Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 163

The way Landon looked at Noelle now was nothing like the gentle, indulgent gaze he’d once reserved for her.

Noelle, too, had lost her usual confidence and bravado in front of him.

For the first time, regret gnawed at her—though not because she’d tried to frame Zinnia. She only wished she’d planned more carefully. Not only had she given Zinnia a chance to clear her name, she’d also made Landon see her as deceitful and malicious.

“Noelle, will you answer your mother’s question yourself, or should I do it for you?”

The use of her full name sent a chill through the entire Jensen family. They all realized at once: Landon was truly, thoroughly furious this time.

“Landon, why—why are you asking me like this? I have no idea why that nurse’s aide would want to hurt my brother,” Noelle stammered, still clinging to her last hope of denial.

No, she couldn’t admit anything in front of Landon. Jeremy hadn’t received the rest of his money yet—he wouldn’t betray her so easily.

“Hmph! Still refusing to repent,” Zephyr snapped, his anger barely contained.

Landon shifted in his seat, moving his right arm from the armrest and draping it casually along the back of Zinnia’s chair. There was no actual contact, but from the outside, it looked as if he had his arm around her shoulders—an image that seemed unexpectedly intimate.

He stepped up to Zinnia, offering an apology with practiced tact. “Zinnia, I want to apologize. We only doubted you because we were so worried about Xander. I hope you can understand our situation.”

“Oh, sure. You want her understanding now—but when Noelle had the internet turning on her, did any of you ever show Zinnia an ounce of sympathy?” Zephyr shot back, his tone sharp and protective.

Juniper forced a laugh, glancing at Landon for help, but when Landon stayed silent, he could only look back at Zinnia, awkward and apologetic. “Zinnia, truly, I’m sorry. I hope you can forgive our rashness.”

Zinnia glanced at Noelle before replying, “Mr. Jensen, I accept your apology. Now that everything’s cleared up, shouldn’t Noelle make a public apology online—to me, and to the hospital?”