Chapter 24
โCome back when youโve figured out how to handle Betty. Let me lay it out: if you want Zinnia back, that house gets one daughter. You decide who matters more."
โDonโt show your faces here again until youโve made up your minds,โ Sofia all but shoved them out, her temper raging.
โZinnia doesnโt orbit around you three brothers. If you canโt stand her, Jackson still wants her.โ Sofia shot Howard a glare as he scowled. โYou might push her away, but Jackson adores her.โ
Sofia watched them leave, her eyes lingering on Howard as he glanced back. She smiled bitterly. She couldnโt wait for the day he came crawling back, begging for Zinniaโs forgiveness.
Zinniaโs a gem, and they would regret treating her like dirt. Sofia could tell Howard was already hookedโhe just didnโt know it yet.
Howard stuck around, pretending not to look upstairs. When Zinnia tried to sneak off to her room, heโd yell to stop her. Sofia chuckled, settling in for the show. She would wait and see how the Shaws tried to win Zinnia back when the time came.
โStay here as long as you need, sweetie.โ Sofia squeezed Zinniaโs hands. โThisโll always be your home.โ
โDonโt sweat it, Zinnia. As long as Iโm here, Iโve got your back.โ After seeing how Maelis treated Zinnia today, Sofia couldnโt even fathom what Zinniaโs life was like at the Shaw residence.
โGrandmaโฆโ Zinnia bit her lip, nervous under Sofiaโs warm gaze. Since she got to Jinston, Sofia was the only one whoโd truly stood by her.
Even her own mom, Maelis, who claimed to love her, always took Bettyโs side. Every fight ended with Maelis defending Betty, no matter what.
Zinnia often wondered, โAm I really that unlovable? Do they love Betty that much more?โ She knew the truthโthey didnโt believe her because they didnโt love her. They loved Betty, so they never doubted her.
Zinnia knew she wasnโt great at social stuff. She wasnโt good at saying the right things to win people over. In Tareston, her master and villagers put up with her quirks. But in Jinston, nobody would have that kind of patience.
โZinnia, I love you. Donโt hold back with me. Iโm always on your team.โ Sofia hugged Zinnia tightly, seeing the worry and confusion in Zinniaโs eyes.
โThanks, Grandma.โ Zinnia felt warmth spread through her as she hugged Sofiaโs waist. For once, she felt truly grateful. Whether Sofia meant it or not, this moment felt real.
Zinnia didnโt care about the Shaws anymore, but she made a silent vow to protect this grandma who protected her. She hoped Sofia would live safe and sound.
โWhatโs going on here?โ Jackson walked in, smiling at the grandmaโgranddaughter hugfest.
โI told Zinnia sheโs staying with us, not going back with your aunt. Their behavior was out of line. Next time you see the Shaw brothers, donโt hold backโlay into them.โ
Sofia was still fuming about the Shaws. She knew they could be unreasonable, but this was next-level dumb. It made her blood boil.
Jackson had rushed back after Benedict told him the Shaws stopped by, worried theyโd upset Zinnia.
His eyes found her right awayโcalm and composed, though her gaze softened whenever it landed on Sofia. Unlike her previous detached vibe at the Lynn residence, there was a flicker of belonging now.
โRoger that, Grandma.โ Jackson nodded solemnly, already planning to give those Shaw brothers a piece of his mind next time.
โWhatโre you hiding back there?โ Sofia squinted at his hands, which were suspiciously hidden.
โSpotted this plush on my way home.โ Jackson whipped out a fluffy doll from behind his back. โThought Zinnia might dig it.โ
He stepped closer, holding it out. โZinnia, hope you like it.โ
โFor me?โ Zinnia blinked, staring at the toy in his hands.
โDuh. Youโre the only girl here.โ Jackson grinned. โIf you hate it, Iโll grab something else next time.โ
It was the first time Jackson had bought a gift for a girl. He had no clue if sheโd like it. Usually, his assistant picked stuff for Betty.
Heโd seen the doll through the car window after work, passing a toy store. Its sweet, squishy face reminded him of Zinnia. Heโd made the driver pull over and grab it.
โThis is perfect. No need for another.โ Zinnia hugged it tight. The soft fur felt good, and the dollโs smile made her lips twitch upward. Finally, she got a real gift.
โHuh. Youโre finally acting like a brother,โ Sofia said, noticing Zinniaโs tiny smile. It hurt her heart to see how a simple toy cheered the girl up. She dared not think what kind of trouble Zinnia had dealt with at the Shaw residence.
โIโll bring you more gifts anytime,โ Jackson said, grinning like a fool. Seeing Zinnia smile warmed him in a way no business deal ever could. Now he got why guys with sisters were always bragging and carrying presents. He wanted to shower her with stuff just to see that grin.
โThanks.โ Zinnia looked up at him, her usually guarded eyes softening a bit.