Chapter 39

“Isaac, take good care of Zinnia once you’re at school. If anything comes up, call me right away,” Jackson reminded him as they neared the school gates.

Isaac and Zinnia were both seniors at Evershine High. However, while Isaac was in the honors class, Zinnia was placed in the International Class.

Isaac didn’t always seem serious, but his grades were consistently strong. Zinnia, on the other hand, struggled academically, so the Shaw family had used money to get her into the International Class.

That class was typically for wealthy students who didn’t do well academically. After senior year, they usually went abroad for college or used money to secure admission to a domestic university.

Originally, Jackson had considered transferring Zinnia into Isaac’s class, but seeing that Zinnia didn’t seem particularly interested in studying, he hadn’t forced the issue.

He had even looked into her previous academic records and found that, indeed, Zinnia didn’t seem like someone with an aptitude for traditional studies.

Since academics weren’t her strength, the family decided it was more important for Zinnia to simply be happy. Jackson didn’t expect her to be a top student–he just wanted her to be content. After all, studying isn’t the only path in life.

And even if she didn’t excel in school, she still had him as her safety net. Zinnia had expressed interest in medicine, and in the future, Jackson could arrange for her to study under renowned teachers and focus on that.

No matter what, Zinnia would always have options.

Right now, all Jackson cared about was her happiness. Especially after learning how poorly she’d been treated at the Shaw residence, he didn’t care about anything else–he just wanted Zinnia to grow up safe, joyful, and carefree.

“Zinnia, the cafeteria food at Evershine High is really good. If you can focus in class, great. If not, just eat plenty and stay healthy. I’ll pick you up tonight.”

Jackson’s voice softened again as he turned to Zinnia.

“Okay.” The mention of good cafeteria food made Zinnia less resistant to the idea of going to school. She even started looking forward to lunch.

If Jackson said it was good, she believed him.

“Mr. Lynn, we’ve arrived,” the driver in the front seat announced as the car slowly came to a stop.

The three of them stepped out.

“Timothy, I’m here. You can head back now. Thanks for driving me,” came a soft voice behind them.

Just as Zinnia and the others got out, another car pulled up behind theirs.

Betty stepped out of the vehicle, dressed in a light green dress with perfectly applied makeup. She stood there gracefully, like a fresh bud in springtime, her expression gentle as she spoke to Timothy.

Students walking by began whispering in awe the moment they saw her.

“I was only gone for one summer, and Betty looks even prettier than before.”

“She speaks so softly and sweetly. I wish she’d talk to me like that.”

“She’s gorgeous. I’m so jealous. Betty’s truly a winner in life–not only is her family rich, but her parents and brothers dote on her so much.”

“That’s Timothy Shaw beside her, right? I heard he’s a top lawyer. I can’t believe he’s so busy yet still personally brought her to school. He’s really handsome. I wish I could be Betty, even just for a day, to live that rich girl life.”

Students passing by couldn’t hide the admiration on their faces as they looked at Betty–and the tall, strikingly handsome Timothy standing beside her.

Hearing the envy in their voices, Betty couldn’t stop the subtle upward curve at the corners of her lips.

“Betty’s such a hypocrite. And these idiots still think she’s some kind of angel,” someone muttered from within the crowd.

“Timothy, I’m here now. Thank you for bringing me. Make sure you rest well, okay? Your dark circles look terrible. No matter how busy you are, you have to take care of your health,” Betty said softly and sweetly.

But despite all her tender words, Timothy didn’t respond. She followed his gaze–and saw him staring intently at Zinnia, who was standing not far away with Jackson and Isaac.

Betty clenched her fists slightly. She’d forgotten that Zinnia was attending this school too.

She hadn’t expected Zinnia to be so favored–Jackson had actually come to drop her off in person. Even Isaac, standing beside her, didn’t look unhappy at all. In fact, he was leaning in to say something to Zinnia that made her giggle.

Betty nearly lost her sweet facade. She bit her lip.

“Timothy, Zinnia and Jackson are right up ahead. Should we go say hello?” Betty suppressed the bitterness swelling inside her and looked up at Timothy, her colored contact lenses making her eyes appear wide and innocent.

“Alright.” Timothy nodded and started walking toward them.

Betty had assumed that after what happened yesterday, Timothy would want to avoid Jackson and the others, but to her surprise, he agreed without hesitation.

Left with no choice, Betty followed him.

“Jackson. Isaac…” Timothy greeted, glancing at the three smiling faces before him. His lips tightened slightly.

The cheerful conversation among the three came to a sudden stop. The smile on Zinnia’s face vanished completely.

“Timothy.” Seeing him approach, Isaac immediately sensed the change in atmosphere. He greeted Timothy politely but didn’t even glance at Betty standing behind him. Jackson only nodded.

“Jackson, Isaac, Zinnia, hello,” Betty said, clearly aware of their coldness toward her. Though visibly uncomfortable, she still forced a smile and offered her greeting, but none of the three responded.

“We’re not that close,” Isaac finally said, breaking the silence that had grown too heavy. He didn’t like Betty at all.

“Isaac, did I do something to upset you?” Betty asked, her tone soft and hurt, though her eyes were filled with suppressed anger at the humiliation. Isaac had publicly embarrassed her, and she couldn’t stand it.

“I just can’t stand the way you act,” Isaac replied flatly. “Don’t give me that look. I hate hypocrites.”

That expression of hers made his head ache–always playing the part of the fragile, wronged girl, like someone had bullied her.

But the truth was, Betty had taken Zinnia’s rightful place in the family and even forced Zinnia’s mother to kick her out. If Jackson hadn’t found her, who knew where Zinnia would be now?

Isaac wasn’t stupid. He could see clearly that Betty had done something behind the scenes to get Zinnia thrown out.

“Isaac, I didn’t bully Zinnia,” Betty said, her face going pale. “I even told Mom and Dad I could move out so Zinnia could stay…”

She’d never been confronted like this before. Flustered, she glanced at Zinnia and tugged on Timothy’s sleeve, hoping he’d speak up for her.

“Then why are you still living at the Shaw residence?” Isaac asked pointedly.

Betty fell silent.

“Isaac, that’s enough,” Timothy finally said. “Yes, our mother made a mistake years ago by switching Betty and Zinnia, but Betty is still part of our family.

“What happened with Zinnia was a misunderstanding. Our mom already tried to bring her home. It was Zinnia who didn’t want to come back–it had nothing to do with Betty.”

Timothy withdrew his gaze from Zinnia and looked at Betty’s pitiful, hurt expression. Seeing her like that, he instinctively stepped in to defend her.