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 When they first met, she was timid and withdrawn, always fearing she’d be a burden–the model of a meek, well–behaved girl.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.

smile. She looked

barely smiled even once a day. But now,

emotions; joy and sorrow barely registered. After Nathan’s departure, she’d lost the ability

the Lynn residence that her emotional freeze began to thaw. But true emotional awakening

Oct

Chapter 439

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(60

56 vouchers

was clueless. The second time, she realized romance–novel CEO

her a “small gift.” When Maisie later revealed its exorbitant price, Zinnia figured

sixth–until daily encounters became the norm. With each interaction, his words and actions drew out new emotions: flutters of joy, waves of comfort, anchors

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

Ethan and Brian in the front row nodded

Although she was eye–catching, she didn’t compete for attention; she just

unique color all her own. She looked exquisitely tender

energy vampires; only we could 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

top student, Lydia had chosen Zinnia as her deskmate, keeping them side by

classroom. Lately, taking care of

“Hey, Lydia.” Zinnia beamed.

Lydia walked over, holding

Zinnia’s

eyes