Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 282

“Zinnia, you seem really happy today. What’s going on?” On Monday, her classmates couldn’t help but notice how cheerful

she looked.

“Really?” Zinnia tilted her head, confused. She thought, ‘Am I really that happy? I don’t think so.”

After receiving a message from her master, it was like a spark had been lit inside her. She seemed so much more energetic, no longer resembling the dejected little puppy she had been before.

Just thinking about her master reaching out sent ripples of quiet joy through her heart.

“You totally are! Look at that little smile on your face,” Maisie teased, pointing at the corners of Zinnia’s lips that had curled up without her even realizing it.

When Maisie first met her, Zinnia had been like a gloomy kitten, abandoned and left to sulk.

She was quiet and well–behaved, never showing any obvious signs of unhappiness, but Maisie could just feel that she wasn’t in a good place.

Now, though, it was clear something had shifted. She seemed lighter, like she had something to look forward to.

Zinnia touched the corner of her lips thoughtfully. It did seem like there was a faint smile there.

“Hey Zinnia, did you finish your homework?” Ethan asked, spinning around in his seat.

After parting ways with Maisie, who had repeatedly promised to ace the monthly exams so they could sit together, Zinnia reluctantly shuffled back to her seat.

Unbeknownst to her, Betty’s words caught someone’s attention. As soon as Zinnia sat down, Ethan turned around with a grin.

Zinnia’s smile froze instantly. She thought, ‘Why is it always about homework on the first day of school? Can’t they ask something more interesting for once?‘

Before she could respond, Brian leaned over, propping his head on one hand. “Come on, does she look like someone who actually finished her homework?” he teased, his handsome face brimming with amusement.

“I did!” Zinnia shot back, baring her teeth in a defiant grin. ‘Even if I didn’t finish, I can’t lose face here!‘ she thought. “Well… Most of it, anyway,” she muttered under her breath.

Zinnia wasn’t exactly a fan of homework. She procrastinated whenever possible, and last night had been a frantic rush to get it done.

She managed to finish the humanities assignments, but when it came to the sciences, she spent half the night staring at the pages, unable to write a single word.

you know he always checks homework,” Ethan said, his lips twitching as he tried to hold back a laugh. At

and pulled out

study vibes at school couldn’t spark the slightest

absentmindedly. ‘Senior year… Just endless exercises, day after day. How am I

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Chapter 282

her hand cramp. No matter the subject,

155 vouchers

mumbled to herself. She felt like a cup of milk tea

hadn’t had any milk tea all weekend

cup from the campus milk tea shop after class. Her brain deserved a

the Shaw residence, Zinnia had realized how cheap things were

bucks.

in her account, she figured she could drink milk tea every day for the rest of her life. She’d happily

out to eat with Maisie and the others. They ordered so much food, but the bill was barely over

was way cheaper than

avoided buying the extravagant dresses Betty

been working overtime–I deserve this! ‘ Zinnia thought, convincing herself as she prepared

her arm. She turned her

eyes.

of those eyes wore a simple white cotton T–shirt. Her pale, almost translucent skin revealed faint blue veins, and her slender wrist held a cup

Evelyn said softly, her voice calm yet tinged with

You made this for me? You’re amazing!” Zinnia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she quickly took the cup with both hands.

tea

behind her bangs, curved

said, her voice clear and

though teaching Zinnia a single problem often required dozens of explanations–since Zinnia

milk tea, Zinnia found herself less resistant to homework. Although she still struggled to fully grasp Lydia’s explanations, she

at least she could get through the assignments for now. Writing her own answers felt better than

several days of working together, Zinnia had started to absorb

sessions.

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