Chapter 24

“Come back when you’ve 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."

“Don’t show your faces here again until you’ve made up your minds,” Sofia all but shoved them out, her temper raging.

“Zinnia doesn’t orbit around you three brothers. If you can’t stand her, Jackson still wants her.” Sofia shot Howard a glare as he scowled. “You might push her away, but Jackson adores her.”

Sofia watched them leave, her eyes lingering on Howard as he glanced back. She smiled bitterly. She couldn’t wait for the day he came crawling back, begging for Zinnia’s forgiveness.

Zinnia’s a gem, and they would regret treating her like dirt. Sofia could tell Howard was already hooked–he just didn’t know it yet.

Howard stuck around, pretending not to look upstairs. When Zinnia tried to sneak off to her room, he’d 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.

“Stay here as long as you need, sweetie.” Sofia squeezed Zinnia’s hands. “This’ll always be your home.”

“Don’t sweat it, Zinnia. As long as I’m here, I’ve got your back.” After seeing how Maelis treated Zinnia today, Sofia couldn’t even fathom what Zinnia’s life was like at the Shaw residence.

“Grandma…” Zinnia bit her lip, nervous under Sofia’s warm gaze. Since she got to Jinston, Sofia was the only one who’d truly stood by her.

Even her own mom, Maelis, who claimed to love her, always took Betty’s side. Every fight ended with Maelis defending Betty, no matter what.

Zinnia often wondered, ‘Am I really that unlovable? Do they love Betty that much more?’ She knew the truth–they didn’t believe her because they didn’t love her. They loved Betty, so they never doubted her.

Zinnia knew she wasn’t great at social stuff. She wasn’t 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.

“Zinnia, I love you. Don’t hold back with me. I’m always on your team.” Sofia hugged Zinnia tightly, seeing the worry and confusion in Zinnia’s eyes.

“Thanks, Grandma.” Zinnia felt warmth spread through her as she hugged Sofia’s waist. For once, she felt truly grateful. Whether Sofia meant it or not, this moment felt real.

Zinnia didn’t 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.

“What’s going on here?” Jackson walked in, smiling at the grandma–granddaughter hugfest.

“I told Zinnia she’s staying with us, not going back with your aunt. Their behavior was out of line. Next time you see the Shaw brothers, don’t hold back—lay into them.”

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 they’d upset Zinnia.

His eyes found her right away–calm 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.

“Roger that, Grandma.” Jackson nodded solemnly, already planning to give those Shaw brothers a piece of his mind next time.

“What’re you hiding back there?” Sofia squinted at his hands, which were suspiciously hidden.

“Spotted this plush on my way home.” Jackson whipped out a fluffy doll from behind his back. “Thought Zinnia might dig it.”

He stepped closer, holding it out. “Zinnia, hope you like it.”

“For me?” Zinnia blinked, staring at the toy in his hands.

“Duh. You’re the only girl here.” Jackson grinned. “If you hate it, I’ll grab something else next time.”

It was the first time Jackson had bought a gift for a girl. He had no clue if she’d like it. Usually, his assistant picked stuff for Betty.

He’d seen the doll through the car window after work, passing a toy store. Its sweet, squishy face reminded him of Zinnia. He’d made the driver pull over and grab it.

“This is perfect. No need for another.” Zinnia hugged it tight. The soft fur felt good, and the doll’s smile made her lips twitch upward. Finally, she got a real gift.

“Huh. You’re finally acting like a brother,” Sofia said, noticing Zinnia’s 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.

“I’ll bring you more gifts anytime,” 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.

“Thanks.” Zinnia looked up at him, her usually guarded eyes softening a bit.