Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 11

Landon’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly, but a second later, his tone turned cold as he refused, “No need.”

Zinnia never liked those kinds of gatherings.

Noelle shot Landon a quick glance before turning to Connor with a smile. “Zinnia’s not really into the parties we throw, Connor. Don’t put her on the spot.”

On the surface, she was standing up for Zinnia, but beneath her words lurked a subtle malice.

She was hinting to Connor that Zinnia looked down on their crowd of spoiled rich kids who did nothing but play around.

Connor clearly picked up on the jab. His eyes flashed with annoyance, but with Landon present, he didn’t dare let his displeasure show.

Still, his words dripped with sarcasm as he replied, “True enough. Zinnia’s a prodigy from Veridian University. Why would she want to waste time with a bunch of degenerates like us?”

He forced a laugh, trying to play it off as a joke, but Landon, sitting behind them, narrowed his eyes and cut in, voice icy, “You’re a grown man, Connor. Cut the passive-aggressive crap. Are you mad at me, or at Zinnia?”

The words hung in the air. Both Connor and Noelle froze.

Especially Noelle—she hadn’t expected Landon, who was willing to toss Zinnia aside for her, to suddenly jump in and defend Zinnia, making his old friend lose face in the process.

Connor, intimidated by Landon, quickly tried to smooth things over. He chuckled awkwardly. “Come on, Landon, I’m just messing around. Who am I to criticize Zinnia? I honestly admire her—two doctorates from Veridian University at her age, and Zephyr’s favorite student to boot. None of us even come close.”

For a moment, Landon’s expression hardened, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. But seeing Noelle’s wide-eyed innocence, he dismissed the thought that she’d meant any harm.

Still, he corrected her gently, “I’m saying she’s someone who really loves to learn.”

He hadn’t meant to scold Noelle, but even this small rebuttal was enough for her to hear the admiration and protectiveness in his tone. It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Her mood darkened. Her eyes reddened with unshed tears as she said softly, “Yeah, I’ve always envied people like Zinnia who are so smart. But I guess I’m just too dumb, and with my health being what it is, there’s no way I can compare.”

As she spoke, tears slipped down her cheeks, her eyes filled with self-pity and quiet resentment.