Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 194

“Zinnia, say something, would you?”

Zinnia fell silent.

What could she possibly say? Even if she did, Landon would just ignore her.

But when she met Leanna’s pleading, helpless gaze, she hesitated, then reluctantly spoke up. “Leanna and I always sit together. We’re used to it.”

“Oh really?” Landon shot a cold glance at Leanna, his tone unyielding. “Well, starting today, that kind of clingy habit needs to stop.”

His eyes lingered on Leanna’s face, the words that followed cutting and shameless. “Leanna, do you even have enough money left to pamper your little puppy?”

He’d hit her right where it hurt.

So heartless, so shameless, so unreasonable!

Leanna cursed him silently. Shameless jerk.

And look at you, Zinnia, suddenly so quick to admit it now.

With obvious reluctance, Leanna stood and gave up her seat to Landon.

Satisfied, Landon’s lips curled as he slid into the chair next to Zinnia.

Around the table, the Ford family watched Landon make himself comfortable, each with their own complicated expression. Words failed them.

Only Landon acted as if nothing had happened. “I’m starving. Let’s eat.”

Zinnia had no idea why Landon suddenly insisted on sitting by her side. She felt awkward and uneasy, so she buried herself in her meal.

Suddenly, someone placed a shrimp with a golden, crispy coating onto her side plate.

“This is Chef Zoltan’s specialty—golden egg yolk shrimp. You should try it.”

Landon’s voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable note of eagerness.

“Of course you didn’t know. The only thing you ever think about is your precious Noelle. What do you know about Zinnia?”

Leanna was still bitter about Landon’s earlier comment about her “puppy fund.” Every word she said was like a dagger.

Lacey quickly reached under the table and pinched Leanna’s arm, warning her to stop before Landon really filed for divorce.

Leanna pouted, but finally held her tongue.

This time, surprisingly, Landon didn’t argue back. He just stared at Zinnia, at a loss.

In the end, Zinnia broke the tension with a gentle smile. “It’s nothing. Just a small detail—it’s normal not to know.”

“Yes, yes, nothing to fuss about. Even married couples don’t know everything about each other. There are things your aunt can’t eat that I still forget sometimes. Quite normal, really. Haha…” Brian Ford jumped in, eager to ease the awkwardness.

He forced a laugh and gave Landon a pointed look. His art gallery depended on Landon’s support—he had to ingratiate himself, no matter how isolated Landon might be in the family.