Chapter 182
The Lynn family made sure to introduce Zinnia around, showing their connections to prove how important she was. Zinnia had nothing to do with the Shaw family now; she only belonged to the Lynn, Jenkins, and Spence families.
“It’s been a while,” came Layla’s clear, gentle voice from behind.
Zinnia turned to see a beautiful woman walking over. Dressed in a smooth dress that showed off her slim waist, she carried a glass of champagne. Her long chestnut hair flowed over her shoulders, framing her nice features.
With a warm, confident smile, she moved toward them. Layla carried herself with a mix of professionalism and effortless grace. Seeing Layla, Jackson greeted her.
Charlie, Isaac, and Maisie exclaimed excitedly when they saw her.
Layla shot Maisie a teasing glare and playfully scolded, “Maisie, you still remember me? It’s been ages and you haven’t called. Anyone would think you’ve forgotten about me.”
Maisie replied, “You’re always busy with work. I never know when you’ll be free, so I didn’t want to bother you by calling.” As a diplomat, Layla was rarely around during the year.
“Alright, that’s on me. This designer bag just came out. Think of it as my way of making it up to you,” Layla said.
“And who’s this pretty young lady next to you?” Layla asked, her eyes fixed on Zinnia with barely hidden excitement and a gentle smile.
She had just flown back to the country half an hour ago and came straight to the party. Seeing Maisie, she walked right over without checking who else was there.
Noticing Zinnia, a suspicion started to form in her mind, making her feel excited. “Layla, this is Zinnia,” Jackson introduced her warmly.
Maisie quickly said, “Zinnia, say hi to Layla!”
“So you’re Zinnia.” Layla’s eyes lit up instantly as she said, her voice full of happiness and a little louder than intended, making people nearby look over.
“Hi, Layla,” Zinnia said. She’d already greeted many people, so her mouth was dry.
Layla’s eyes softened with affection as she smiled at Zinnia. “What a lovely little girl you are. Hello, sweetheart. I’m Yannis’s older sister.”
She couldn’t take her eyes off Zinnia, looking at her with tender love. She thought, ‘Just as I thought, this is the girl Yannis has been keeping at home. He really does have good taste.
‘Devin isn’t here yet. I’m the first to meet the girl Yannis has kept all to himself. I can’t wait to tell Devin!‘
Hearing she was Yannis’s sister, Zinnia looked up at Layla, her eyes brightening. So she’s his sister? Just as beautiful as he is–good looks really do run in the family,‘ she thought.
“Sweetheart, this is a little gift from me,” Layla said kindly, taking out a present from her bag. “Next time, I’ll give you something even better.”
Layla and Devin had known there was a young girl living with Yannis helping him recover. They had wanted to meet Zinnia, but the chance never came- partly because they were really busy, and partly because Yannis told them not to bother her.
They only came to this baby shower after hearing Yvette was bringing Zinnia. They came just for her. They would say it was just a chance encounter. That way, Yannis wouldn’t be mad at them.
Zinnia hesitated, looking at Jackson.
“Go ahead and take it, Zinnia,” Jackson said with a kind smile. “She’s rich.”
Chapter 182
Everyone knew Layla and Devin loved Yannis like he was the most important person. With all Zinnia had done to help him, she definitely deserved this gift.
“Thank you, Layla,” Zinnia said as she finally took it.
Layla grinned, waving off Zinnia’s thanks. “Don’t mention it, sweetheart.
on,
add
ine on Facebook,” she said kindly, pulling out her phone.
Layla thought, ‘Yannis loves Zinnia so much. If I befriend her, I’ll get more chances to see Yannis through her. As long as we’re close, Yannis can’t stay mad at me.‘ Zinnia added Layla on Facebook.
Seeing how much Layla cared for Zinnia, those watching secretly couldn’t help but respect Zinnia even more.
With the Lynn, Spence, and Jenkins families behind her, plus Yannis supporting her, she was totally untouchable.
Jackson was busy. Though it was a baby shower, it was far from a simple party. In just one turnaround, many people already surrounded them.
Jackson looked at Zinnia as she was about to leave. With a loving smile, he watched her softly rub her cheeks. “If you girls need anything, just come find me,” he said kindly.
“Okay,” Zinnia said, her cheeks sore from all the smiles. She had barely sat down before being pulled around again. Now that she could finally leave, she jumped at the chance.
Zinnia grabbed Maisie’s arm and whispered urgently, “Hurry–my face is freezing from all this smiling!” The two quickly slipped away from the crowd.
“I’m done with these fancy parties,” Zinnia sighed as they got away. “All that small talk wore me out more than treating a hundred patients.”
“Zinnia, we’ll have to get used to this. We will represent the family sooner,” Maisie said. Though she was tired too, she didn’t mind. She’d been going through these social scenes since she was a kid.
Zinnia giggled, holding her arm. “I’ll just follow your lead–you take the spotlight while I relax. I’ll leave the company to you and just enjoy the easy life.” Zinnia agreed to change her last name to Jenkins, but she never even thought about fighting Maisie over the inheritance. She wasn’t short on money. She still had many herbal farms.
“You’re only thinking about your own comfort, huh?” Maisie gently pinched her little face.
Zinnia giggled. “With you around, I don’t have to worry about anything.”
Through Maisie and Jackson, Zinnia finally felt what real family love was–love that made her whole again. Her ever–growing smile showed this change.
“Alright, I’ll work hard so you can just relax,” Maisie said.
She added, “Come on, I’ll take you somewhere quieter. The lunch is about to start. After lunch, we’ll go home.”
“Okay!” Zinnia’s lips instantly turned into a big, happy smile.
In a corner, a few pairs of eyes with complicated feelings watched her. Howard stood among the crowd, holding a glass of red wine, his eyes on Zinnia, whose bright smile lit up the room. She looked happier after she left their family.
A sad smile touched Howard’s lips. Howard thought, ‘Maybe it’s for the best. Our family already owes her too much. I was too weak and useless. I couldn’t protect her when she needed me most.
‘Listening to the whispers in the hall blaming us We are not worthy of being Zinnia’s brothers. I have to admit they are right. None of us are worthy.”
