Chapter 30

Hearing Zinnia’s sweet voice, Timothy looked over and saw Jackson with her. Then he pursed his lips.

Betty clenched her fingers so hard that her nails dug into her palm. She fumed, "That bitch doesn’t deserve such beautiful jewelry. It should be mine!"

She walked over and said, “Jackson, Mom would probably love this. Would you consider letting us have it?”

Jackson shifted away, his pretty face clouded with irritation. He didn’t beat around the bush with Betty: “Betty, stop playing dumb. Do I need to spell it out for you? This design is specifically for young girls."

“Do you really think Maelis would like it? She’s never been a fan of pink. So, are you trying to please her, or just yourself? You know the answer. Betty, don’t force me to lay it bare and embarrass you.”

Betty’s smile froze, and her face burned with embarrassment. She’d never been humiliated so ruthlessly and openly. Standing there in front of everyone, she felt utterly mortified, as if every eye was a spotlight on her shame.

She glared at Jackson, and at that moment, she wondered if she really needed the Lynn family that much. To be humiliated like this, in front of everyone—it was too much. Hatred surged within her.

But in the very next moment, she felt a chill. She locked eyes with Zinnia’s cold, piercing gaze. Betty had never seen such a look on Zinnia before. It was clear—if she dared to hurt Jackson, Zinnia would make her pay dearly.

Betty felt a chill run through her. The fleeting burst of anger she’d felt just moments ago dissipated as quickly as it had come. She was taken aback that she’d even had such a thought.

In town, the Perkins family was top, the Lynn family second. The Shaw family only prospered after Maelis and Donald married, lacking the Lynn family’s deep roots. If the Lynn family fell, the Shaw family would surely be dragged down too.

Timothy had only recently taken over the company and couldn’t compare to Jackson, the Lynn family heir. If Jackson fell, they’d be easy targets, and the fallout would be far worse than any imagined gain. Betty wasn’t ready to lose her privileged life.

She shook herself, the earlier thoughts slipping away like smoke. When she glanced at Zinnia, she saw the same vacant expression as always. That brief flash of awareness in Zinnia’s eyes—it must have been her imagination.

Betty frowned, reassuring herself, ‘Zinnia has always been like this since she was found. If she had any real skills, she wouldn’t have been tricked by me so many times, and she wouldn’t have been kicked out. I must have been mistaken just now.’

“Could you wrap these up for us?” Jackson said, turning to the clerk.

“Sure thing, Mr. Lynn. Just a sec,” the clerk replied, starting to package the items.

Timothy stood nearby, his mind still on Jackson’s words. He glanced over at Betty. Maelis had never been a fan of pink—everyone in the family knew that. But Betty had her heart set on this set.

Betty’s eyes were fixed on the clerk as the jewelry was being wrapped. She looked like she’d just lost something she cherished.

Timothy felt an odd discomfort. Betty claimed she was buying it for Maelis, but he suspected she wanted it for herself. If that were the case, she could have just said so. He would have bought it for her.

Instead, she used Maelis as an excuse. Timothy didn’t like being deceived and felt annoyed.

Betty had no idea her game was up. She loved that jewelry set, and knowing it was for Zinnia made her want it even more. She had to watch the clerk wrap it up, and it was killing her.

Her teeth were clenched so tight that she could feel the strain. She thought, ‘This is supposed to be mine. How dare Zinnia take it?’

“Hand me the bracelet and necklace, and pack up the earrings and the crown, please,” Jackson said.

He had ordered a set of four pieces: a bracelet, a necklace, earrings, and an exquisite crown. The crown was studded with pink gemstones that softly shimmered under the lights. The clerk, wearing velvet gloves, handed them over with a respectful nod.

Jackson took the bracelet and gently slipped it onto Zinnia’s wrist. Then he picked up the necklace. As Zinnia instinctively started to lower her head, Jackson’s voice was gentle but firm. “No need to bow your head. A princess doesn’t need to bow.”

Zinnia froze, looking up at Jackson. For the first time, she felt seen, truly valued. She blinked, feeling a strange warmth in her eyes.

Jackson reached around her neck and fastened the necklace. “Jackson…” Zinnia whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Just wear this set for now,” Jackson said softly. “I’ll get you something even better; something you’ll love.”

He smiled as he looked at the pieces on her, feeling a sense of satisfaction. There was something about seeing Zinnia adorned that made him happy. He wanted to keep that look on her face and that sparkle in her eyes.

Timothy stood off to the side, feeling a strange mix of emotions. None of them had ever given Zinnia a second thought; in fact, they were more than indifferent—they were annoyed by her.

Yet here was Jackson, treating her like she was the most important person in the world. The way he looked at her, the way he spoke to her—it was clear he cared deeply. It was almost jarring. Timothy didn’t want to admit it, but he couldn’t look away.

The clerk was quick and efficient, packing everything up in no time. “Mr. Lynn, the earrings and crown are all set. Would you like us to deliver them to your place, or are you taking them with you?”

“Send them to the Lynn residence,” Jackson said, signing off on the purchase as soon as Zinnia gave a nod. The jewelry was worth a fortune, but he didn’t blink.

They were off to dinner next, and lugging the packages around would be a pain. Zinnia didn’t have her ears pierced, so the earrings were a no-go.

The crown was a bit too grand for the moment—she could save it for a special occasion or just keep it as a fun keepsake. But the necklace and bracelet were perfect for wearing right away.

Betty stood to the side, her jaw tight, struggling to keep her emotions in check. ‘Why does Zinnia always get everything? It’s not fair. It should have been mine—jewelry, family, love—all of it. She’s the one who has taken everything that is supposed to be mine!’

Zinnia walked beside Jackson as they headed out, passing by Timothy and Betty. Timothy glanced at her, but she didn’t even spare him a look. She just kept walking, following Jackson without a word.

Timothy’s lips pressed into a thin line. She’d been so nice to Jackson, but indifferent to him.

“Timothy, let’s go back. Mom’s waiting for us,” Betty said quietly. She noticed how Timothy kept staring at Jackson and Zinnia, who were already far away.

“Sure.” Timothy nodded, tearing his gaze away.

“Timothy, I’m not feeling so good. My stomach hurts,” Betty winced, clutching her stomach. “Can you wait for me a minute?”