The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 146

Dylan took a deep breath and explained, “There’s a project here at Frost Group that’s crucial for the Austin Group’s future. I have to be here in person to oversee it, so Dennis is taking over for me at the company for now.”

On the other end of the line, Jacob sighed. “It’s up to you. But listen, if your mom calls tonight, don’t turn her down again. Just have dinner with her, will you? She just wants to see you more often. She’s getting older, and after what happened, she’s still a bit shaken. She needs you around to comfort her.”

Dylan tightened his grip on the phone, his voice cool and steady. “I understand.”

After hanging up, he returned to his desk and buried himself in paperwork, preparing for what lay ahead.

By evening, Rebecca finally finished her work. She stretched, working the knots out of her shoulders and back. Glancing around, she realized almost everyone else had already left—the office was unusually quiet, with only a few lonely lights still shining.

Her gaze drifted toward the CEO’s office. Through the glass wall, she could see the light was still on inside.

Just then, Director Porter stepped out of his office.

Rebecca couldn’t help but ask, “Director Porter, is the CEO still working?”

Director Porter glanced at her and replied, “Don’t worry about him. You should head home.”

Rebecca frowned slightly. “Does he work this late every night?”

Director Porter eyed Rebecca warily, his tone severe. “Raina, you’d do well not to poke your nose into the CEO’s business. Take my advice—he’s not easy to deal with. The moment you cross him, you’re out the door. The number of people he’s fired could fill a stadium. Don’t think you’ll be the exception.”

A chill ran through Rebecca. She nodded quickly. “I understand.”

Director Porter gave her another long, searching look before turning and walking away.

Rebecca stood there for a moment, thinking. She remembered that Dylan hadn’t eaten lunch, and now he was still working late into the night. He must be starving by now.

After a moment of hesitation, she pulled out her phone and ordered some takeout.

Once the order was placed, she gathered her things and left the building.

So, it was Raina again.

What exactly was she after?

“She couldn’t win over Jonas, so now she’s trying to reel me in?” he muttered under his breath.

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious he became. Was Raina really one of those scheming climbers, willing to do anything for a leg up?

He picked up his phone, tempted to call Director Porter and ask about Raina, but hesitated.

Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe she’d just noticed he hadn’t eaten and was being considerate.

He knew better than to judge a person based on a single act of kindness.