Chapter 183

Maisie and Zinnia found a small, quiet corner to sit. A bright voice called, "Zinnia, Maisie!" They looked up to see Ethan approaching, holding Soren in his arms.

Ethan looked amusing in his suit, holding the bundled baby. Soren was his cousin; Wendell, concerned about the party crowd, had entrusted the baby to family.

Maisie grinned and teased, "Wow, look who's playing daddy now."

Ethan sighed, "What can I do? My brother's being careless. I don't even know where he took my sister-in-law, and he just left the baby with me. I'm so tired! Can you hold him for a bit?"

He quickly placed Soren in Maisie's arms before sitting down, looking exhausted. "This little guy's been running me ragged all morning. I'm done for!"

"I don't want to hold this squishy little thing!" Maisie exclaimed, her arms stiffening. She clearly didn't know how to handle a baby.

"Maisie, don't drop him! Grandpa will be mad at me," Ethan said, quickly retrieving the baby.

"Take him back!" Maisie panicked, her arms feeling numb. "I can't feel my hands. He's about to cry, and I don't know how to calm him down." She stiffly returned the baby to Ethan. "Get him away from me now!"

"Here we go again. This little rascal's about to cry," Ethan muttered, taking Soren.

Zinnia looked at Soren with wonder. Wrapped in his blanket, his plump face and bright eyes were close to tears, perhaps from being passed around. "Soren," she called softly, her smile gentle and warm.

His teary pout vanished as his eyes focused on her. His lips relaxed, a tiny smile revealing his pink gums, melting everyone's hearts.

Maisie couldn't help but say, "Really? He's already judging by looks at this age?" She and Ethan exchanged surprised glances as they watched the baby's dramatic mood swing.

"Can I touch his little cheek?" Zinnia asked softly, captivated by the baby.

"Sure, go ahead! It's lucky for this little troublemaker to have you want to touch him," Ethan grinned.

Zinnia gently touched Soren's cheek. Her eyes widened. 'It's so unbelievably soft. Softer than cotton candy!' she thought, marveling at the delicate skin.

She playfully pinched his chubby cheek, creating adorable dimples. Soren, with bright, innocent eyes, reached out and grasped her finger with his tiny hand.

"Look, he's holding my hand!" Zinnia exclaimed happily.

His tiny hand felt almost boneless, so soft and warm; it barely encircled her pinky. Zinnia, never having held such a small baby before, thought, 'He's really adorable.'

Soren cooed and babbled, staring at Zinnia. Curious, she asked, "What is he trying to say?"

Ethan scratched his head. "No clue. But one thing's sure, he really likes you. He usually doesn't let anyone else touch him."

He mused, 'This little rascal is usually so stubborn. He won't let strangers hold him. The first time I held him, he peed all over me!'

"Does he like me?" Zinnia asked.

This was her first time holding such a tiny baby. His face was the size of her palm, a small, soft bundle. His skin was so delicate; she worried about hurting him.

It was hard to tell if he understood, but Soren squeezed her hand tighter.

"He definitely likes you," Ethan said, interpreting Soren's gesture as affirmation.

He thought, 'This little rascal is usually so sharp. If I said something wrong, he'd be crying already. Since he isn't, I guess he likes Zinnia.'

"Soren, this is for you," Zinnia said softly, her smile warm. She produced an onyx bracelet from her bag; each bead was smooth, round, shiny, and of excellent quality, with a faint medicinal scent.

She gently placed it in his hand.

"Zinnia, you really don't need to give this little guy anything," Ethan said quickly, noticing the seemingly precious beads.

But Soren held the bracelet tightly, still clutching Zinnia's fingers. He pressed her hand against his cheek and looked up at her with big, shiny eyes.

Soren cooed and babbled, perhaps expressing gratitude. Ethan, looking helpless, said, "Hey, little rascal, give that back to Zinnia!"

He tried to retrieve the bracelet, but Soren clung to it. Soren's lips trembled, threatening tears. Ethan felt a headache coming; if Soren cried, everyone would hear.

Zinnia said, "Ethan, it's not expensive. Honestly, I didn't bring anything else, and this onyx bracelet is all I have to give."

She gently stopped him, explaining, "Wearing it is good for Soren's health. These beads have been soaked in a hundred herbs. They help his body and can even warn him if he touches something poisonous, by changing color."

The onyx bracelet was something Zinnia had found while tidying up the previous night. She had casually placed it in her bag.

Zinnia gently touched Soren's cheek again, smiling softly. "I like him," she said.

Ethan said, "Hey, little rascal! Say thank you to Zinnia quickly. Remember her kindness and pay her back when you grow up."

With all this talk, refusing would be pointless. Plus, the beads could prove useful; even Ethan wanted them.

Ethan watched Soren clutching the bracelet, then couldn't resist poking his chubby cheek.

He thought, 'I was just taking this little guy out for some fresh air. Who knew he'd end up with a gift?'

'These beads, infused with many herbs, give off a soft, calming smell. What a lucky break for this little guy.'

'This world is full of schemes and backstabbing. On the surface, we look rich, but underneath, we live on a battlefield of secrets. People will do anything for money and power. It's rare to see families like the Lynn, Jenkins, and Perkins family; their family members get along without fighting over power. With such a magic talisman that fights toxins, it's a priceless safeguard for Soren.'

Even though Soren couldn't speak, when he heard Zinnia say she liked him, he squeezed her hand tighter and gave a tiny playful shake, as if replying to her.

"Grow up healthy, okay?" Zinnia said softly, smiling gently and touching his cheek.