Growing impatient, Zinnia urged Duncan to admit his incompetence and declare that he couldn't handle the task.“I personally know that you can't handle such a task so stop being a time waster, save us the stress and decline.” Ignoring her prodding, Duncan asserted confidently that he could handle it, but he needed to know what was in it for him. Ma'am Luna, seizing the opportunity, began to shower him with promises of a better life, emphasizing the rewards he could reap upon accomplishing the assigned task.“Your life is certainly going to change once you've done this. Mark my words.”Duncan, contemplating the incentives, then questioned Ma'am Luna's belief in him, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Why do you believe in me?"Ma'am Luna, without hesitation, responded, "Because, Duncan, blood ties run deep, and despite the complexities, you're still part of this family. Your success is our success, and your loyalty will be rewarded."Duncan absorbed her words, a mix of emotions s
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
As silence threatened to invade, Marcus groaned upon recalling how disrespectful Zinnia had been earlier. "Look, Duncan is in Grandma's good books, and we can't just sit back and let him and Zinnia take over the company," Marcus asserted, deep in thought. Lisa supported, "Marcus, you've done a lot for the company. You should be the next successor." Marcus frowned, contemplating the implications. "I don't trust him. We can't let everything slip away." Lisa sighed, "Fine, let's discuss this later. It's too much for one conversation." They left Zinnia's room, the weight of impending decisions hanging in the air. Zinnia returned home later in the night after the family had dinner, and headed straight to Ma'am Luna's room. "Zinnia, you're back," Ma'am Luna acknowledged. “Yes, Grandmother.” Laila walked up to her. "Tell me everything about Duncan's encounter with Lady Zelda." Zinnia sighed, "Well, he chased after a thief who stole Lady Zelda's purse. Tried to be a hero, you kn
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
Duncan closed the door of the wine cellar securely, facing Zinnia with a composed demeanor. "So, what have you discovered?" he inquired, maintaining an air of confidence.Zinnia, ever perceptive, sniffed the air. "Do I smell wine? Were you hiding in there and drinking?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing.Duncan chuckled, attempting to deflect, "Oh, just checking the quality of the family's collection.” He decided to be more humorous. “You know, making sure it's suitable for Lady Zelda's party."Seeing through him, Zinnia's skepticism intensified. "You find this amusing, Duncan?" she retorted, her patience waning.Duncan, unfazed, continued with a smirk, "Well, it's not every day one gets accused of wine theft in their own mansion."Her irritation growing, Zinnia countered, "I'm not talking about the wine. I'm talking about what you're up to, Duncan."“Me? I wasn't up to anything.” Duncan shrugged."Why are you lurking around the wine cellar then, Duncan?" Zinnia questioned, her eye
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.
Taking a casual sip from his glass, Duncan muttered, “Fools,” under his breath, ensuring Zinnia didn't catch his remark. As he casually scanned the room, his eyes landed on Abigail in a corner, prompting a smile to grace his lips. He arose.Zinnia, growing increasingly intolerant of his behavior, questioned, “Where are you going?”“To say hello to some pretty women catching my eye,” Duncan replied nonchalantly. Annoyed, Zinnia punched the table slightly and grabbed his wrist. “Don't insult me, especially not in front of my mother and grandmother, okay?” she seethed, teeth gnashing in frustration. Duncan, unfazed, shrugged and winced at her grip. Warning her not to boss him around, he left her fuming at the table. Expressing frustration, Zinnia declared, “I feel like getting rid of him.” Ma'am Luna, recalling Zinnia's past infidelity, reminded her, “Don't forget you cheated on him.”Dismissing Duncan's worth, Zinnia retorted, “He's useless.”Her mother, pragmatic, advised, “Don't
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