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.

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

her classmates to play the lute for them. Had it not been for her last performance, they would never have known she could

was an event,

a masterful lute player. Only recently did they learn

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Chapter 464

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master who had trained under legendary masters. Before her condition worsened, Bonnie would

Lydia offered with no more questions. She picked up the packet of roasted chickpeas from her desk, tore open the wrapper, and handed it

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

there anything Lydia can’t do? She cooks, bakes little cakes, makes all kinds of

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

visit your mom

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

**

excitement. Break time always flew by, and in a blink, it was

up straight, all eyes fixed on her with

hands covered in crumbs as she was about to grab a

fingers. She looked down to see Lydia gently wiping her hands with a sue. Before Zinnia could process why this felt oddly intimate, Lydia withdrew her hand, patted Zinnia’s little finger, and said, “Go

said. With time running out, She jogged

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

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

mother, was

she would send Zinnia a whole batch–more than Zinnia could ever wear, even

rest cascading over her

willowy back remained poised

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Chapter 464

glow like a perfectly

A