Chapter 182
The Lynn family meticulously introduced Zinnia, showcasing their connections to emphasize her importance. Zinnia's ties to the Shaw family were severed; she now belonged solely to the Lynn, Jenkins, and Spence families.
โItโs been a while,โ Laylaโs clear, gentle voice came from behind.
Zinnia turned to see a beautiful woman approaching. Clad in a sleek dress that accentuated her slender waist, she carried a glass of champagne. Her long chestnut hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her lovely features. With a warm, confident smile, she moved toward them. Layla possessed a captivating blend of professionalism and effortless grace. Jackson greeted her. Charlie, Isaac, and Maisie exclaimed excitedly at her arrival.
Layla shot Maisie a teasing glare and playfully chided, โMaisie, you still remember me? Itโs been ages, and you havenโt called. Anyone would think youโd forgotten about me.โ
Maisie replied, โYouโre always busy with work. I never know when youโll be free, so I didnโt want to bother you by calling.โ As a diplomat, Layla was rarely available throughout the year.
โAlright, thatโs on me. This designer bag just came out. Think of it as my way of making it up to you,โ Layla said.
โAnd whoโs this pretty young lady next to you?โ Layla asked, her eyes fixed on Zinnia with barely concealed excitement and a gentle smile.
She had arrived in the country only half an hour earlier and gone straight to the party. Seeing Maisie, she approached without checking who else was present. Noticing Zinnia, a surge of excited suspicion filled her. โLayla, this is Zinnia,โ Jackson introduced them warmly. Maisie quickly added, โZinnia, say hi to Layla!โ
โSo youโre Zinnia.โ Laylaโs eyes lit up instantly. Her voice, full of happiness and a little louder than intended, drew the attention of those nearby.
โHi, Layla,โ Zinnia said. Her mouth was dry from greeting numerous people already.
Laylaโs eyes softened with affection as she smiled at Zinnia. โWhat a lovely little girl you are. Hello, sweetheart. Iโm Yannisโs older sister.โ
She couldnโt take her eyes off Zinnia, gazing at her with tender love. She mused, โJust as I thought, this is the girl Yannis has been keeping at home. He really does have good taste.โ โDevin isnโt here yet. Iโm the first to meet the girl Yannis has kept all to himself. I canโt wait to tell Devin!โ
Hearing she was Yannisโs sister, Zinnia looked up at Layla, her eyes brightening. โSo sheโs his sister? Just as beautiful as he isโgood looks really do run in the family,โ she thought.
โSweetheart, this is a little gift from me,โ Layla said kindly, producing a present from her bag. โNext time, Iโll give you something even better.โ
Layla and Devin knew a young girl was living with Yannis, assisting in his recovery. They had wanted to meet Zinnia, but the opportunity never aroseโpartly due to their busy schedules, and partly because Yannis had asked them not to disturb her. They only attended this baby shower after learning Yvette was bringing Zinnia. Their attendance was solely for her; they planned to attribute their meeting to a chance encounter to avoid Yannis's displeasure.
Zinnia hesitated, looking at Jackson.
โGo ahead and take it, Zinnia,โ Jackson said with a kind smile. โSheโs rich.โ
Everyone knew Layla and Devin adored Yannis. Considering Zinnia's contributions to his recovery, she certainly deserved this gift.
โThank you, Layla,โ Zinnia said, finally accepting the gift.
Layla grinned, waving off Zinniaโs thanks. โDonโt mention it, sweetheart. Add me on Facebook,โ she said kindly, producing her phone.
Layla thought, โYannis loves Zinnia so much. If I befriend her, Iโll get more chances to see Yannis through her. As long as weโre close, Yannis canโt stay mad at me.โ Zinnia added Layla on Facebook.
Seeing Layla's affection for Zinnia, those observing secretly developed even greater respect for her. With the Lynn, Spence, and Jenkins families supporting her, plus Yannis's backing, she was truly untouchable.
Jackson was busy; the baby shower was far from a simple affair. In a short time, a large crowd gathered around them. Jackson watched Zinnia as she prepared to leave, a loving smile on his face as he observed her softly rub her cheeks. โIf you girls need anything, just come find me,โ he said kindly.
โOkay,โ Zinnia said, her cheeks aching from smiling. She had barely sat down before being pulled into another conversation. Grateful for the opportunity to leave, she seized it. Zinnia grabbed Maisieโs arm and whispered urgently, โHurryโmy face is freezing from all this smiling!โ The two quickly slipped away from the crowd.
โIโm done with these fancy parties,โ Zinnia sighed once they were alone. โAll that small talk wore me out more than treating a hundred patients.โ
โZinnia, weโll have to get used to this. We will represent the family sooner,โ Maisie said. Though tired herself, she didn't mind; she'd been navigating such social events since childhood.
Zinnia giggled, holding Maisie's arm. โIโll just follow your leadโyou take the spotlight while I relax. Iโll leave the company to you and just enjoy the easy life.โ Zinnia had agreed to change her last name to Jenkins, but never considered contesting the inheritance with Maisie; she wasn't short of money, still owning numerous herbal farms.
โYouโre only thinking about your own comfort, huh?โ Maisie gently pinched her cheek.
Zinnia giggled. โWith you around, I donโt have to worry about anything.โ
Through Maisie and Jackson, Zinnia finally experienced true familial loveโa love that made her feel complete. Her ever-growing smile reflected this transformation.
โAlright, Iโll work hard so you can just relax,โ Maisie said.
She added, โCome on, Iโll take you somewhere quieter. Lunch is about to start. After lunch, weโll go home.โ
โOkay!โ Zinniaโs lips instantly broke into a wide, happy smile.
In a corner, several pairs of eyes, filled with complicated emotions, watched her. Howard stood amongst the crowd, a glass of red wine in hand, his gaze fixed on Zinnia. Her radiant smile illuminated the room; she seemed happier since leaving their family.
A sad smile touched Howardโs lips. He thought, โMaybe itโs for the best. Our family already owes her too much. I was too weak and useless. I couldnโt protect her when she needed me most.โ โListening to the whispers in the hall blaming usโWe are not worthy of being Zinniaโs brothers. I have to admit they are right. None of us are worthy.โ