Chapter 238

Quincy said with a satisfying face, “Mr. Perkins, you’re young and capable. Our partnership is a win-win. I trust you won’t let us down. I’ll have the contract sent to you tomorrow.”

The dinner was ending. Yannis and Zinnia stood to see Quincy off, as he had a flight to Yinecrest that night. Their deal had already been settled, and it was just a farewell dinner hosted by Yannis.

“Okay, my assistant will see you off, Mr. Hanover,” Yannis said, nodding with a smile.

Quincy’s words sealed the contract. They had almost agreed before. Quincy had wanted to wait and push for a better price. Seeing Zinnia made him change his mind.

Quincy thought, "This trip isn’t a total loss. That sneaky guy. How could he never mention that he has a daughter? The arranged marriage is a deal. The girl’s face looks like that guy’s. Why did he leave his pretty daughter alone in the country?"

Quincy learned about Zinnia from a quick chat with Yannis. She had gone missing as a child and was only found earlier this year.

Back in the past, Quincy’s friend was a well-known womanizer. There was a good chance Zinnia was his illegitimate child, and he was totally in the dark about it.

The three walked outside. Quincy watched Zinnia, who was quiet and polite by Yannis’ side. His rough face tried to form a smile. “Zinnia, nice to see you today. Visit me in Yinecrest when you’re free. I’ll show you a fun time.”

Zinnia truly resembled Quincy’s friend. With his sharp eyes, Quincy was sure she was likely his friend’s daughter. In that case, Quincy deemed Zinnia as his future daughter-in-law. He composed himself for fear that he would frighten her.

“Okay,” Zinnia agreed. At dinner, Quincy asked her to address him by his name, while Yannis still called Quincy “Mr. Hanover.”

The group went downstairs. The driver was already waiting with the car. Toby stepped forward and opened the door. As the window closed, Quincy took one last glance at Zinnia standing outside.

Zinnia had her hair in a high ponytail. She wore a short black sweater under a vintage denim jacket, black wide-leg pants, and white sneakers—a casual, comfortable look.

Her face was neat and pretty, with well-drawn brows, bright eyes, and a cute, perky nose. It was like she had been carved from Quincy’s friend’s image.

After Quincy left, Yannis and Zinnia got into her car, an understated white Cullinan. Zinnia asked, “Yannis, why do I feel like Quincy was watching me?”

After Donald’s incident, Yannis arranged a driver for Zinnia. Now with the bodyguard ready, Stephen took over as driver.

“Probably because you’re very beautiful,” Yannis said, ruffling her hair. He was a bit puzzled, too. Quincy kept glancing at her during dinner, looking excited—not in a creepy way, more like he’d met someone unexpectedly.

Quincy was living in Yinecrest. His family founded Hanover Group, the top global intellectual property supplier—a real tech giant.

Yannis saw that Quincy meant to delay the contract for a day or two. But after eating, Quincy agreed right away—much smoother than expected. It was all because of Zinnia.

“Oh, really?” Zinnia believed what Yannis said.

“Yeah,” Yannis nodded.

Zinnia didn’t worry about it. She trusted what Yannis said, and he would always protect her. Plus, she didn’t know Quincy; they may not see each other again. She changed the topic. “Yannis, I talked to Lydia today. She said she’ll think it over.”

“Let me know once she has made up her mind,” Yannis responded.

“Okay.” Zinnia glanced out the window.

“What are you looking at?” Yannis followed her gaze.

“Yannis, winter is here.” Zinnia didn’t turn, her eyes fixed on the window.

“Yeah,” Yannis said.

“Have you heard of the winter’s gift?” Zinnia asked.

“What’s that?” Yannis had been busy, not keeping up with online trends.

“Mr. Perkins, there’s a craze for the winter’s gift,” Emily said from the passenger seat. “It describes couples wandering the streets in winter, indulging in food and drinks as they go.”

Zinnia nodded in agreement.

“Stop up ahead,” Yannis said, looking back where Zinnia had stared. They were passing a busy shopping street, crowded with people. A roasted sweet potato shop had a long line.

Yannis would give Zinnia anything she wanted.

Stephen found a parking spot and pulled over.

“Yannis, why are we stopping?” Zinnia asked, puzzled.

“The winter’s gift,” Yannis said as he got out. “Since it’s a trend, you deserve it, too.” He reached for Zinnia’s hand, smiling softly.

He had been busy recently, and she was focused on her studies. They only spent time together at dinner.

Zinnia’s eyes lit up, but she hesitated, “Aren’t you busy? If so, let’s go home.” She knew that he often worked late into the night and even had meals in a hurry. She didn’t want to waste his time.

“Busy or not, I always have time for you,” Yannis said with a grin, giving her cheek a gentle pinch.

With a little smirk, Zinnia’s lips curled up slightly.

Emily and Stephen waited in the parking lot. With Yannis around, they didn’t need to provide protection.

“Which one first?” Yannis walked by Zinnia’s side. The shopping street had all kinds of shops. It was dazzling. They didn’t know where to start.

Yannis rarely shopped with girls, only with Devin. But shopping with Devin was nothing like being with a girl.

“Roasted sweet potatoes over there,” Zinnia said. She hadn’t gone shopping in a while. Looking at the bustling street, she smelled the delicious aroma, and her mouth watered. Roasted sweet potatoes were a winter essential, and now it was winter.

“Then, let’s get roasted sweet potatoes first,” Yannis said, holding her wrist.

“Yannis?” Zinnia looked at the large hand holding her wrist, puzzled. She wondered, "Why is he holding my hand?"

Chapter 239