Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 266

But that guileless look in Zinnia’s eyes—when Noelle saw it, it felt like the cruelest mockery.

Noelle’s glare turned even more venomous, her resentment deepening.

Just the mention of “marriage” struck Noelle right where it hurt, leaving her momentarily breathless, as if something had lodged in her throat.

Her eyes narrowed, cold and dangerous, like a viper ready to strike—fixated on Zinnia, as though she might lunge for her throat at any moment.

Yet even backed into a corner, Noelle clung to her pride.

“What are you so smug about?” she snapped. “The real mistress is the one who isn’t loved. All you have is a piece of paper—Landon doesn’t even acknowledge you as his wife.”

Zinnia glanced at her watch, patience running thin after Noelle’s endless badgering. Even the calmest person would have been worn down by now.

She shrugged, unbothered by Noelle’s words. “He doesn’t have to acknowledge me. What matters is that the law does. That piece of paper might not force Landon to love me, but it does entitle me to half of what he owns.”

She gave Noelle a pointed smile, her voice laced with irony. “You might have his love, but you don’t have anything official. As far as the law is concerned, you’ll always be the other woman. Any money he spends on you during our marriage—I can demand every cent back if I want.”

Watching Noelle’s face darken, Zinnia spread her hands in mock sympathy. “See? That certificate you look down on— it gives me the confidence to stand my ground. Sure, you have Landon’s love. But can love pay the bills? Can you cash it in?”

Once, Zinnia had thought arguing with Noelle over status and legitimacy was beneath her, hardly worth the trouble.

But she’d learned that when it came to someone as unreasonable as Noelle, dignity was irrelevant. Results were what counted.

Sure enough, Noelle’s face twisted with rage and disbelief.

Clenching her teeth, Noelle grabbed her purse and stormed out, pausing at the door to shoot Zinnia a hateful glare. “You’ll pay for that slap. Just wait.”

“By all means,” Zinnia replied, waving pleasantly. “Don’t forget to bring your medical report.”

Her calm, almost amused demeanor only made Noelle shriek in frustration, drawing irritated stares from the passing nurses and doctors.

As a physician, Zinnia knew exactly how to land a slap that would sting but leave no trace, nothing even a doctor’s exam could record.

Of course, she wasn’t about to share that with Noelle. Who knew how Noelle would react—maybe she’d spiral again, maybe even do something desperate.

Noelle had come looking for a fight, hoping to rattle Zinnia, but left empty-handed and humiliated. She shot Zinnia one last resentful glance before stalking off, purse clutched tight in her hand.