Chapter 19
Chapter 19 A Soft Spot for Zora
Zora decided she didn’t mind staying at the Marlow Manor a few more days.
Finished
“Eat up, Zora. You need to put on some weight-you’re too skinny,” Opal said, delighted to see Zora eating
more.
“I will, Grandma,” Zora replied sweetly.
As soon as she spoke, a peeled shrimp landed on her plate.
She looked up, and Jensen smiled at her.
Zora looked away, picked up the shrimp, and ate it.
It was delicious.
Seeing that she enjoyed it, Jensen kept peeling shrimp for her. Soon, he’d piled a whole small plate full of shrimp for her.
The confidential file had noted that Zora loved shrimp but hated peeling them herself.
“That’s enough,” Zora said when she’d eaten about half a plate. She liked shrimp, but she couldn’t eat that much-her stomach was small.
“Okay,” Jensen said. He wiped his hands and started eating.
Floyd and Opal watched them, feeling warm.
Zora was so sweet-how could anyone not like her?
Even Jensen, who hated fuss, was peeling shrimp for her.
After lunch, it was still early. The elders chatted with Zora downstairs, then went up for their afternoon nap.
“Zora, I have work in my study. Come get me if you need anything,” Jensen said, carrying her herb bags as they walked upstairs.
“Okay p>
They walked side by side.
“If you want to play with your herbs, I can set up a whole room for you. Whatever you need,” Jensen offered.
The family didn’t care what she did, as long as she was happy.
The file had also mentioned Zora knew herbal medicine, so they shouldn’t worry-or ask too many questions and annoy her.
After watching Zora eat so well, Jensen trusted the file almost completely.
He’d heard the small village she grew up in grew many herbs, and almost everyone knew a little about medicine. It made sense she’d picked it up.
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Chapter 19 A Soft Spot for Zora
“No need. Zora shook her head. She was only staying a few days; a whole room was unnecessary
Jensen sighed quietly. Zora still didn’t think of them as family.
“Give it to me,” Zora said when they reached the third floor. She reached for her bags.
“I’ll walk you to your room. It’s heavy-don’t carry it,” Jensen insisted.
The paper-wrapped herbs were dense, and he had no idea what was inside.
“Thanks p>
Zora couldn’t refuse. They reached her room quickly, and Jensen handed over the bags.
“Do you like your room? Want anything changed?” he asked, hoping to talk more.
“I like it. No changes,” Zora said.
Her cold face softened when she thought of her pretty princess room, and she looked at Jensen with less distance.
“I’m glad you like it,” Jensen said, his heart melting.
She was so sweet-how could the Knox family be so blind?
But if they hadn’t been, he never would’ve gained her.
Zora carried the bags inside, pulled out her suitcase, and found a large wooden box, a small mortar, and cut
paper.
She brought everything to the balcony, which had a small round table and a hanging chair-Jensen had decorated it carefully.
The wooden box was custom-made by her mentor. When she opened it, a strong herb scent filled the air.
Many compartments were empty. Out of sixty-four total, most were vacant, and the others were nearly bare.
Zora sat down and unwrapped the herbs, sorting each into its section.
When she focused, her whole demeanor changed-calm, precise, serious.
Once sorted, she picked a few herbs, wrapped them in gauze, tied it, and set it aside.
She chose more, wrapped them in paper, folded it tight, and set that aside too.
By the time she finished, it was past one o’clock. Zora yawned, put everything away, and went back into the bedroom for a nap.
When she woke up, it was already dark outside.
Mon, May 25
The Real Heiress s New Family Adored by All
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