Chapter 161
Chapter 161
Adrian gently led Lysander closer. The three of them sat down facing each other.
“Zinnia, here’s the menu. See what you’d like,” Adrian said, sliding the menu over to her.
They didn’t expect their guest to be such a young girl. If they had known, they wouldn’t have set up to meet at a club. They weren’t used to dealing with someone her age.
They’d never had a girl in the family before. Seeing someone as young as Zinnia, they honestly didn’t know what to do.
“I’m good, I actually have something to do later. Lysander, this is the medicine my master made for you,” Zinnia said, quickly pulling out a bottle from her bag and setting it on the table, already eager to go back to Maisie.
“We trust the medicine made by Mr. M,” Lysander said with a gentle smile.
After ordering a few pastries, Adrian put down the menu, holding a fancy box. He tried to offer a small gift of thanks.
“You’ve already paid my master,” Zinnia said.
“That was for Mr. M, and this one is for you, Zinnia,” Adrian said. “You made a special trip to bring the medicine. This is our way of saying thanks.”
Zinnia looked at them, knowing this gift probably didn’t mean much to them, so she didn’t refuse. “I’ll take my leave then,” she said. If she didn’t hurry back, Maisie would start to worry.
“Wait a second, Zinnia,” Adrian said. “I already ordered the pastries. I’ll have them packed up for you to take. They’re all handmade and taste really good. I’m sure you’ll love them.”
Hearing she was about to leave, both Lysander and Adrian felt a sudden sadness. Adrian quickly stood up to stop her while signaling the waiter to pack some pastries for her.
Zinnia said, “No, thanks.”
“Zinnia, these pastries are hard to find and super tasty. If you need to go, I won’t hold you, but please take them. They’ll be packed quickly,” Lysander said kindly.
“Your master trusted us to take care of you and told us how much you love soft, chewy pastries.” Lysander looked at Zinnia with gentle eyes.
She could feel real kindness from him. “Thank you,” Zinnia said.
Adrian had already gone to arrange everything, so Zinnia couldn’t leave. She thought, ‘I didn’t expect Master to tell them so much. They even know I love pastries. It looks like Master really trusted them.‘
Adrian came back shortly after, carrying several beautifully packed boxes of pastries.
“Zinnia, are you going home? We can arrange a ride for you,” Adrian said as he came over.
Zinnia politely said, “No need. I’m meeting friends at the mall.”
“Adrian, walk Zinnia out,” Lysander said.
“Lysander, there’s really no need,” Zinnia said politely, not wanting to trouble them.
“It’s no trouble at all. Let me walk you out,” Adrian offered. For some reason, he just wanted to spend a little more time with Zinnia. Even he felt confused by this strange urge.
“Grandpa, wait for me here. I’ll be right back,” Adrian said, turning to his grandpa.
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Chapter 161
Lysander gave her one last long look and said, “Zinnia, why not add Adrian on Facebook? Mr. M asked us to look after you. We’ll stay in Jington for the next six months. If you need anything, you can always ask him.”
Adrian had already taken out his phone. Since they were the people Master trusted, Zinnia really had no choice but to do as they said. She thought. They are the backup Master set up for me.
“If they can reach Master, he’ll definitely worry if I don’t add them.’ So she added him. As Adrian looked at her profile picture, a small smile appeared on his face.
Zinnia walked out with Adrian beside her. Lysander watched from behind, his wise eyes staying on Zinnia. ‘How could her eyes look so much like my son’s?‘ he wondered.
Outside the club, Zinnia stopped and said, “I can handle the rest myself.”
“Alright, Zinnia. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything,” Adrian said, handing her the box.
“Okay,” Zinnia replied, taking the box. Adrian watched her until she disappeared into the mall, then he turned back and went into the club. Lysander stayed in his seat, his eyes lingering thoughtfully on the chair Zinnia had just left.
“Did you see her off?” Lysander asked, looking at him.
Adrian nodded. “Yeah, I only came back after seeing her go into the mall.” Then, with a teasing smile, he added, “Grandpa, do you have a soft spot for
Zinnia?”
“Don’t you think she looks a bit familiar?” Lysander said as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Grandpa,” Adrian said, “Mr. M told you to cut back on coffee now.”
Adrian quickly stepped forward and gently took it away, not sure why Lysander said that.
“I’m dying, and this is the only pleasure I have left! You won’t even let me drink it?” Lysander grumbled, glaring at his grandson.
“Once you’re fully better, you can drink as much as you want,” Adrian said firmly. “You just got out of the hospital, so I need to watch you.”
“Adrian, don’t you feel something strange about that girl?” Adrian looked at him helplessly, then sighed, “I should never have brought you back with me. Now I can’t even enjoy a good cup of coffee.”
Adrian turned to face him. “Grandpa, you feel it too?”
Lysander said, “Zinnia’s eyes are very much like yours.” Both had that slight upward curve at the outer corners.
“Grandpa, my parents only had me. If Mom finds out Dad cheated, he’ll come crying to you,” Adrian teased.
Lysander’s face darkened, his tone no longer gentle. “Maybe you should get your head checked.”
“Wait, are you saying she’s Uncle Galen’s daughter? But he’s never even been married. How could he have a kid?” Adrian blurted out, surprised by the thought.
Lysander sighed. “Remember he’s a playboy? If Zinnia really is the child from his reckless youth, then our whole family failed her.”
Lysander’s instincts were always right. He knew Zinnia had to be part of the family.
Adrian fell silent, thinking back to over ten years ago when his uncle was known as a big playboy. It wasn’t until he got caught up in some trouble u..he stopped. But with all his past flings, maybe he did leave a child behind.
After meeting Zinnia, that strange feeling of familiarity made it seem possible. “Look into her background. Better to check than miss this chance,” Lysander said.
They never had a girl in the family. ‘If only she really belonged to the family,‘ he thought wistfully.
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Chapter 161
“I’ll look into it,” Adrian agreed, feeling excited inside.
