Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 439

Zinnia stepped into the classroom, immediately surrounded by classmates who’d bombarded her with questions—they’d missed her during her absence. After reassuring them repeatedly that she was unharmed, the crowd finally dispersed, revealing Anne standing quietly at the back.

“Feeling better?” Anne asked, her worried gaze fixed on Zinnia’s hand. Unlike the others, she knew the real story behind Zinnia’s absence.

“Much better, thanks.” Zinnia nodded.

“That’s a relief,” Anne said. Since they weren’t particularly close, she quietly slid back into her seat.

Zinnia settled into her chair and smiled to herself, “Two weeks away, looks like everyone’s love for me is stronger than ever.”

Ethan turned with a laugh. “Zinnia, your ego is growing.”

Zinnia pulled a compact from her desk, eyeing her reflection. “With looks like these, a little vanity is allowed, right?”

Ethan stared at her stunningly beautiful face, his ears turning faintly red. “Yep, if I had a face this pretty, I’d be narcissistic too.” he babbled.

Gone was the baby fat that once gave Zinnia a sweet, innocent air. Illness had sculpted her features into sharp, exquisite lines–she was now a head–turner.

Ethan twirled a pen with one hand, grinning. “You’ve changed so much. Remember when you first joined? You were so quiet and barely spoke. Now you spout confident nonsense without blinking.”

He watched the radiant Zinnia behind him, lost in memory. When they first met, she was timid and withdrawn, always fearing she’d be a burden–the model of a meek, well–behaved girl.

But now, just three months later, she was a whole new person–radiant and confident. It was evident she’d been cherished.

The Lynn and Spence families‘ unconditional love, and Jackson’s patient guidance had nurtured her into a self–assured young lady. She’d retained her gentle core but developed a distinct edge–softness with spine.

her reflection: bright eyes, perpetual smile. She looked like a completely

Shaw family, she barely smiled even once a day.

barely registered. After Nathan’s departure, she’d lost the ability to feel at all. The Shaws‘ oppressive environment had snuffed out what little happiness

that her emotional freeze began to thaw. But true emotional awakening came with Jackson–he could always

Wed, Oct

Chapter 439

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56 vouchers

time they met, she thought he was clueless. The second time, she realized romance–novel CEO tropes were real, and he ticked

third time, he gave her a “small gift.” When Maisie later revealed its exorbitant price, Zinnia figured this guy was outrageously generous–who gave such

his words and actions drew

spectrum of feelings–joy, anger, sorrow, delight–shone clearly. People flowed in and out of her life, experiences filling

row nodded in unison. Zinnia’s changes were impossible

Although she was eye–catching, she didn’t compete for attention; she just wanted to blend into crowds

nor too subtle, with a unique

nurture a darling like Zinnia.” Maisie preened, though Jackson deserved

chance to pick her seat with her improved grades, Maisie had decided to sit behind Zinnia, while Zinnia and the others hadn’t bothered to move,

student, Lydia had chosen Zinnia as her deskmate, keeping

happily, Lydia walked into the classroom. Lately, taking care of Bonnie had made

“Hey, Lydia.” Zinnia beamed.

over, holding

Zinnia’s

eyes