Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 464

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As the lunch break ended, the whole school came alive with laughter and music. Every classroom was bustling with activity, the air filled with performances of all kinds.

Tables lining both sides were piled high with all sorts of snacks and drinks, while everyone was laughing and horsing around.

Zinnia munched on potato chips and sipped her milkshake while watching the performances. With the curtains drawn, leaving only the specially arranged ambient lights, a beautiful Christmas tree stood in the corner, and soft music drifted through the room.

Singing, dancing, chess, painting, piano and violin performances, drama skits—you name it, they had it. Everyone in the class was multi–talented, each privately tutored by renowned masters hired by their wealthy families. Even their casual performances were a true feast for the eyes.

The phone on the table chimed. Zinnia set down her drink and picked it up—a message from Yannis.

Yannis: [Heard your school’s having an event today?]

Zinnia hadn’t expected him to know. She texted back: [Yeah? How’d you find out?]

Yannis: [Someone told me. Word is, you’re playing the zither?]

Zinnia: [Yep. My classmates wanted to hear.]

Yannis glanced at the executives presenting below and checked his watch. He had no idea when Zinnia’s performance would start or if he could make it in time. He’d asked that brat Maisie, but she still hadn’t replied. Yannis quickly typed: [When’s your performance?]

Zinnia grabbed a bag of Cheetos and took a bite. She glanced at the program list on Lydia’s desk–she was scheduled last. Still ages away, probably another two or three hours to go, around five o’clock. Zinnia texted back: [I’m last. Still ages away.]

Yannis: [What time? I’ll pick you up after school.]

Zinnia checked the schedule and texted Yannis the time. But when she read that he would be coming to pick her

up, the corners of her rosy lips curled up in a secret smile.

“What’s got you smiling?” Lydia asked as she sat down beside Zinnia, topping up her half–finished milkshake.

your performance just end?” Zinnia turned off her phone, only then realizing

begged by her classmates to play the lute for them. Had it not been for her

had always kept this talent hidden. Whenever there was an event, she’d just take on the role

masterful lute player. Only recently did they learn that

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Chapter 464

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under legendary masters. Before her condition worsened, Bonnie would personally teach Lydia the

up the packet of roasted chickpeas from her desk, tore open the

roasted chickpeas are amazing,” Zinnia said, taking a bite. The

is there anything Lydia can’t do? She cooks, bakes little cakes,

haven’t roasted them yet. If you like, you can come over tomorrow to get some,” Lydia said, her clear eyes lighting up with a smile as she saw how much Zinnia

love to visit your mom too,”

She was already planning tomorrow’s treats: butter cookies–Zinnia’s favorite–lemonade she’d

**

your turn.” Maisie dashed over, her face lit up with excitement. Break time always flew by, and in a blink,

sat up straight, all

potato chips, her hands covered in crumbs

looked down to see Lydia gently wiping her hands with a sue. Before Zinnia could process why this

Zinnia said. With time running out, She

others had already helped move the zither into place, with a simple wooden

flowing white evening gown with

mother, was delighted to discover this shared passion, and their close bond grew even

for herself, she would send Zinnia a whole batch–more than Zinnia could ever wear, even if she changed

updo, half–pinned up with the rest cascading over her right shoulder. Adorned

willowy back remained poised

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Chapter 464

cheek, making her glow like a perfectly

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