A couple of days later, Zinnia found herself seated at the edge of the table in Ma'am Luna's personal home office, playfully rounding the fake globe. Laila walked in, giving Zinnia a warning look."Grandmother said we should meet her here in the next 10 minutes. I'm five minutes early, and you're a minute late. Anyway, she's not here already, so you're safe," Zinnia chuckled.Laila advised, "You shouldn't be sitting on top of the table. Get off before she walks in and gives you an earful."Zinnia, unfazed, shrugged. "Grandmother's mouthful has become a normal thing to me. It doesn't scare me anymore."Laila remarked, "I see you've become bold…"Ma'am Luna walked in, interrupting their banter. "And I know it's because you've learned about big things now. It looks like you've seen and know everything about me that you no longer fear me, Zinnia."Zinnia rolled her eyes and promptly got off the table. "I don't understand what you're saying, Grandmother.""You can save the lies and star

Zinnia's gaze lingered on Karla, scrutinizing her appearance with a hint of curiosity. "She looks different and more classy than the unsophisticated woman I met the other day at Duncan's ward,” she thought.Karla, maintaining her composure, responded calmly, "I don't think I know you."Zinnia chuckled, acknowledging the transformation. The truth was that Karla had consciously chosen a more refined and professional look. Earlier, Duncan had taken nearly a minute to recognize her during their chance encounter at the mall, which had surprised him.Lady Zelda, sensing a peculiar tension, was taken aback when Zinnia decided to introduce herself. "I'm Zinnia. And you are?" Zinnia's curiosity about Karla's identity peaked, wondering if she hailed from a high-class family.“I'm Karla. Karla Burton,” Karla replied with a touch of pride, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Zinnia, processing the surname, commented, “That surname surely displays wealth.” She extended her hand for a handsh

Duncan left, leaving Marcus seething with anger. As Marcus attempted to go after him, Zinnia stepped in, blocking his path. "Hold on there, Marcus. You should think twice before tangling with Duncan. He has become quite dauntless."Marcus scowled, "I don't care. He deserved that punch and for hitting me, he deserves more than just having his face rubbed on poop."Zinnia tauntingly warned, "Be careful, Marcus. The next time, you might lose more than just some blood like Duncan said. Duncan isn't one to back down easily."Undeterred, Marcus retorted, "I can handle him just fine." Zinnia's eyes glinted with a triumphant smile. "We'll see about that." With that, she left Marcus standing there, contemplating the repercussions of the altercation. The air in the room hung heavy with unresolved tension, and the family dynamics seemed more strained than ever, with Zinnia reveling in the aftermath of the confrontation.When it was only Marcus, Bella, and Lisa left in the living room, Lisa ap

As Lady Zelda's gaze fixated on their direction, Laila's lips parted in awe, and she nudged Zinnia, both admiring the ageless beauty before them. Their whispered admiration was abruptly silenced by Ma'am Luna, who cast a stern glance their way.In a hushed tone, Ma'am Luna ordered, "Enough. Duncan, find us a better table, away from prying eyes."Duncan, ever compliant, nodded, "Right away, Ma'am Luna," and began navigating through the crowd to secure a more discreet location for their party.Laila and Zinnia exchanged knowing glances, aware that even in the grandeur of the event, Ma'am Luna was strategic in positioning herself and her family to maintain an air of exclusivity. Hidden motives continued, with Lady Zelda becoming the focal point of Ma'am Luna's veiled intentions. Lady Zelda, the epitome of grace, captivated the room with her presence. The party unfolded with a series of events, the Walton family navigating the social intricacies with smiles and carefully chosen words.

Lady Zelda is seated at her highly uplifted seat, hovering her eyes over the guests. Karla walked up to her and as Karla settled next to Lady Zelda, she couldn't help but notice her discomfort. Lady Zelda's eyes were fixed on Ma'am Luna, and there was a distinct grimace on her face.“Aunt Zelda, everyone at this party is honored to be here, you know. They are chanting your name,” Karla remarked with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.Lady Zelda acknowledged Karla's words, but her gaze remained fixed on Ma'am Luna. Karla observed the tension and gently tapped Lady Zelda, drawing her attention. “Yes. Did you say something, dear?”Concerned, Karla inquired, “Aunt, you were lost earlier. What's wrong? Are you okay?”Lady Zelda hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words.Karla nodded. “Okay. I understand. You can't be okay when the Lennart family is at your party.” Finally, she confessed, “Exactly. I really don't know why Duncan wanted this. Seeing my husband's kille