Chapter 185

Recently, Timothy had been forced onto numerous blind dates. Refusal meant Donald would threaten to shut down his law firm. Having only taken over the company a few years prior, Timothy struggled in the challenging environment and ultimately accepted Donald's plans.

Maelis, a woman lacking backbone, readily acquiesced to Donald's blind date arrangements. Deep down, Timothy felt profoundly disappointed in both Donald and Maelis.

Timothy looked at Maelis and said flatly, “Mom, people aren’t stupid. Our family is a mess. What kind of fool would want to join us?”

Timothy's voice was flat, devoid of emotion, but his eyes focused on Zinnia. He couldn't hear their conversation, but she clearly found something amusing. Her bright smile illuminated her face, making her look stunning. A flicker of strange envy appeared in his usually cold eyes. 'She left this family. Good for her,' Timothy thought.

“Timothy, are you still blaming me?” Maelis asked tearfully, sensing his coldness. “I never wanted to force you—your father made me. I had no choice.”

Maelis reflected, ‘I never wanted to push my son into an arranged marriage. I tried to dissuade Donald, but he was adamant.’ ‘If the Lynns hadn't gone so far, I wouldn't have had to pressure Timothy, and he wouldn't have drifted away from me.’ ‘I'm a family member, yet they'd go so far against me, all for Zinnia. What kind of parents cut ties with their own daughter for some girl they just met? They've completely lost it!’

Thinking of the Lynn family, Maelis grew angry. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s Zinnia—” Her words were abruptly cut off.

“Mom, are you blaming Zinnia again?” Howard, who had been using his phone, looked up, his voice flat and weary.

Howard thought, ‘These days, everything at home is falling apart. Betty is unwell, confining herself to her room, while Mom daily curses Zinnia and calls Grandpa and Grandma cruel. Timothy endures endless blind dates, and I’m pressured to cultivate relationships for the family business.’

The home situation didn't trouble Howard; he enjoyed family privileges and was willing to contribute. But Maelis's constant blame of Zinnia became unbearable.

He thought bitterly, ‘Zinnia only stayed with the family for two months. We neglected her and drove her away. The truth is, we messed up, but Mom won't admit it and blames Zinnia.’ ‘No matter how much I tried to reason with her, it was futile. We failed to mend things with Zinnia, and yet we have the audacity to blame her?’

“Shouldn’t I blame her?” Maelis's face flushed, revealing her true feelings. She straightened, her eyes bloodshot with anger. “If it weren’t for her, would our family be like this?”

“We brought this on ourselves. We deserve it,” Howard said, looking at his mother's contorted face. He didn't argue further. Maelis, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge fault, was nearly delusional.

For the past two days, Howard felt dejected. Arguing with his mother was pointless. He poured himself a drink and drained it in one gulp. His rebelliousness had vanished, replaced by sadness and defeat. His eyes returned to Zinnia. Though still defeated, a small sense of relief appeared—'Thank goodness Jackson and the others are watching over her,' he thought.

Chapter 185

Howard didn't blame Jackson for his actions towards the Shaw family; they were at fault. Jackson supported Zinnia and defended her. The Shaw family's fate rested solely on their own actions; if they failed, they deserved it.

“Maisie, is Yannis coming?” Zinnia asked, sipping her coconut milk.

“He’s here, Zinnia,” Maisie replied.

A noticeable commotion arose at the door. Zinnia turned to look.

“I didn’t think even Yannis would come.”

“Is that the favored heir of the Perkins family, the one everyone adores? He truly lives up to his reputation.”

“The Perkins family holds significant societal standing. Yannis is indulged by his family, so even his absence wouldn't draw criticism.”

“His presence today is already a considerable favor to Wendell. Who would dare criticize his lateness?”

“Yannis didn't rely on the Perkins family at all. He founded the Perkins Group himself, working in military technology.”

“Just look at that stealth anti-tracking drone he recently created; even the government supports him. With such rapid success, who would dare question him?”

Amidst the hushed murmurs, Yannis arrived, accompanied by an attendant. He wore a bespoke suit of the finest quality, perfectly tailored to his tall, strong frame. The crisp shirt and neatly tied bow tie accentuated his broad shoulders and upright posture, projecting a calm, aristocratic demeanor.

He stood out, his presence quiet yet magnetic, drawing everyone's attention. He possessed striking features—handsome, with languid eyes and effortless coolness. Sexy yet restrained, he captivated everyone. Zinnia thought, “He is stunning. Wherever he goes, he commands attention.”

Suddenly, their eyes met. Surprised he'd noticed her, she smiled and silently mouthed, “Yannis.”

His usually apathetic expression softened instantly, his icy gaze transforming into a charming smile. Whispers immediately rippled through the crowd.

“Yannis just looked this way! His eyes are so captivating.”

“He’s looking at me. He smiled at me.”

“Yannis truly inherited all of Grace's beauty. Honestly, I’d be happy just to spend one night with him. He’s perfect!”

“God, I’d kill for one night with Yannis. Forget titles or promises—just look at those shoulders, those legs, that waist. He’d be amazing in bed.”

Hearing this, Zinnia pursed her lips and was the first to avert her gaze. Yannis raised an eyebrow, thinking, ‘Why is she dressed like that?’ He frowned at her exposed collarbone. ‘Yvette has no taste. She can’t even choose decent clothing,’ he thought, annoyed.

The attendant approached Yannis. “Mr. Perkins, your seat is in the front row with your brother and Mr. Lynn. Allow me to show you the way,” he said, guiding him forward.

Without acknowledging the other families, Yannis proceeded directly to the front row. Passing the Shaw family, he gave them a fleeting, indifferent glance before looking away.

Under everyone's gaze, Yannis reached the front row, greeting Henry and the other elders politely. His demeanor was impeccable, every movement smooth and natural. Only then did he sit with Jackson.

Chapter 185

He sat in the front row, opposite Zinnia and her companions. As soon as she sat down, Yannis's eyes immediately found hers.

“What are you looking at?” Devin asked, noticing his gaze directed at Zinnia’s table.