Chapter 8

“You can’t be serious, Ms. Zinnia Shaw!” Lucy exclaimed. “It’s over ten miles downhill, and taxis never come to this gated community. You’re still feverish–you’ll collapse if you walk.”

‘She’s got a fever and she’s trying to take off? She’d only been back to the Shaw family for two months. Why leave now? Was she wronged?’ Jackson frowned and turned to look at Zinnia. “Where are you going? I’ll give you a ride.”

“No need.” Zinnia took the bag from Lucy and walked straight toward the door.

With Jackson there, Lucy couldn’t even make a move to follow Zinnia.

Jackson hadn’t even entered the house before turning around to follow Zinnia.

Lucy watched Jackson chase after Zinnia, feeling both anxious and helpless. Zinnia was clearly done with the Shaw family, and Lucy couldn’t imagine how she’d handle Jackson, someone she’d never even met before.

Plus, Jackson was known for being ice–cold, totally shutting down any girl who tried to get close. Not even his own cousin Betty could crack his tough exterior.

Worried, Lucy went to find Lucas to arrange a car for Zinnia. If Jackson didn’t give Zinnia a ride, at least there would be a car to take her home. As Lucy walked, her phone buzzed. She glanced down–it was Howard. She picked up right away.

Zinnia was oblivious to Lucy’s concerns. Jackson kept pestering her, and she was getting seriously irritated. ‘Why is this guy following me?’ she thought angrily.

“Where are you going, Zinnia?” Jackson called out, watching her short legs move surprisingly fast.

“None of your business! I don’t know you. Stop following me,” Zinnia snapped, her tone dripping with annoyance.

Jackson picked up on Zinnia’s annoyance. ‘Did I do something to tick her off?’ he thought, frowning.

“Lucy just told you–I’m your cousin, your mom’s older brother’s son,” he said, stepping in front of her and holding out his hand. “Since we’ve never met, let me introduce myself. Hey, I’m Jackson Lynn, your cousin.”

Zinnia stepped around him, her voice emotionless. “The Shaws mean nothing to me. You’re no family of mine.”

“Trouble with the Shaw family?” Jackson detected the coldness in her voice.

“Not your concern. Get out of my way,” Zinnia snapped, her usually soft voice turning sharp. She just felt Jackson was as bothersome as the Shaws.

Jackson realized Zinnia really was having issues with the Shaw family. He caught up and grabbed her luggage.

When Zinnia glared at him, he put on a serious face and said, “If you don’t want to stay with the Shaw family, come back to the Lynn residence with me. I won’t let you leave alone anyway. Besides, Grandpa and Grandma haven’t met you yet.”

Jackson thought about scheming Betty. She’d been with the Shaw family for years, and he was sure they’d never let her go. A small–town girl like Zinnia didn’t stand a chance against Betty’s power play.

“Stop it. One family wants to send me away, the other wants to take me back. Can’t you two families settle your differences first?” Zinnia said, furious.

She tried to reclaim her belongings, but Jackson lifted them overhead. She jumped and strained, but couldn’t reach. Already feeling unwell, this teasing pushed her over the edge.

When Zinnia glared up, Jackson froze. Her delicate but pale face caught his eye–she did resemble Maelis, but younger and more striking. The fever flushed her cheeks, adding a fragile air that begged protection. She looked like the whole world had wronged her.

Zinnia had kept her head down before, so Jackson never saw her face clearly. He’d come to her birthday party yesterday but hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her.

His grandparents, Henry and Sofia, grew concerned after hearing about Betty’s drowning incident. They sent him to check on her–only to find her trying to leave her family.

Jackson’s gaze turned cold. ‘Are they out of their minds?’ he thought. The Shaw family finally found their long–lost daughter, yet instead of compensating her, they were sending her away.

“Don’t want to stay with the Shaws? That’s fine.” Jackson kept his anger in check, his voice gentle. “Come home with me to the Lynn residence.”

He figured that the Shaws had raised Betty for over a decade and couldn’t cast her aside overnight. The real victim here would be the newcomer without family ties–Zinnia.

“No. I won’t return to the Shaws or join your Lynns,” Zinnia said coldly. “Return my belongings or I’ll call the police.”

Jackson was devilishly handsome with chiseled features and soulful eyes. His gentle tone might disarm most people, but Zinnia had grown up with a master whose beauty mirrored celestial beings. Ordinary men couldn’t shake her composure.

“Zinnia.” Jackson crouched down to her eye level. “I promise our family will protect you. Grandma and Grandpa miss you so much. Why don’t you go see them?”

Zinnia frowned, remembering the kind old couple she met when first arriving at the Shaw residence. Sofia had held her hands, asking if she’d had a hard time all those years, then slipped an emerald pendant into her palm.

Jackson noticed Zinnia hesitating when Sofia was mentioned. He began, “Zinnia, you need to find a place first if you want to move out. Let’s stay at the Lynn residence while you look.

“You can keep Grandma company. She hasn’t been feeling well lately and keeps talking about you. Why not visit her while taking your time to find the right place?”

“I’ll check on Grandma then leave,” Zinnia said. Sofia was the first person who showed her kindness in Jinston. When Jackson mentioned Sofia’s poor health, Zinnia grew worried–she treasured everyone who treated her well.

“Alright.” Jackson nodded. His main goal was to get her home safely, and they could discuss her leaving later. He wouldn’t let a feverish Zinnia wander off alone. If she refused to stay at the Shaw residence, the Lynn family would shelter her.

Zinnia remained silent.

“My car’s just ahead. Stay close, okay?” Jackson said, trying to make conversation.

Zinnia followed him silently. She planned to leave right after visiting Sofia.

Jackson sighed quietly at Zinnia’s silence. He wondered how much mistreatment the Shaw family had subjected her to.