Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

hapter 535

Amid their laughter, Nathan came out holding a bowl. “What are you two talking about?”

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Fiona laughed, “We were just talking about whether Zinnia’s been getting more love letters at school. Back when she was in the small town, she got so many they nearly filled half the storage room.”

“Did she?” Nathan’s brows furrowed slightly at the mention. Having been away for half a year, he realized with a pang that he’d missed out on part of her growing up.

Quincey also walked out, chiming in, “Right. Zinnia is so pretty. She stands out wherever she goes. She must have gotten plenty these past six months, huh?”

Zinnia rolled her eyes helplessly. “No,‘ she replied.

It dawned on Nathan that Zinnia had almost grown up, becoming more beautiful by the day. Even when she had a bit of baby fat, boys in the small town fought over her.

The kids in the small town would argue over who Zinnia liked best. Sometimes, when one of them lost and burst into tears, Nathan would come over with candy to cheer them up.

Nathan frowned, concern evident on his face. “Really? Zinnia, you’re still young. There are things you might not know how to handle yet. If you ever have something you can’t manage, promise you’ll come to me.”

Zinnia stamped her foot in exasperation at Nathan’s solemn and earnest tone.

She said, “Oh, Nathan. Why would I lie to you? There really isn’t a letter! When I first got to school, my reputation was already ruined. Plus, I’m lazy, dumb, and always craving snacks. Who would ever like someone like me?”

Zinnia had a pretty clear self–assessment. She thought she was lazy, dumb, and gluttonous, so no one would like her,

Hearing Zinnia’s self–deprecating words, Nathan felt a sharp pang in his chest. He walked over to her and said, “Who says no one would ever like you, Zinnia? You deserve all the love in the world.”

At the thought of his own negligence and the suffering she endured during his six–month absence, Nathan lowered his gaze.

During those two months with the Shaw family, Zinnia endured the worst malice she’d ever known in her first sixteen years. The blows from her so–called family left wounds that couldn’t be ignored.

Though she claimed not to care now, there was a time when Zinnia endured relentless emotional abuse from the Shaw family. It was from Yannis, her brother, and from Maelis, her mother, and from the disgusted stares of everyone else around her.

She was once cradled and protected so tenderly by Nathan. He left her side just for once, and she was utterly

shattered.

had sheltered Zinnia so well since childhood, and the townspeople were kind–hearted, so when the overwhelming malice from the Shaw family came crashing

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Chapter 535

would never forget.

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had just been the Shaw family’s abuse, Zinnia wouldn’t have been so affected. What

turned sensitive, and pain flickered in Nathan’s eyes. Deep down, he knew he was

guilt in Nathan’s eyes, Zinnia pursed her lips for a moment and then broke into a bright smile. “I know. Someone’s bound to like a girl

for you to play with them,” Fiona said as she

sat at another small round table. As several of them took their seats, a bowl of exquisitely crafted, colorful puddings was placed in

pandas, rabbits, piglets, yellow chicks, and even ones that looked just like pearls. Each one was utterly adorable in its chubby way. Nathan had woken up early that morning to make

her food had to be aesthetically pleasing, and Nathan indulged her

whim.

breakfast, the kids swarmed around

a new stream. It’s so clear that you can see tiny fish and shrimp. swimming in it. The banks are covered with wildflowers, and it’s so pretty that you’ll love it!” a

Zinnia being swarmed by the kids. The three of them exchanged knowing

Christmas, a crowd of kids would swarm to the house, all

bee. If she gave an order, no

just a kid. But among the little ones,

joined them to play. But this year, she just

her lips slightly and glanced toward Nathan. She was worried about

a gentle voice, he said, “Go on. Play with the kids for

started, wanting to

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Chapter 535

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“Didn’t you promise

to the small town, but now that we’re back,

Nathan hoped Zinnia could take this chance to unwind and soak up the festive

eyes, Zinnia lowered her head again

with a gentle smile. He picked up the treats