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.

and the townspeople were kind–hearted, so when the overwhelming

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Chapter 535

would never forget.

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just been the Shaw family’s abuse, Zinnia wouldn’t have been so

down, he knew he was the one who had let her get

a moment and then broke into a bright smile. “I know. Someone’s bound to like

over there are waiting for you to play with them,”

round table. As several of

ones that looked just like pearls. Each one was utterly adorable in its chubby way. Nathan

had to be aesthetically pleasing, and Nathan indulged

whim.

the kids swarmed

play with us. We found a new stream. It’s so clear that you can see tiny fish and shrimp. swimming in it. The banks are

and Quincey were clearing the table, they noticed Zinnia being swarmed by the kids. The three

to the house, all vying for Zinnia

she

saw Zinnia as just a kid. But among the

have happily joined them to play. But this year, she

lips slightly and glanced toward

the top of her head. In a gentle voice, he said, “Go on. Play with the kids for a while.

wanting to

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Chapter 535

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down at her gently. “Didn’t you promise me you’d enjoy yourself

small town, but now that we’re back, you

that Christmas had finally arrived, Nathan hoped Zinnia could take this chance to unwind and soak up

lowered

said with a gentle smile. He