Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 262

After Landon stepped off the stage, a few other department heads gave brief speeches and shared their hopes for the new year.

Then, the emcee announced it was time for everyone to take their seats.

All the places had been set according to the guest list, so as long as everyone sat down in order, things would go smoothly.

But of course, someone just had to stir up trouble.

Zinnia had barely settled into her chair when she realized someone was standing beside her.

She glanced up instinctively—and there was Noelle, draped in that cumbersome feathered gown, hovering wordlessly at her side.

Zinnia blinked. “What…?”

Landon hadn’t expected Noelle to cause a scene at a moment like this. His expression immediately darkened.

“What are you doing?” His voice was suddenly cold, slicing through the chatter around them.

Noelle’s face went pale at the sound of Landon’s frosty tone. But maybe the night’s events had rattled her so badly, she just couldn’t let it go. She stayed rooted to the spot, ignoring the many guests nearby. Biting her lip, she looked at Landon with a wounded expression.

“Landon, I’ve always sat with you at these dinners. I’m just…used to it.”

The Ford family members exchanged awkward glances.

Zinnia just sat in silence.

What was there to say?

She wasn’t sure if Noelle was actually depressed or if there was just something off about her, but most people—even if they were at their wit’s end—would never make such a public scene or challenge the woman officially known as Mrs. Ford.

Was Noelle really so fearless about causing a scandal for Landon? Or did she just count on his endless tolerance, convinced he’d never truly punish her?

Well, Zinnia had already played her part. If Noelle wanted to ruin the evening, that was her problem.

With that, Zinnia simply sat back and let herself fade into the background, just another spectator at the show.

She smiled as she spoke.

Noelle hadn’t expected this. Zinnia had always been so conciliatory before, always playing the gracious hostess no matter how many times she was provoked. But now, she was standing her ground, even daring to talk back.

It was only because Landon treated her better these days—Noelle was sure of it. That must be why Zinnia was acting so bold.

Why couldn’t Landon see through her act? Noelle seethed.

“Landon…” she tried again, desperation tinging her voice.

But Landon had no patience left.

“If you don’t want security to escort you out, I suggest you get back to your seat. Now.”

Even with Landon’s meaning laid out so clearly, Noelle still refused to give up.