The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 144

Crystal scoffed and rolled her eyes, hands planted firmly on her hips. “Morality?” she sneered. “What does that even mean when love’s on the line? All I know is that I want Dylan, and I’ll have him—even if you two are married in name. I don’t care.”

Just then, with a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open.

Without waiting for a response, Crystal turned to leave, brushing past Rebecca as if she didn’t exist.

But as soon as she spun around, she stopped dead in her tracks—Dylan was standing right there, facing them. Crystal froze, her hands still defiantly on her hips.

Dylan took in the tense scene inside the elevator, his brow furrowing. “What’s going on here?”

Crystal’s demeanor shifted instantly. She smoothed her hair and straightened her blouse, flashing her brightest smile as she stepped toward him. “Dylan, I came to see you,” she said sweetly.

Dylan shot her a puzzled look. “I’m sorry, but… do I know you?”

The smile on Crystal’s face faltered, her confidence slipping. She stared at him in disbelief. “Dylan, it’s me—Crystal. Don’t you remember?”

Dylan shook his head, still frowning. “Crystal? Sorry, that name doesn’t ring a bell.”

Rebecca couldn’t help herself—she let out a stifled laugh.

Seeing Rebecca openly mocking her, Crystal’s eyes flashed with anger. She stomped her foot and pressed on, determined not to give up. “Dylan, we met at the Palina gala a few weeks ago. We talked for ages. You really don’t remember?”

Dylan’s expression remained flat. “I’m sorry, I honestly have no recollection.”

Crystal bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood, her frustration mounting. There’s no way he could’ve forgotten her. He must be pretending.

As she passed Rebecca, Crystal shot her a venomous glare. “Don’t look so smug. Dylan’s just forgotten me for now—he’ll remember everything soon enough.”

Her heart burned with resentment. It was all Rebecca’s fault—Rebecca had ruined everything.

Rebecca gave her a cool, amused smile. “Best of luck with that,” she said.

Crystal stormed off, her indignation almost comical. Rebecca couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly at the scene.

Crystal had claimed she and Dylan had been together for five years, and yet… this? Was Dylan really serious when he said he didn’t know her?

Rebecca turned, only to find Dylan watching her intently, his eyes suddenly sharp and unreadable as he closed the distance between them.