Come in 24
Posted on July 07, 2025 ยท 0 mins read
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Chapter 24

โ€œCome back when youโ€™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."

โ€œDonโ€™t show your faces here again until youโ€™ve made up your minds,โ€ Sofia all but shoved them out, her temper raging.

โ€œZinnia doesnโ€™t orbit around you three brothers. If you canโ€™t stand her, Jackson still wants her.โ€ Sofia shot Howard a glare as he scowled. โ€œYou 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 couldnโ€™t wait for the day he came crawling back, begging for Zinniaโ€™s forgiveness.

Zinniaโ€™s a gem, and they would regret treating her like dirt. Sofia could tell Howard was already hookedโ€“he just didnโ€™t know it yet.

Howard stuck around, pretending not to look upstairs. When Zinnia tried to sneak off to her room, heโ€™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.

โ€œStay here as long as you need, sweetie.โ€ Sofia squeezed Zinniaโ€™s hands. โ€œThisโ€™ll always be your home.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t sweat it, Zinnia. As long as Iโ€™m here, Iโ€™ve got your back.โ€ After seeing how Maelis treated Zinnia today, Sofia couldnโ€™t even fathom what Zinniaโ€™s life was like at the Shaw residence.

โ€œGrandmaโ€ฆโ€ Zinnia bit her lip, nervous under Sofiaโ€™s warm gaze. Since she got to Jinston, Sofia was the only one whoโ€™d truly stood by her.

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

Zinnia often wondered, โ€˜Am I really that unlovable? Do they love Betty that much more?โ€™ She knew the truthโ€“they didnโ€™t believe her because they didnโ€™t love her. They loved Betty, so they never doubted her.

Zinnia knew she wasnโ€™t great at social stuff. She wasnโ€™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.

โ€œZinnia, I love you. Donโ€™t hold back with me. Iโ€™m always on your team.โ€ Sofia hugged Zinnia tightly, seeing the worry and confusion in Zinniaโ€™s eyes.

โ€œThanks, Grandma.โ€ Zinnia felt warmth spread through her as she hugged Sofiaโ€™s waist. For once, she felt truly grateful. Whether Sofia meant it or not, this moment felt real.

Zinnia didnโ€™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.

โ€œWhatโ€™s going on here?โ€ Jackson walked in, smiling at the grandmaโ€“granddaughter hugfest.

โ€œI told Zinnia sheโ€™s staying with us, not going back with your aunt. Their behavior was out of line. Next time you see the Shaw brothers, donโ€™t hold backโ€”lay 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 theyโ€™d upset Zinnia.

His eyes found her right awayโ€“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.

โ€œRoger that, Grandma.โ€ Jackson nodded solemnly, already planning to give those Shaw brothers a piece of his mind next time.

โ€œWhatโ€™re you hiding back there?โ€ Sofia squinted at his hands, which were suspiciously hidden.

โ€œSpotted this plush on my way home.โ€ Jackson whipped out a fluffy doll from behind his back. โ€œThought Zinnia might dig it.โ€

He stepped closer, holding it out. โ€œZinnia, hope you like it.โ€

โ€œFor me?โ€ Zinnia blinked, staring at the toy in his hands.

โ€œDuh. Youโ€™re the only girl here.โ€ Jackson grinned. โ€œIf you hate it, Iโ€™ll grab something else next time.โ€

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

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

โ€œThis is perfect. No need for another.โ€ Zinnia hugged it tight. The soft fur felt good, and the dollโ€™s smile made her lips twitch upward. Finally, she got a real gift.

โ€œHuh. Youโ€™re finally acting like a brother,โ€ Sofia said, noticing Zinniaโ€™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.

โ€œIโ€™ll 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.

โ€œThanks.โ€ Zinnia looked up at him, her usually guarded eyes softening a bit.


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