The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 107

Evan blinked his big, curious eyes. “Is she a new friend that Grandma just made?” he wondered aloud.

Ethan frowned, the lines between his brows deepening. “Maybe it has something to do with Dad?” he guessed.

Noah shook his head, trying to keep everyone calm. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s just watch and see what happens.”

They watched as Mrs. Austin warmly took the woman’s hand. “Oh, I’m so glad you came! Wasn’t the trip tiring?” she asked with a wide, welcoming smile.

The woman replied sweetly, “Not at all, Ma’am. I’d come any distance to see you.”

Mrs. Austin beamed, practically glowing with delight as she led the woman toward the garden.

Ethan, anxious to follow, stepped forward, but Noah quickly grabbed his arm. “Hold on! Don’t rush—if they spot us, we’ll be in trouble.”

Evan clung to the hem of Noah’s shirt, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Noah, something feels off about this.”

Noah narrowed his eyes, his tone low. “I think so too.”

Laughter and cheerful voices soon drifted from the garden; it sounded like Mrs. Austin and her guest were getting along splendidly.

Aiden leaned in, whispering, “Maybe we should sneak around back. We might be able to hear what they’re talking about.”

Noah thought for a second, then nodded. “Okay, but everyone needs to be careful. No noise.”

The four boys crept quietly around to the back of the old house, pressing themselves close to the wall.

Ethan eyed the high wall, his gaze quickly landing on Louis, the family’s driver.

He marched over and tugged Louis over to the base of the wall. “Louis, crouch down. I’m going to climb onto your shoulders so I can see over the wall.”

Louis’s face went pale. He waved his hands frantically. “Oh, Master Ethan, please, that’s far too dangerous! I can’t—!”

The threat shut Louis up immediately; he stood by quietly, not daring to speak again.

Noah and Ethan peered cautiously over the wall, craning their necks to see what was happening inside.

In the garden, Mrs. Austin and the woman were sitting together in the gazebo, chatting and sipping tea, their laughter drifting through the summer air.

Mrs. Austin leaned in, her voice warm. “Garcia, you must come visit more often. I’m sure Dylan will be thrilled to meet you.”

Garcia replied with a coy smile, “Oh, Ma’am, don’t say that. I’m afraid Mr. Austin won’t even give me a second look.”

Mrs. Austin shook her head, waving off the concern. “Nonsense! You’re lovely and so thoughtful—much better than that Rebecca Thomson.”

At those words, both Noah and Ethan’s expressions soured.