Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 262

Chapter 262

Howard couldn’t figure out why Zinnia had started to occupy his thoughts. Maybe it was the way she sat there quietly, listening to their plans to send her away, her calm and steady gaze making him feel inexplicably uneasy.

Or maybe it was the time she fainted in his arms, her pale face showing a vulnerability he hadn’t noticed before. It hit him that she wasn’t just some girl; she was his sister, someone who needed to be cared for.

Or perhaps it was the way she stopped talking to him, her cold demeanor leaving him feeling unsettled. Or maybe it was her indifference, the way she ignored them completely, her coldness making him feel uncomfortable, like they were being treated unfairly.

Whatever the reason, Howard knew he didn’t want Zinnia to treat him like this. He thought, ‘She is clearly angry. I owe her an apology. Maybe if I apologized, she’d stop being so distant. Maybe she’d smile at me again.’

Howard called out, “Zinnia.” His voice was hesitant as he looked at her. Her silence made him feel like he was standing on shaky ground.

“I don’t need your apology,” Zinnia replied, her tone flat and her expression unchanged.

Howard’s hand slowly dropped to his side. He said, “Zinnia, you haven’t forgiven me, have you?” His voice carried a hint of

sadness.

Zinnia replied, “Who says I have to forgive you just because you apologized?” Her voice was calm, but her words were sharp. She couldn’t understand why Howard looked so defeated. She thought, ‘Does he think an apology is all it took?’

Howard fell silent.

“Zinnia,” a voice called out from behind them.

Zinnia turned her head. Upon seeing the person, her eyes sparkled with joy. She called out, “Charlie!” She stepped past Howard and hurried toward Charlie. He had been busy lately, and she hadn’t seen him for several days.

Charlie pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing a white teddy bear. He said, “I broke my promise, so here’s something to make it up to you.”

He had promised to spend time with Zinnia until school started, but a call from his teacher had pulled him away the very next morning, leaving him no chance to keep his word.

“Thank you, Charlie,” Zinnia said softly. She hugged the teddy bear tightly. It was soft and adorable, and she rubbed her cheek against it.

so formal with me.” He ruffled her hair lightly. His face softened with a gentle smile as he watched her, his heart filled

back!” Isaac’s cheerful voice rang out, accompanied

stairs.

seemingly out of nowhere. Her

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Chapter 262

a world apart, and Zinnia fit right in, as if she truly belonged there. Seeing this scene, a pang of

She sighed

are you leaving again?” Zinnia asked, her voice light and cheerful as she sat surrounded by the Lynn brothers. Jackson couldn’t make it today because of

back every day to spend time with you,” Charlie said warmly. He carefully deboned a piece of fish before placing it into

transfer his work to the hospital. However, if

return to

slice of pork to her bowl and said, “Zinnia, you

exclaimed, “It is good.” Her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, and her eyes sparkled with pure joy. She thought, ‘Meat is the best thing in

Zinnia looked so relaxed, savoring every bite, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor at the Shaw residence. At Shaw family’s table, Zinnia mostly ate plain rice, barely touching the

noticing the vibrant dishes. The dishes

Shaw family. The Shaws preferred bland, light flavors. Heavy oil and seasoning were practically taboo. Howard noticed that Zinnia hadn’t

disdain before reluctantly

home because there were no dishes she liked?

at home. But during meals, they couldn’t avoid seeing each other. When everyone else was picking up dishes, Zinnia

notice her,

Shaws thought she was just shy and even found her behavior annoying. They thought, ‘Why act like that while eating? It was as

hit Howard hard. He thought, ‘We never tried to understand her.’ His heart sank under

shrimp and started to peel it. The greasy texture felt strange and uncomfortable in his hands. It was his first time peeling

wrong places and leaving the shrimp

zone.

he extended his hand,

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12:56 Thu, 18 Sept