Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 229

Chapter 229

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Noises drifted upstairs. Zinnia peeked down and froze-Maelis, Betty, and Howard were there. Without a word, she turned and headed straight to her room, refusing to talk.

“Zinnia, you’re up!” Betty called when she spotted Zinnia on the landing. The living room fell

silent.

“Zinnia!” Maclis said, pausing mid-chat with Sofia. She looked up, excited. “Zinnia!” She jumped up, voice trembling.

It’d been two days. Maclis wanted to know if Zinnia was feeling okay. Maclis’s mind raced- how was she sleeping? Was her room cozy enough?

Zinnia froze halfway down the stairs. She stared at Maclis’s cager face, expression blank, and said nothing.

“Zinnia,” Sofia sighed, seeing Zinnia’s icy glare. The rift was real-Maelis had pushed Zinnia away, and mending it wouldn’t be casy.

Sofia glanced at Betty, sitting calmly beside Maelis. Her face was unreadable.

Noticing Sofia’s look, Betty smiled politely, as perfect as ever.

Sofia looked away. Zinnia couldn’t match Betty’s guile. Even with her mood swings, Betty was too sly. But Maelis was clueless, always siding with Betty.

Sofia didn’t want to imagine the fallout if Maelis ever saw the truth and Zinnia cut her off completely. She wanted to warn Maelis, but Maelis’s mixed signals-praising Zinnia yet sticking with Betty-gave her a headache.

“Zinnia! Mom’s calling. Get down here,” Howard suddenly shouted, standing up.

“Howard!” Sofia frowned. “Don’t talk to her like that.”

“Grandma…” Howard trailed off.

she said flatly, eyes cold as

me, Zinnia,” Sofia said, tapping the

right down. She only came

without a look. She felt her throat tight. They hadn’t talked much since that

sleep okay?” Sofia asked, holding

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Chapter 229

voice soft-way different from how she

important. I just want you to eat, rest, and be happy,” Sofia

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eyes all

all these years trying to impress

Why does she dote on Zinnia after just

Sofia hated her for a decade. She’d always been quiet and polite at the Lynn residence, unlike the other

was being all polite or trying to show I really cared. Before Zinnia got back, she’d at least give me the time

even in the room like I’m her mortal enemy

but not a single kind look. She’d thought Sofia preferred boys. But now, seeing how

stay.

seethed, thinking, ‘Why? Just because we’re not blood? I’ve called her “Grandma” for twelve years. Ever since Zinnia showed up, she has been

before… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t

Her heart hurt. She gently took Zinnia’s hand and said softly, “Sweetheart?” Her

made her uneasy. She pulled away and moved her hand off

like her heart was being eaten by emptiness. Her own daughter

We were wrong. Please