Chapter 23
Betty forced a smile. “It’s okay, Mom I’ll go help” She knew Sofia wanted her gribe, But she didn’t dare upset her, Soña clearly didn’t a bar.
She gave Zinnia one last glate–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 Belty left. He saw Sofia’s plan but didn’t want a fight since he knew Sof not in a good mood now.
They were at the Lynn residence. Here, Sofia called t
“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. Same womb, same blood. You shout at her, belittle her? Is that how siblings act? Do you treat her like this always?” Sofia’s voice rose.
“…” Howard’s lips moved, but silence followed.
“And your brothers? Do they treat her like this top?” 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 Maclis, who was sitting mute nearby.
“Mom, I don’t, Maolis admitted. Her boys were always “busy” and rarely home. Visits revolved around Betty. She’d barely seen them interact with
Zinnia.
Her gaze sharpened on Howard. “Is this how you always talk to her?”
Howard couldn’t meet Maalis’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 fumed 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.” Maelis rushed to soothe Sofia.
“Grandma. Howard’s voice cracked with worry.
“Don’t stress, Grandma. It’s okay.” Zinnia patted Sofia’s back.
“Idiots. How’d I 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
Maelis
sand Howard winced under the scolding. They didn’t think they’d done that wrong.
I’m fine, Grandma. Don’t fret.” Zinnia’s chest warded. 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 any time soon. Sofia had to stay tough for Zinnia, who’d been through enough.
“Mom! Zinnia’s my kid. You think I’d hurt her?” Maelis’s voice wobbled. Sofia made their house sound like a horror show.
Chapter 23
“Not you– but that Betty you’re blind tolTM Solla knapped, fed op. “That girl’s got maré hicks than a street fundiert
“Mom, this isn’t about Betty. She apologired.” Maelis defended Betty instantly
“If not her fault, why’d you try shipping Zimnis off? Marlis, Zinnia’s your kid. You canted her for nine months. Your mess up crused this She’s suf
because of you.
“Now that
o’ve got her back, love your daughter–Zinnial Sofia was done with Marlin’s stubbornness, it was frustrating.
“Grandma, don’t stress,” Zinnia said, genuinely wonted. Honestly, she barely cared about the Shawn anymore. Sofia mattered mora,
“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 apr, shielded from life’s woes, she still struggled to tell right from wrong.
Betty was trouble. With her around, Maelis and the others stood no chance with Zinnia.
“Mom…” Marlis hesitated. She wanted to say Betty wasn’t the issue, but Sofia’s glare shut her up.
She dared not argue, Sofia’s health was too fragile. Seeing Zinnia tend to Sofia with care, Maclis noticed a strange change–the attentive Zinnia bore no resemblance to her former aloof self.
“Grandma, we get it. We’re sorry. Let’s take Zinnia home,” Howard said. Zinnia just shrugged. Her indifference hit him hard.
