Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 264

Chapter 264

Howard added, “Maelis, you need to convince Jackson to take down that post. If it stays up, the fallout for Betty

will be too much. Jackson and his crew crossed the line this time. How could they let Isaac pull off something like

this?

“They're completely ignoring our family’s reputation. It’s like they're inviting everyone to laugh at us. And Zinnia,

don’t even getstarted. She didn’t step in, didn’t clear anything up, just stood by and let people say whatever

they wanted about Betty. It’s ridiculous!”

Donald's tone was full of frustration. He complained inside, ‘If Zinnia had stepped in to stop Isaac and then

posted online that it was all a misunderstanding, maybe even said she and Betty were close, Betty wouldn't be

caught in this storm of gossip.”

The more Donald thought about Zinnia’s lack of action, the more his irritation toward her grew.

“Donald, | want to bring Zinnia htomorrow,” Maelis said softly.

Donald frowned and said, “Zinnia threw a tantrum and ran off. We didn’t even scold her for being immature, and

now you want to bring her home? That's absurd. If you keep indulging her like this, you'll only spoil her more.

“If she wants to stay at Lynn residence, let her stay there. Bringing her back will just lead to more fights with

Betty, turning the house into chaos.”

Maelis’s brows furrowed slightly as she listened to Donald mention Betty over and over.

Donald continued, “Betty is sweet, obedient, and sensible. Right now, with Zinnia back in the picture, Betty's

feeling insecure. We need to focus on Betty. This whole mess happened because Betty was so scared we might

abandon her that

she made a mistake.

“As for Zinnia, let her stay with the Lynn family for now. Betty is going through a tough tand needs your

attention. Zinnia can wait. Sofia and Henry won't neglect her.”.

N

Maelis felt a pang of unease. Donald’s words sounded so wrong, yet she couldn’t quite put her finger on why. She

looked up at him, noticing the weariness etched on his face. But his eyes were laser-focused on one thing: Betty.

Zinnia was dropped off at school the next morning by Charles,

As soon as they stepped out of the car, Maisje darted over and threw herself into Zinnia’s arms. She shouted,

“Zinnia, darling!”

Before Zinnia could say anything, a lazy, teasing voice chimed in, “Careful, you're gonna squish her.”

Maisie let out a startled yelp as Yannis grabbed her by the back of her neck, pulling her away from Zinnia.

That day, Zinnia wore a pink dress with a small white bunny embroidered on the chest, paired with leather boots.

Her hair was styled into two fluffy side braids, each adorned with pearl hairpins.

Bright and lively, she looked like a tender pink flower. With her white backpack slung over her shoulders and her

hands

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Chapter 264

clutching the straps, she stood there quietly, a picture of innocence and charm.

“Fancy seeing you again, Zinnia,” Yannis greeted. His leisurely gaze landed on Zinnia. His long, narrow eyes

curved slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Yannis,” Zinnia greeted, surprised to see him. Her eyes instinctively drifted to the area under his eyes.

She observed and thought, ‘His skin looks much better now, without the bluish tint from before. It seems he has

been sleeping well these past few days. He looks even more stunning now.” Zinnia had always appreciated

beautiful people.

Yannis was breathtaking. His hair fell casually over his forehead, framing a face as fair as jade. His sharp features

and languidly curved eyes gave the impression of a smile, though no real warmth could be found within them.

His lips were thin and exquisitely shaped. Dressed in a simple black shirt and casual trousers, with a blazer

draped over one arm and a subtle watch on his pale wrist, he exuded effortless elegance and nobility.

Zinnia thought, ‘He looks like someone who lives surrounded by treasures.’

Sensing her curious gaze, Yannis smiled and said, “Thanks for the herbal pouch, Zinnia. I've been sleeping

wonderfully these past few days.”

Yannis had indeed slept well in the past two days. His spirit, which was visible to the naked eye, had recovered.

Now, when he closed his eyes, the haunting scenes of blood were replaced by a faint herbal fragrance and the

image of Zinnia sternly instructing him with a serious expression.

Zinnia nodded and said, “Glad to hear you got srest. Just try not to overthink things at night.”

Listening to their conversation, Maisie’'s eyes widened in disbelief. She thought, ‘Wait, Yannis can sleep? Does it

mean he won't end up collapsing from exhaustion at a young age? This is amazing!

‘I have to tell Grandpa when | get home. He'll be thrilled!” Then Maisie sidled up to Zinnia again, her eyes

sparkling with

anticipation.

She said, “What are you guys talking about, Zinnia? A herbal pouch? Did you give Yannis a gift? What about me?

Can | get

one too?”

Yannis glanced at Shuting, who was practically draped over Zinnia like a lifeless doll. He said, “Can’t you stand

straight? Should | grab you a wheelchair? Is this how our family teaches manners, clinging to people like that in

public?”

His tone was sharp and cutting, a stark contrast to the warmth he had shown Zinnia moments ago.

Maisie couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine. She rubbed her arms and shot Yannis a pouty glare. She

complained inside, ‘Yannis isn’t usually one for rules, so what's wrong withsticking close to Zinnia?

Just then, Charlie finished a phone call and stepped out of the car. He called out, “Yannis.”

Yannis’s expression softened as he nodded in acknowledgment. He asked, “When did you get back?”

Maisie’s eyes lit up at the sight of Charlie, Her cheeks flushed as she called out excitedly, “Charlie!” She thought,

‘Did he seeclinging to Zinnia earlier? If he did, I'll never live it down.”

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Chapter 264

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Charlie replied to Yannis, “Just got back yesterday.” Then he turned to Maisie with a gentle smile. He said,

“Maisie, | cback in a hurry and didn’t bring you a gift this time. I'll make it up to you next time, | promise.”

The Lynn family and the Spence family were close neighbors. When Maisie was younger and her parents were

away, Raymond often brought her along to Lynn residence to play while he visited for chess games.

Isaac was just too rambunctious; Maisie couldn’t play well with him. Instead, Maisie preferred the quiet and calm

Charlie.

Back then, while Charlie sat by the window reading, Maisie would drag a chair over to sit beside him and work on

her homework. Whenever she struggled with a problem, Charlie would patiently guide her through it, his tone

always gentle

and reassuring.

12:57 Thu, 18 Sept

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