Chapter 229

Maak gesped. “So that’s why Banald was always so cruel to Zinnia—she isn’t even his daughter. I never thought it was habruse of w…”

She took a bite of her apple, jaw dropping as Ethan finished speaking. “This is insane. Even a novel couldn’t cook up something this dramang!” she thought.

“Have some mango,” Lydia said, sitting on the edge of the bed and holding a forkful out to Zinnia, who lay curled under the covers.

“I’m fine now. You guys don’t have to treat me like a babe,” Zinnia protested, reaching for the fork. But Lydia deftly maneuvered it to her lips. With a resigned huff, Zinnia leaned in and took the bite.

Ever since Lydia arrived, Zinnia had barely had to lift a finger. Lydia was like a beautiful, kind-hearted guardian angel, taking care of her with utmost care.

For the past two weeks, Zinnia had been living a life of complete leisure: meals spoon-fed, constant company, and endless spoiling.

“Just focus on resting,” Ethan cooed in a gentle tone, as if he was talking to a child. “Once you’re fully healed, you can do things on your own.”

No one had guessed Zinnia’s Thanksgiving Day would turn so eventful. Even on the last day, chaos struck. Her friends noticed she wasn’t at school and began asking around, only to find she’d taken leave—and later learned she’d been caught up in trouble.

“I can go back to school tomorrow,” Zinnia said. Her hand had nearly healed.

Pampered with nutritious meals, her healthy glow returned. Her once-plump cheeks had slimmed, her chin tapering to a delicate point. The last traces of baby fat had faded, revealing an elegant, refined beauty.

Ethan and the others didn’t linger. After a while, they prepared to leave, and Zinnia walked them to the door.

Yannis was still at the office—he’d deliberately stayed away to give them space, not wanting his presence to feel intrusive.

Just as Lydia was about to step out, Zinnia called after her, “Lydia, wait. I prepared some health-building food for Bonnie. Please take it home.”

Lydia paused, her voice gentle. “What do you need? I’ll help.”

“No need. Just wait a second.” Zinnia hurried to the balcony, grabbing a packet from the table.

Lydia followed behind her and quickly stepped forward, saying, “I’ll take it.”

“It’s a week’s supply,” Zinnia explained. “Next time I visit, I’ll check on her and adjust the formula if needed.”

Recently, Zinnia had only seen Bonnie via video calls. Bonnie had lost all memory and was as dependent as a child now. So, Lydia had hired a professional nurse to take care of her.

“Okay.” Lydia nodded with a smile. “My mom mentions you every day.”

“I’m glad she likes me. I’ll visit soon,” Zinnia replied brightly.

They walked out together. At the door, Lydia turned back and gently adjusted Zinnia’s clothes. “I’ll bring you snacks tomorrow.”

“Thanks.” Zinnia beamed.

Just then, the elevator dinged open. Yannis stepped out, arms full of shopping bags.

“Yannis,” Lydia greeted softly.

“Stay for dinner?” Yannis offered, his gaze lingering on her eyes. Somehow, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had seen those eyes somewhere before.

“Thank you, but I should go. Mom is waiting,” Lydia declined, shaking her head.

“Yannis, you’re back!” Zinnia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she ran toward him. She’d missed him all day.

“Missed me?” Yannis ruffled her hair.

“I missed the snacks you bring,” Zinnia huffed playfully.

“Oops, I didn’t bring anything today,” Yannis teased, hiding the bags behind his back with a straight face, feigning innocence.

“I can see them.” Zinnia rolled her eyes at his childish act.

Lydia stood quietly, watching their banter with her gaze slightly lowered.

“Fine, here you are. Share with your friends.” Yannis handed the white bag in his hand to Zinnia.

Zinnia took out a pastry box and pressed it into Lydia’s hands. “These are delicious. Take them to Bonnie.”

Yannis glanced at the darkening sky and said to Lydia, “My assistant is downstairs. Let him drive you.”

“Thanks, but no need. The subway is convenient,” Lydia said softly.

“Not a big deal. He’s already in the parking lot,” Yannis insisted.

“What’s up?” Zinnia asked, noticing Yannis’ distraction after Lydia left.

“I feel like I’ve seen your friend’s eyes somewhere before,” Yannis replied. He then held Zinnia’s hand, led her inside, and closed the door behind them.

“Have you met Lydia before?”

Yannis shook his head. “Never. There’s just something about her eyes that seems familiar. Anyway, come here. Let me check the wound on your hand.”

He pulled her down onto the couch. After washing his hands in the kitchen, he knelt before her and unraveled the bandage from her hand with careful precision.

“My hand is healed, Yannis. No more bandages needed,” Zinnia said.

Her hand had nearly healed days ago, thanks to the rapid-acting Moon Scar Cream. But as the scab formed, it itched unbearably, and she couldn’t resist scratching. Fearing she’d damage the scar, Yannis wrapped her hand in fresh bandages after each application.

“Hmm.” Yannis nodded. He unwound the gauze to reveal her soft palm, a faint scar crossing its otherwise flawless skin. After a brief pause, he picked up the cream and began to massage it with gentle, attentive strokes.

“Yannis, I heard about the Shaws,” Zinnia said, nibbling a pastry as she watched him tend to her hand.

Halfway through, she realized it was strawberry-flavored. She had been consuming a lot of strawberry treats lately. Without thinking twice, she popped the rest of it into Yannis’ mouth.

Yannis took a bite, looking up at her. “Feeling sorry for them?”

“Nope. They got what they deserved.” Zinnia stuffed a lemon pastry into her mouth, cheeks puffing as she chewed. “If it weren’t for you and the others, I wouldn’t be here. I might’ve been dead years ago.”

Zinnia didn’t feel any sympathy for the Shaw family, but she did find Maelis somewhat pitiful. It wasn’t that she felt sorry for the woman herself; she just thought that such things happening to any woman would be heartbreaking.

But she was absolutely clear about one thing: what Maelis had done to Henry was unforgivable. No matter how pitiful she might be, she had no right to hơi psig out of him.

Zinnia Alko knew that if she hadn’t crossed paths with Nathan all those years ago, she might not even be alive today. Donald and Tenhay got what they deserved.

“What about your biological father? Do you want us to help you find him?” Yannis suddenly asked.