The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 148

Aiden, always thoughtful and attentive, muttered softly as he picked up another treat, “Mom loves these. I’ll get one for her.”

He carefully selected a few elegant pastries, making sure to choose the prettiest ones for his mother.

Meanwhile, picky-eater Evan trailed behind. He scanned the buffet, wrinkled his nose, and only chose a few cuts of roast meat for himself.

Before long, the four little ones returned to the table with plates piled high with food.

“Mom, this cake is super sweet—you have to try it!” Aiden held out a spoonful to Rebecca with bright, eager eyes.

Rebecca smiled warmly at Aiden, brushing his hair affectionately. “You’re such a thoughtful boy, Aiden. Not only do you make sure nothing goes to waste, you even think of your mom.”

“Mom, you should try mine too!” Ethan mumbled, cheeks stuffed, voice muffled by the mouthful he was determined to finish.

Rebecca took a bite from Ethan’s plate and her eyes crinkled into a joyful smile.

“Mom, did you see Dad today?” Noah suddenly piped up.

Rebecca paused, then replied, “Yes, I did.”

Evan followed up, “So when are you bringing Dad home?”

Rebecca hesitated, her gaze dropping. After a moment, she answered gently, “Well… it’ll take a little more time. If you’re all good, you’ll get to see Dad soon.”

The four kids nodded in perfect unison, voices ringing out together, “We’ll be good for you, Mom. We won’t make you worry.”

The sight of her children—so sensible and earnest—filled Rebecca with both pride and a pang of guilt. She reached out and gently ruffled their hair. “You’re all so wonderful. I know how much you want Dad to come home, but some things just aren’t that simple. I need a little time to sort things out.”

Ethan blinked up at her, voice as serious as a child could make it. “We understand, Mom. You need time to fall in love with Dad again, right? We get it.”

Aiden clung to the hem of Rebecca’s shirt, his voice soft and sweet. “We believe in you, Mom. You’ll bring Dad back home.”

Rebecca felt a cold sweat break out on her palms.

Meanwhile, Dylan hurried into the restaurant, pushing open the private dining room door. Inside, Mrs. Austin sat beaming, and next to her was a woman he didn’t recognize.

Dylan’s brow furrowed in suspicion, and a flicker of annoyance passed through him as he realized what this was about.

Garcia took the hint, scooted closer to Dylan, and said with a sweet smile, “Mr. Austin, why don’t we exchange numbers? Maybe we could get to know each other better.”

Dylan looked up at her, his face unreadable.

Meanwhile, Ethan had finished his plate, patted his still-empty stomach, and grabbed another juicy shrimp. Humming a little tune, he wandered off in search of ice cream.

As he passed by one of the private rooms, he glanced in through the doorway—and froze.

Ethan pressed himself against the wall and peered through the crack in the door.

Inside, Grumpy Granny was sitting with Dad—Dylan—and Garcia, all having lunch together. Garcia, dressed to impress, was smiling and chatting animatedly with Dad.

Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. Oh no.

Looks like Grumpy Granny hasn’t given up on her matchmaking schemes—she’s actually trying to set Dad up with someone else!

Sensing trouble, Ethan spun around and dashed back to his own table, forgetting all about the ice cream.