StartNovelChapter 230
Chapter 230
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Betty forced a smile. “It's okay, Mom. I'll go help.” She knew Sofia wanted her gone. But she didn’t dare upset
her; Sofia clearly didn’t like her.
She gave Zinnia one last glare-it was all her fault-and let Benedict lead her out. Now, just four people were left in
the living room.
“Grandma, why'd you send Betty away?” Howard asked after Benedict and Betty left. He saw Sofia’s plan but
didn’t want a fight since he knew Sofia was not in a good mood now.
They were at the Lynn residence. Here, Sofia called the shots.
“Howard! Is this how you talk to Zinnia at home?” Sofia’s face darkened. She flat-out ignored his question.
“Grandma...” Howard's voice fizzled. He fumbled for words.
“I don’t care how you treat Betty. But Zinnia’s your sister. Swomb, sblood. You shout at her, belittle
her? Is that how siblings act? Do you treat her like this always?” Sofia’s voice
rose.
“I...” Howard's lips moved, but silence followed.
“And your brothers? Do they treat her like this too?” Sofia’s eyes-usually soft-blazed with disappointment.
Howard's mind raced. He wanted to lie, but Sofia’s steady gaze pinned him.
“Fine. Do you even know how your sons treat Zinnia?” Sofia’s anger flared. She glanced at Maelis, who was
sitting mute nearby.
“Mom... I don’t,” Maelis admitted. Her boys were always “busy,” and rarely home. Visits revolved around Betty.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe'd barely seen them interact with Zinnia.
Her gaze sharpened on Howard. “Is this how you always talk to her?”
Howard couldn't meet Maelis’s eyes. Or Sofia’s.
“Have you all lost your minds? Zinnia’s your family-your daughter, your sister! How?” Sofia’s fury boiled.
She furned at Maelis’ ignorance and Howard's avoidance. She had planned to mediate, but now she would like to
kick them out. Zinnia had every reason to stay away from them.
“Mom, calm down. We'll handle it.” Maclis rushed to soothe Sofia.
“Grandma...” Howard's voice cracked with worry.
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Chapter 230
“Don’t stress, Grandma. It’s okay.” Zinnia patted Sofia’s back.
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“Idiots. How'd | raise such clueless kids? My fault. But I've got your back,” Sofia gripped Zinnia’s hand. She made
up her mind-Zinnia would stay with her forever.
Maclis and Howard winced under the scolding. They didn’t think they'd done that wrong.
“I'm fine, Grandma. Don’t fret.” Zinnia’s chest warmed. In Jinston, no one had defended her
like this.
“I'm not mad, sweetheart. I'm gotta stay strong-who’ll protect you otherwise?” Sofia stroked Zinnia’s hand,
breathing slower.
Sofia couldn't let her health slip-Zinnia needed her. Maelis was clueless; Sofia’s grandkids were worse. They
weren't snapping out of it anytsoon. Sofia had to stay tough for Zinnia, who'd been through enough.
“Mom! Zinnia’s my kid. You think Id hurt her?” Maelis’s voice wobbled. Sofia made their house sound like a
horror show.
“Not you-but that Betty you're blind to!” Sofia snapped, fed up. “That girl’s got more tricks than a street hustler.”
“Mom, this isn’t about Betty. She apologized.” Maelis defended Betty instantly.
“If not her fault, why'd you try shipping Zinnia off? Maelis, Zinnia’s your kid. You carried her for nine months. Your
mess-up caused this. She’s suffered because of you.
“Now that we've got her back, love your daughter-Zinnia!” Sofia was done with Maelis’s stubbornness. It was
frustrating.
“Grandma, don’t stress,” Zinnia said, genuinely worried. Honestly, she barely cared about the Shaws anymore.
Sofia mattered more.
I'm good, kid. This old hen’s still got fight.” Sofia patted Zinnia’s hand. “Today, I'm schooling your thick-headed
mom.”
Since childhood, Maelis was doted on by her parents, gliding through life effortlessly. She wed Donald, who kept
indulging her. Even in middle age, shielded from life’s woes, she still struggled to tell right from wrong.
Betty was trouble. With her around, Maclis and the others stood no chance with Zinnia.
“Mom...” Maelis hesitated. She wanted to say Betty wasn’t the issue, but Sofia’s glare shut her
She dared not argue; Sofia’s health was too fragile. Seeing Zinnia tend to Sofia with care, Maelis noticed a
strange change-the attentive Zinnia bore no resemblance to her former
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11:09 Wed, 17 Sept.
Chapter 230
aloof self.
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“Grandma, we get it. We're sorry. Let's take Zinnia home,” Howard said. Zinnia just shrugged. Her indifference
hit him hard.
11:09 Wed, 17 Sept DO
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