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.

“It’s been a while,” Layla’s 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, “Maisie, you still remember me? It’s been ages, and you haven’t called. Anyone would think you’d forgotten about me.”

Maisie replied, “You’re always busy with work. I never know when you’ll be free, so I didn’t want to bother you by calling.” As a diplomat, Layla was rarely available throughout the year.

“Alright, that’s on me. This designer bag just came out. Think of it as my way of making it up to you,” Layla said.

“And who’s this pretty young lady next to you?” 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. “Layla, this is Zinnia,” Jackson introduced them warmly. Maisie quickly added, “Zinnia, say hi to Layla!”

“So you’re Zinnia.” Layla’s eyes lit up instantly. Her voice, full of happiness and a little louder than intended, drew the attention of those nearby.

“Hi, Layla,” Zinnia said. Her mouth was dry from greeting numerous people already.

Layla’s eyes softened with affection as she smiled at Zinnia. “What a lovely little girl you are. Hello, sweetheart. I’m Yannis’s older sister.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off Zinnia, gazing at her with tender love. She mused, ‘Just as I thought, this is the girl Yannis has been keeping at home. He really does have good taste.’ ‘Devin isn’t here yet. I’m the first to meet the girl Yannis has kept all to himself. I can’t wait to tell Devin!’

Hearing she was Yannis’s sister, Zinnia looked up at Layla, her eyes brightening. ‘So she’s his sister? Just as beautiful as he is—good looks really do run in the family,’ she thought.

“Sweetheart, this is a little gift from me,” Layla said kindly, producing a present from her bag. “Next time, I’ll give you something even better.”

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 arose—partly 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.

“Go ahead and take it, Zinnia,” Jackson said with a kind smile. “She’s rich.”

Everyone knew Layla and Devin adored Yannis. Considering Zinnia's contributions to his recovery, she certainly deserved this gift.

“Thank you, Layla,” Zinnia said, finally accepting the gift.

Layla grinned, waving off Zinnia’s thanks. “Don’t mention it, sweetheart. Add me on Facebook,” she said kindly, producing her phone.

Layla thought, ‘Yannis loves Zinnia so much. If I befriend her, I’ll get more chances to see Yannis through her. As long as we’re close, Yannis can’t stay mad at me.’ 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. “If you girls need anything, just come find me,” he said kindly.

“Okay,” 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 Maisie’s arm and whispered urgently, “Hurry—my face is freezing from all this smiling!” The two quickly slipped away from the crowd.

“I’m done with these fancy parties,” Zinnia sighed once they were alone. “All that small talk wore me out more than treating a hundred patients.”

“Zinnia, we’ll have to get used to this. We will represent the family sooner,” Maisie said. Though tired herself, she didn't mind; she'd been navigating such social events since childhood.

Zinnia giggled, holding Maisie's arm. “I’ll just follow your lead—you take the spotlight while I relax. I’ll leave the company to you and just enjoy the easy life.” 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.

“You’re only thinking about your own comfort, huh?” Maisie gently pinched her cheek.

Zinnia giggled. “With you around, I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Through Maisie and Jackson, Zinnia finally experienced true familial love—a love that made her feel complete. Her ever-growing smile reflected this transformation.

“Alright, I’ll work hard so you can just relax,” Maisie said.

She added, “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere quieter. Lunch is about to start. After lunch, we’ll go home.”

“Okay!” Zinnia’s 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 Howard’s lips. He thought, ‘Maybe it’s for the best. Our family already owes her too much. I was too weak and useless. I couldn’t protect her when she needed me most.’ ‘Listening to the whispers in the hall blaming us—We are not worthy of being Zinnia’s brothers. I have to admit they are right. None of us are worthy.’