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,

it not been for her last performance, they

two years, but Lydia had always kept this talent hidden. Whenever there was an event, she’d just take on the role of the host, never showing off her

be such a masterful lute player. Only recently did they learn that

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Chapter 464

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who had trained under legendary masters. Before her condition

finished performing. Want some roasted chickpeas?” Lydia offered with no more questions. She picked up the packet of roasted chickpeas from her desk, tore open

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

do? She cooks, bakes little cakes, makes all kinds

home, but haven’t roasted them yet. If you like, you can come over tomorrow to get some,” Lydia said, her clear eyes lighting up

love to visit your mom too,”

Zinnia’s cheerful agreement, Lydia’s heart leaped. She was already planning tomorrow’s treats: butter cookies–Zinnia’s favorite–lemonade she’d mentioned wanting yesterday,

**

Zinnia! It’s your turn.” Maisie dashed over, her face lit up with excitement. Break time always flew by, and in a blink, it was Zinnia’s turn

the class sat up straight, all

on some potato chips, her hands covered in crumbs as she was about to grab a tissue to

wiping her hands with a sue. Before Zinnia could process why this felt oddly intimate, Lydia withdrew her

running out, She jogged to center

the zither into place, with a simple

outfit today was perfectly suited for the occasion–a flowing white evening gown with delicate lace details and subtle floral patterns, a

gowns. Yvette, her mother, was delighted to

whole batch–more than Zinnia could ever wear, even

cascading over her right shoulder. Adorned with tiny pearls and

while her willowy back remained poised

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Chapter 464

her glow like a perfectly

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