Landon looked at Zinnia’s cold, distant expression and let out a bitter laugh before asking her, “The way he looks at you—do you really think it’s innocent?”
His words drew a flash of anger across Zinnia’s furrowed brow.
“Landon, stop trying to drag Yuri through the mud.”
The more Zinnia defended Yuri, the more Landon felt his own self-control slipping.
“Is it really me dragging him through the mud, or is it him coming on to you? He knows what he’s up to.”
He gripped her arms tightly, his hold growing harsher as his emotions boiled over.
“Don’t let yourself be fooled.”
A wave of anger swept over Zinnia’s face, sharp and unmistakable.
“I’ll say it again—don’t insult Yuri. He saved my life. Without him, I wouldn’t even be standing here talking to you. So show some respect.”
The unwavering trust and loyalty in Zinnia’s eyes cut deep into Landon’s heart.
When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse, his lips trembling ever so slightly.
“So what if he saved your life? You can repay him, sure, but does that mean you have to trust him unconditionally?”
He fell silent, surprised by his own words.
A flicker of sarcasm appeared in Zinnia’s angry gaze.
“Yes. For that, he’ll always come first for me.”
Landon’s face went pale, as if he’d been struck. Suddenly, he realized—this was exactly how he’d once been with Noelle: fiercely protective, loyal without question. Was this how Zinnia had felt, watching him stand by Noelle’s side? The aching, the humiliation, the helplessness.


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