The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 151

Rebecca snapped out of her daze as if waking from a dream and quickly released her grip. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Bennett. I didn’t mean to.”

Her heart pounded in her chest, so loud she thought it might leap right out of her throat.

Dylan studied her flustered, anxious face. Instead of easing his earlier irritation, the sight only made it worse. He couldn’t believe it—had he just been groped by a junior staffer from his own company?

“Raina, what are you doing here?” His gaze bore into her, sharp and suspicious, as if he could see straight through her.

Rebecca froze for a second. “Mr. Bennett, I...”

She hadn’t figured out what to say, and her mind went blank.

Watching her stumble over her words only deepened Dylan’s suspicions. She could claim ordering lunch for him was part of her job, but what about now? What were the odds she’d just happen to run into him at this restaurant?

His eyes narrowed, scanning her from head to toe. Was she following him, hoping to catch his attention? But how could she possibly know his whereabouts?

Rebecca felt the weight of his scrutiny and grew even more uneasy. She hurried to explain. “Sir, I—I’m just here with my son. I lost sight of him for a moment and was looking for him. I didn’t see you standing there—I was distracted.”

Dylan gave a cold, skeptical laugh. “Looking for your kid, and you end up in my arms?”

Rebecca stared at him in confusion. What was that supposed to mean? Was he really that annoyed she’d bumped into him? But it had been a genuine accident.

Unsure how else to respond, she apologized again. “I really am sorry, Mr. Bennett. I hope you’re not upset.”

He watched her for several seconds, then delivered his warning in a low, steely voice. “My employees are expected to act with composure at all times. Reckless behavior is unacceptable—and so are any inappropriate ideas. Miss Carter, I suggest you conduct yourself accordingly.”

With that, Dylan turned sharply on his heel and walked away.

“Don’t worry, fellas. I guarantee I’ll win over that rich lady,” the man said, his voice oozing with fake charm and an unsettling eagerness.

Sitting across from him, backs to Dylan, were four children—only the tops of their heads and their little legs dangling above the floor were visible from Dylan’s vantage point.

Noah pulled out a wad of bills, his childish voice oddly mature. “Here’s your allowance, as agreed. Chasing after a wealthy woman takes money, after all.”

The man’s grin widened, eyes nearly disappearing. “Thank you, thank you!”

Unbelievable, Dylan thought. Was this really happening? This man was getting paid to woo a rich woman by these kids? It was absurd—like something out of a far-fetched sitcom.

He had no idea what kind of scheme these children and the man were cooking up, but whatever it was, it was too ridiculous for him to bother with. Just more childish nonsense, he decided, shaking his head and moving on.