Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 356

Landon stared at the paternity test, then looked again at Yuri’s face—so strikingly similar to his own father’s. He had to admit it now: Yuri really was his cousin.

That also confirmed another suspicion of his: Back then, when his aunt had managed to evade the Ford family’s search so easily, she must have had outside help covering her tracks.

But who was it?

What was their motive in helping her slip away from the Ford family?

Was there some hidden agenda behind it all?

Or was it really just a simple act of kindness?

Landon’s expression darkened. He said nothing, simply tucking the paternity report away.

“Have someone keep a close eye on Yuri—quietly.”

“Yes, sir.”

...

Three in the morning. The city lay under a heavy, ink-black sky. Streetlights glimmered faintly in the darkness.

Yuri stood on his balcony, phone pressed to his ear, his expression unreadable.

But when the voice on the other end grew impatient, Yuri’s tone sharpened with annoyance:

“I told you, I have my own plan. If my father can’t wait, then I’m done. You can handle it yourselves.”

Sensing his irritation, the caller quickly apologized, not daring to press further.

Yuri’s voice softened a little.

“Tell my father he won’t have to wait much longer. But he’s not to touch my people.”

He hung up, and almost immediately, a new message popped up—Zinnia.

[Yuri, I have a neurosurgery question for you. Can I ask?]

Yuri’s lips curled into an involuntary smile. He quickly tapped out a reply.

...

The next morning was the first official day of winter break.

Elijah Quinn and his wife, Jessica, took Dapper out for groceries.

Dapper had already claimed his usual spot on the sofa, basking in the soft winter sunlight streaming through the windows, the whole scene peaceful and warm.

“Elijah, let me help you,” Yuri offered, rolling up his sleeves and stepping into the kitchen.

“No, no—you’re a guest! I can’t have you working in the kitchen,” Elijah said, waving him off.

Yuri smiled. “Then don’t treat me like a guest.”

Elijah’s hands paused, just for a moment.

Cheeky kid, he thought. There’s more to that remark.

He looked up at Yuri, an inscrutable glimmer in his eyes.

“Alright then—I won’t stand on ceremony.”

“Of course. No need to be polite with me.”

Just then, Zinnia emerged from her room, and the first thing she saw was Cozy perched on Dapper’s back, playfully gnawing on his tail.

“Cozy?”