Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 268

Chapter 268

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The group finally left the school. They followed Ethan through a maze of twists and turns until they arrived at a narrow alley. At the end of the alley stood a quaint, timeworn shop, its faded sign barely visible in the dim light.

Ethan led them inside, his enthusiasm evident as he began introducing the place.

He said, “Don’t let the shabby look fool you. This place is a hidden gem. Whenever Brian and I can’t figure out what to eat, we always come here. Trust me, even if you’re not hungry, you’ll find something you can’t resist.”

The dim glow of a distant streetlamp barely lit the narrow alley, where shadows danced across the cracked pavement. Zinnia glanced back at Lydia. She noticed that Lydia’s bangs covered most of her eyes, and she was also wearing glasses.

Concerned that Lydia might have trouble seeing, Zinnia offered, “Lydia, can you see alright? Watch your step. If it’s too dark, just grab my arm or something.”

“I’m fine,” Lydia said briskly.

Hearing this, Zinnia turned her focus back to the uneven path, completely missing the fleeting frustration in Lydia’s eyes.

Lydia clutched her books tightly, quickening her pace to keep up, her eyes fixed on the figures ahead.

“Hey, Alfred, Tessa!” Ethan called out as they stepped into the bustling restaurant.

The place was small, just about 215 to 323 square feet, but owning a spot like this in the prime real estate of Jinston was no small accomplishment.

“Ethan, you’re here! Go ahead and find a seat. The menu’s on the table; you can order directly from there,” Tessa’s voice rang out from the kitchen.

“Got it. You do your thing; we’ll find a spot,” Ethan replied with a nod, scanning the room for available seats.

It was peak lunchtime, and most of the tables were already taken. Eventually, Ethan led them to a window-side table, a spot Tessa and Alfred had thoughtfully reserved for them.

“You get them seated; I’ll grab the chairs,” Brian said to Ethan.

“Alright, we’ll sit over there,” Ethan said, guiding the group. He grabbed a chair and set it down, making sure the three girls had enough seats. Then he said, “If you want to order, just scan the QR code on the table. It’s super easy.”

The table was square-shaped. Zinnia and Maisie sat together on one side, while Lydia sat on Zinnia’s other side. Soon, Brian returned with two more chairs, and he and Ethan took the remaining seats on the opposite side.

“Zinnia, what looks good to you?” Maisie asked, holding up her phone.

crispy pumpkin pies on the screen. When Zinnia and her Master lived in

eye for good food. These pumpkin pies are the real deal. Every time Brian and

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Chapter 268

not overwhelming, with a crispy shell and a soft, fluffy center

glanced at the picture of the pumpkin pies and quietly snapped a photo with

were, Tessa had thoughtfully included a

two orders,” Maisie said,

first customers at the shop and managed to snag

drink? I’ll grab them for you,” Ethan

shop didn’t have waitstaff; Alfred and Tessa handled everything,

juice,” Maisue

Zinnia

plain water, thanks,” Lydia

known each other for long, their conversations

Ladies, hang tight. I’ll be right back,” Ethan said with

went along to help, as Ethan couldn’t carry all the

water. He handed the coconut milk to Zinnia

your coconut milk.”

Zinnia said, accepting the drink with both

up, and I’ll pour you another,” Ethan

had picked different drinks. Some were kept in insulated containers,

placing a glass of warm water beside

the orange juice to Maisie. Then he tossed a can of cola toward Ethan as

Catch your soda.” He had a

fumbled to catch the can, nearly dropping it in the process. He said, “Take it

out?”

glance and sat down without

a kind-looking woman with a gentle smile

pies. The golden pumpkin pies were arranged on a white porcelain plate. The warm, sweet aroma of fresh pumpkin

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Chapter 268

artificial flavors.