Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 259

Unlike Leanna, Zinnia barely reacted when she saw Landon and Noelle standing together and chatting again.

In fact, when Leanna started complaining, Zinnia couldn’t help but laugh.

“Zinnia, how can you still be in the mood to laugh!”

Leanna looked exasperated, casting a glare at Landon’s back as he stood a few steps away. “This evening was supposed to be about you and Landon, and yet she shows up looking like a feather duster and prances around like she owns the place.”

Noelle’s dress tonight was a pale blue ballgown, the skirt flaring wide with layers upon layers of snowy owl feathers, each one meticulously arranged. The feathers swept all the way down to the hem, so that every step Noelle took made her look like a bird about to take flight. Just from the material and workmanship, it was clear this dress had cost a fortune. But it was heavy and dramatic—perfect for a red carpet, but completely out of place at a normal dinner party. Noelle was obviously trying to steal the spotlight.

It was clear she’d gone all out for this grand occasion.

“I don’t mind, and you shouldn’t get so worked up either,” Zinnia said, giving Leanna a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “And be careful what you say about Noelle—if Landon overhears, you know he’ll dock your allowance again.”

“Hmph, like I’m scared of him,” Leanna scoffed, pouting. “Sometimes I wonder if Maggie Whitman and Landon were really saved by Noelle all those years ago. I just don’t buy that she’s the self-sacrificing type.”

Maggie, of course, was Landon’s mother.

Zinnia had her own doubts about that story, too, but she kept them to herself. If she ever voiced them, Landon would just accuse her of being petty and jealous of Noelle.

“Oh, by the way, Zinnia, remember those cute puppies I showed you last time? Want to take another look? They’re all still single,” Leanna teased, rummaging through her purse for her phone. She’d barely unlocked it before a slender hand reached over and snatched it away.

Leanna looked up to see Landon.

“It’s not about the money,” Leanna protested, her resolve starting to waver. “I just want you and Zinnia to spend more time together.”

She snatched her phone from Landon and dashed off, not looking back.

Sorry, Zinnia—it’s all my fault for bailing on you, she thought miserably.

Landon returned, carrying a plate of small pastries, and took a seat beside Zinnia.

“This cheesecake doesn’t have any eggs in it,” he said, offering her the plate. “You should eat something.”

Zinnia glanced at the slice of cheesecake—her usual favorite. Since she was allergic to eggs, she could only eat cakes made without them. This particular cheesecake was made from cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, chilled until set without any baking—perfect for people like her who loved cake but couldn’t have eggs.