CHAPTER 101: CHAPTER 101: ZINNIA LAWRENCE SURROUNDED BY PRETTY BOYS

"Grandma, I still have to... this afternoon."

As Jenson left, Zinnia was about to stand up and bid farewell, but Old Madam Forrest held her back. "Zinnia, no need to rush. I have something to discuss."

Old Madam Forrest looked toward Granny Tilton, who was standing nearby. Granny Tilton nodded and left.

Zinnia was somewhat puzzled, but she soon saw Granny Tilton pulling Sienna over. Sienna was struggling constantly, her expression unpleasant.

"Granny Tilton, let go of me! I can walk by myself!"

When Sienna was brought over, she saw Zinnia sitting beside Old Madam Forrest, and her face turned even darker. She glared fiercely at Zinnia.

It’s all Zinnia’s fault. I came to the old mansion to hang out today. Who would have thought Grandma would overhear me mocking Zinnia on the phone with my friends? Grandma was furious. I was supposed to go shopping with my friends, but she locked me up, confiscated my phone, and ordered me to reflect all morning.

"It seems you’ve learned nothing after reflecting for half a day, is that right? Hurry up and apologize to your sister-in-law!" Old Madam Forrest ordered Sienna sternly.

Zinnia hadn’t expected Old Madam Forrest to keep her here just so Sienna could apologize to her face. A warmth spread through her heart.

Sienna, however, was furious. Her eyes reddened with grievance as she complained, "Grandma, I’m your real granddaughter! How can you do this to me!?"

Old Madam Forrest reprimanded her sharply, "And Zinnia is my real granddaughter-in-law! I have to be fair to you both, so don’t you dare shout. I judge based on right and wrong, not favoritism!"

Sienna was unwilling to swallow her pride and apologize to Zinnia, so she stubbornly kept her mouth shut.

Old Madam Forrest grew annoyed. "If you don’t apologize, you can go back inside and continue reflecting! I’ll freeze your credit cards to stop you from going out and causing trouble all day!"

The moment Sienna heard her cards would be frozen, she immediately suppressed her resentment and spat at Zinnia.

"Sorry. Happy now?"

Zinnia refused to indulge her. She smiled and said, "What was that? Sorry to whom? I couldn’t hear you clearly."

"Third Sister-in-law, I’m sorry!" Sienna ground out through clenched teeth before bursting into tears and running off.

Zinnia chatted with Old Madam Forrest for a little longer and then took her leave.

As she walked out of the villa, Sienna chased after her.

"Zinnia Lawrence, you’ve really got some nerve!" she said angrily. "For so many years, what have you ever done besides run to Grandma and complain? She’s only nice to you because she’s kind-hearted and pities you. Don’t start thinking you’re actually someone important!"

Zinnia ignored her and didn’t even turn her head.

Sienna grabbed her arm. "In a prestigious family like the Forrests, we’d even raise a stray dog we found on the street. But no matter how pampered it is, it’s still just a plaything for our amusement! Let me tell you, Crystal is pregnant with Third Brother’s child. You’re about to be a cast-off wife! Let’s see how arrogant you can be then!"

Zinnia shook Sienna’s hand off. "Done barking?"

She then quickened her pace and walked away. Her attitude made it clear she saw Sienna as nothing more than a yapping dog, an animal not worth her time.

Sienna stomped her foot in anger. "Who’s barking?! Don’t think I can’t tell you’re calling me a dog, you despicable vixen!"

From a distance, Granny Tilton watched them go their separate ways before returning to the villa.

After the commotion, Old Madam Forrest was in a foul mood and went to her room to lie down. Granny Tilton brought a meal to her, trying to coax her into eating.

Old Madam Forrest took a few bites before pushing the tray away with a sigh. "It seems I’ll never get to hold a chubby great-grandson in this lifetime. I’ve lost my appetite."

Granny Tilton then said, "Old Madam, I think I heard Miss Sienna mention..."

"What is it now? Stop hesitating and spit it out!"

"It seems... Miss Sutton is pregnant with the Third Young Master’s child."

"What?" Old Madam Forrest was shocked. She frowned and instructed Granny Tilton, "Quickly, have someone investigate whether this is true. I want it done fast!"

Granny Tilton left, and Old Madam Forrest was lost in thought.

This is probably the real reason Zinnia is so insistent on a divorce. Still, I can’t believe Jenson would do something so absurd. I have to get to the bottom of this quickly. I can’t let the two of them really split up like this.

「A few days later.」

Zinnia completed her final job before going abroad, finishing her work as the choreography instructor for the boy band SV Flame.

"Hey, sis! Let’s go party tonight to celebrate our new album’s successful release!"

"Yeah, I want to treat Sis Zinnia to a drink, too."

"Move aside! Who says it’s your turn to treat Teacher Zinnia to a drink? Get in line!"

"Why should I have to get in line behind you? That’s not fair!"

As Zinnia left the dance studio, several members of the boy band chased after her. The youngest was only seventeen, and the oldest was just twenty-one. These boys, who had debuted through a talent show, were all handsome and charming, possessing the talent and appeal to attract thousands of fans. They also had the pride and vitality typical of their age.

When Zinnia first became their choreography instructor, she had faced all sorts of doubts and criticisms. But after spending over twenty days with them, she had completely won them over with her ability, and they had become good friends.

Nathan Nash was the last one to leave the dance studio. Seeing Zinnia surrounded by a flock of young, handsome men, he approached with a cold expression, pulled two of the younger members aside, and stepped in front of Zinnia protectively.

"That’s enough. The official recording is tomorrow. Is now really the time for drinking? All of you, stay in shape. We’ll rehearse again tonight!"

As the group’s leader, Nathan naturally exuded an air of authority.

The members finally backed down. They said their goodbyes to Zinnia, promising to keep in touch on WeChat, before leaving with their arms around each other’s shoulders, laughing and joking.

Once they were gone, Nathan tilted his head to look at Zinnia, a displeased look on his face. "They’re just kids, flighty and always causing a stir. They have a whole playbook for sweet-talking girls, but there’s rarely a true word in anything they say! If they’re bothering you, just block them on WeChat. The job’s over anyway, right, big sister?"

Zinnia raised an eyebrow at him and nodded. "You’re right. In that case, I’ll block you, too..."

"No way! How can I be the same as them?" Nathan immediately protested.

Zinnia chuckled. "How are you different?"

"I’m your loyal fan! We didn’t meet through work, so of course I’m different! Big sister, if you block me, I’ll go cry on Weibo and ask my fans to be the judge!"

Zinnia was amused by his mock-aggrieved expression. "Alright, alright. I’m going to the finance department to settle up, and then I’m leaving."

She had been exhausted lately and just wanted to get her payment sorted out quickly, go home, and get a good night’s sleep.

"I’ll walk you out," Nathan offered.

Zinnia refused. "You’re the one who said it’s not time to relax. As the leader, you should set an example. I’m leaving now. Good luck, kiddo!"

Zinnia waved to Nathan and left without looking back.

Nathan gazed at her carefree departing figure and clicked his tongue. "So cold-hearted, my dear idol." He’d been quietly pursuing her for almost a month with zero results. He was starting to doubt himself.

Zinnia, however, was oblivious to Nathan’s frustration. In her eyes, Nathan was the flighty one, just a playful kid.

After collecting her payment from the finance department, she checked her bank account balance on the way home and felt utterly relaxed.

Thirty million. She had finally earned it all on her own.

A wave of fatigue washed over her. Cradling her phone, Zinnia leaned her head against the car window and fell into a deep sleep.

「The next day.」

After a full night’s sleep, she woke up refreshed and full of energy. Zinnia ate breakfast, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door.

In the car, she sent a WeChat message to Jenson Forrest.