just for you. Pick your favorite!”

The two saw Yvette sitting with a facial mask on, while a stylist worked on her hair. Yvette waved them over. The dressing room held many fancy gowns, and a team of makeup artists was ready. The makeup team greeted them happily as they arrived.

“How do I look, Mom? Not bad, right?” Maisie spun around in her dress, smiling proudly.

“Beautiful. You are naturally lovely,” Yvette said happily, her pretty face softening in a warm smile. She wore a nice pearl-white dress, looking graceful and kind.

“I can’t wait to see Zinnia,” Maisie said excitedly, looking toward Zinnia’s dressing room. “Just imagine. If she’s with us, everyone will envy our family.”

“Zinnia, we’re done,” the makeup artist said gently.

Yvette’s eyes brightened with admiration. “Oh my goodness, you’re stunning!” Yvette gasped.

Zinnia wore a light pink, mermaid-style dress that sparkled with little diamond-like stars. Her collarbones showed off a delicate pearl necklace. Her long hair was styled up and held with a butterfly-shaped gemstone hairpin, and she wore pearl earrings. Her slim waist, shaped by her flowing dress, showed her graceful figure. Her calves were slim and perfect. Delicate like blossoms, she looked beautiful and special. On her feet, she wore pretty ankle boots with a small heel, adding a touch of elegance. A girl like her was made to wear such fancy dresses and jewelry—only these could truly match her bright beauty.

After getting ready, the family went to the Bacon mansion. They arrived at the perfect time. The driveway was filled with fancy cars, and a long red carpet stretched out from the garden.

Yvette gently helped Zinnia and Maisie out of the car and told Zinnia softly, “Sweetheart, stay close to us today, okay? Don’t wander off. If you need anything, just tell us.”

Since the Shaws had never taken Zinnia to any social events before, Yvette worried she might feel out of place. Also, the Shaws were expected to attend, and Yvette was worried they might bother Zinnia again.

Zinnia nodded. “Okay.”

“Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll stay with Zinnia,” Maisie said kindly, holding her arm.

Feeling their love, a warm feeling grew in Zinnia’s heart as she smiled softly back at them.

Chapter 180