Chapter 186
Meanwhile, a waiter approached Zinnia with a woolen shawl. Zinnia looked at him, confused. Maisie, also confused, asked, โZinnia, are you cold?โ
โIโm not cold,โ Zinnia replied, shaking her head. Nevertheless, she accepted the shawl, and for some reason, her eyes drifted toward Yannis. As she looked at him, he indicated his own shoulder. Confused, Zinnia examined her shoulder but found nothing amiss. She tilted her head.
Yannis sighed helplessly and said, โPut it on, Zinnia.โ
Zinnia read his lips, unfolded the shawl, and draped it over her shoulders. She had changed for lunch and wore a mint-blue satin gown with a square neckline that showcased her delicate collarbones. Yannis finally looked away, but several sharp-eyed observers noted their quiet exchange. Looking at the forlorn Shaw family nearby, they sighed, โGood girls never stay in a house that doesnโt value them.โ
โAh, so itโs you, Yannis. Who knew you could be so thoughtful,โ Maisie remarked, noticing his gesture. Isaac looked around and said, โHonestly, itโs not even cold here.โ
It was growing cold outside, but the air conditioning kept the interior comfortable. Ethan leaned in to whisper, โThe Moore familyโs secret partnership files were leaked last night. They were already struggling, and this only worsened things. Still hoping for a piece of their success? Honestly, theyโre about to be broken up.โ
Isaac added, โThe MZ Group is aggressively targeting the Moore family with harsh business tactics. No one knows if the Moores did something to provoke them, but MZ seems determined to take them over.โ
โIf the Moores seek help, neither the Lynns nor the Perkinses will assist, meaning no one in Jinston will help. The Moore family is finished.โ โThey sent Neo back hoping heโd remain quiet, but he ran straight into you twoโthe toughest to handle. Theyโre done for,โ Isaac stated, familiar with their circle.
Isaac mused, โI heard Neo tried to provoke Zinnia. If Iโd been there, I would have beaten him up.โ
โServes them right,โ Maisie declared bluntly. โIf theyโd targeted anyone else but Zinnia and me, they might have gotten away with it.โ
โData leak?โ Brian asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. Ethan leaned closer and lowered his voice. โYeah, I heard about a sudden data leak early last night. The Moore family was caught completely off guard. By morning, the damage was done.โ
He continued, โThe MZ Group has been eyeing a Moore family takeover for some time, and their current leader is rather incompetent. If the Moore family canโt overcome this, their renowned legacy will crumble. Life can change so rapidly.โ
โThe MZ Group is a real dark horse. They used to be quiet in Mealinia, barely making a ripple. But a year ago, they exploded onto the scene and began dominating the market. Who knows how far theyโll go? Itโs rather frightening.โ
Maisie had heard of the MZ Group. Recently, her father traveled abroad to meet with them. His assessment: โThe people backing the MZ Group are incredibly powerful.โ
โSo thatโs the girl youโve taken under your wing?โ Devin said, noticing Yannisโs considerate action. Devinโs lips curved into a smile.
Chapter 186
He had arrived only three minutes before Yannis, so he hadnโt formally met Zinnia. โWhat brings you here?โ Yannis inquired, glancing at him. โWith your hectic travel schedule, no one would mind if you skipped this party.โ
โSince youโre never home, Layla and I canโt see you. We came to find you,โ Devin explained. โIf our little brother wonโt come to us, weโll have to find him ourselves.โ
Yannis appeared annoyed. Devin still treated him like a child. He thought, โDid they really have to follow me everywhere?โ Ignoring Devin, he turned to Jackson and said with a smile, โJackson, Zinnia has really blossomed.โ
Devin and Jackson were close in age and well acquainted. Since Yannis was fond of Zinnia, Devin felt it was appropriate to be friendly with her family. Devin thought, โPlus, Zinnia really helps Yannis sleep better. Sheโs a treasure. No way weโre letting her go. A friendโs sister is like family, so sheโs practically one of us now.โ
Lunch commenced. While some younger guests, like Zinnia and her friends, who werenโt interested in family dynamics, focused on eating, most others barely touched their food. Zinnia hadnโt eaten much, feeling overwhelmed by the crowded room. After informing Maisie, she slipped out for some fresh airโMaisie was engrossed in conversation and couldnโt accompany her.
Isaac was engaged in conversation, and several guests attempted to speak with Zinnia. Feeling overwhelmed by the social interactions, she decided to leave and find a quieter spot.
When Zinnia reached the entrance, a waiter politely asked, โMiss, may I assist you?โ
โIโd like to go somewhere quiet,โ Zinnia replied. She was directed to the garden. After sending Maisie her location, she discreetly leftโbut some observant eyes noticed her departure.
Yannis took a sip of wine and looked back at her seatโonly to discover she was gone. He frowned, slightly worried. โWhere did she go?โ he wondered.
Maelis watched Zinnia until she disappeared from the hall. โIโm going to the restroom,โ she said casually before leaving. Timothy and Howard paid little attention; they were occupied with their own conversations.
Zinnia found a secluded spot in the garden and sat at a table with some small cakes. She ate one slowly, waiting for Jackson so they could leave together, though she was uncertain how long the party would last.
With nothing else to do, she took out her phone and began watching a show. A message appeared from Lydia: [Want anything to eat at school? Iโm going grocery shopping this afternoon.]
Zinniaโs face brightened at Lydiaโs message. She replied: [I want mango juice!]
Lydia: [Got it.]
Zinnia: [Lydia, isnโt it almost time for your monthly visit to your mom?]
Zinnia considered Lydiaโs ailing mother. The monthly visit was after a week of classes. She wondered, โExactly when will Lydia visit her mom?โ
Lydia: [Yeah, next Saturday.]
Zinnia: [Great, Iโll go with you to see your mom this Saturday.]
Zinnia reflected on the time. โLydiaโs always been so kind to me. Maybe I can help her mom somehow,โ she thought.
TO Dal, 14 Jun
Chapter 186
Zinnia was chatting quietly with Lydia, earbuds in, watching a TV drama. Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind her, followed by a sharp gust of wind from a palm strike.