Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

15:17 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 465

Chapter 465

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56

5 vouchers

Yannis had no idea how long he’d been in a daze. When he finally snapped out of it, the classroom was filled with wild, thunderous applause that jolted him back to reality.

He glanced down at the phone in his palm and quickly stopped the recording, so the enthusiastic clapping was no longer being captured.

Yannis looked toward the classroom. Zinnia rose gracefully to her feet and offered an elegant curtsy of gratitude, her delicate, heart–shaped face radiant with a captivating smile.

Though it was just a simple, makeshift stage, the girl at its center seemed set apart, as if in her own world. Bathed in the spotlight, her slender, delicate figure became the sole focus of every gaze–her petite silhouette the only reflection in their eyes.

The classroom lights snapped on. Students swarmed around Zinnia, buzzing with excitement and showering her with endless praise. As her performance concluded, the afternoon’s Christmas event came to a perfect close, signaling the end of the school day as everyone got ready to leave.

As the curtains were drawn back, Yannis standing outside the classroom came into view. The voices in the room hushed as Zinnia followed everyone’s gaze and met his deep, affectionate eyes through the window.

Was it just her imagination, or did those eyes truly hold only her? Realizing who it was, Zinnia’s lips curved into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Yannis locked eyes with her, his lips curving into a smile as warmth rippled through his eyes like gentle waves, spreading outward in tender layers.

As Zinnia slipped back into her beige cashmere coat and walked out of the school with Yannis, she asked, “Why are you here? The school didn’t invite family to the show, did they?” She was sure family members weren’t invited.

Zinnia suddenly recalled Yannis asking about her performance time earlier. ‘Could he have come just to see me?’ she mused inwardly, feeling a little smug at the thought.

take you home. Was dropping off some donations

of disappointment when she realized that Yannis was there only to drop off

herself that someone as busy as he was wouldn’t make

fact, she had expected to see him only after school, so running into him there already felt like a stroke of luck. Zinnia was easily pleased, and just seeing

you get here?” Zinnia looked up at Yannis, her eyes shining with

15:17 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 465

:

56

5 vouchers

performance–just in time to catch your show,” Yannis said, his deep voice laced

delight bubbled up inside. her. ‘So

asked gently, “It’s Christmas and we’ve still got plenty of

decorated and buzzing with life. But if Yannis was busy, she didn’t mind heading home instead. She asked gently, “Are you busy? If

Let’s enjoy Christmas outside today,” Yannis said with a gentle smile, shaking his head. He knew Zinnia would want to be out for the holiday, so he’d cleared his afternoon

at Lyency Alley, and they just opened a nice restaurant there too.” Zinnia nodded eagerly, her

driver took them straight to Lyency Alley. On Christmas, every street corner, every

car, the street sparkled with twinkling fairy lights and festive apple–shaped decals. Outside the dazzling storefronts, towering Christmas

were on had been meticulously decorated. Delicate string lights were strung overhead, looking like a shower

snowmen in bright red scarves, candy gift boxes, and Santa figures dotted the sidewalk, creating

Christmas in the city. She darted her gaze left and

there. It’s crowded. We’ve got all day—let’s take our time,” Yannis said, taking her by the wrist and pulling her into his arms, shielding her from two

mint lingering in the air. The fabric of his clothes

cheek pressed against his chest, the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat seeping into her

guard as she was pulled into his arms, she felt momentarily dazed, her palm still tingling from the lingering warmth where he held her

down at her with a soft gaze. He said, “Someone was about to bump you just now. Well,

were times when Yannis would pick Zinnia up after school, and the two of

15:17 Fri, Oct 10