The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 16

Rebecca stepped into the house, and as the housekeeper swung open the door, she stopped short in astonishment.

The entire living room had been transformed into a golden wonderland—shimmering balloons in every color hung from the ceiling, casting a neon glow across the room. Beside the couch stood a cleverly constructed cardboard castle, complete with delicate little turrets and towers.

Mountains of gifts were stacked nearby: LEGOs, toy robots, and a miniature Bugatti, each more extravagant than the last.

Just the presents from the four uncles alone filled an entire room, every one carefully chosen with a personal touch.

It was the annual birthday celebration, that rare occasion when the whole family gathered under one roof.

Rebecca spotted them sitting together, while four wide-eyed little ones buzzed excitedly around them, their voices chattering non-stop.

Looking around, she took in the warm, peaceful scene—a home bustling with a not-so-ordinary cast of family members.

“Miss Rebecca is home,” the housekeeper announced.

Instantly, the room fell silent. Every head turned in unison toward the doorway.

“Becky.”

Her four brothers, caught in the middle of various tasks, all paused at once when they saw her. With work and life always pulling them in different directions, having everyone together like this was a rare treat.

“Mama!”

“Mama!”

“Mama!”

“Mama!”

The four little ones weren’t to be outdone, dashing toward Rebecca with gleeful cries.

Her gaze swept over her family, finally settling on Ethan.

Ethan’s eyes widened in shock. He instinctively reached up to touch his chest, suddenly realizing things weren’t looking good.

That pin was his “tool of the trade.”

Quick as a flash, Ethan tried to snatch the pin back from his mother, beaming up at her with his sweetest smile. “Thanks, Mom! I’ve been looking everywhere for that. So you’re the one who found it!”

But Rebecca was faster, closing her hand around the pin and fixing Ethan with a sharp, knowing stare, as if she could see right through him.

“Ethan, do you want to explain to me why this pin was missing?”

Ethan’s lower lip jutted out as he sidled closer, pressing his head against Rebecca in a familiar gesture, hoping to charm his way out. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ll be more careful next time—I promise I won’t lose my things again.”

Rebecca’s eyes narrowed, unmoved. She held out her hand, keeping Ethan from snuggling any closer.

This was Ethan’s favorite trick—whenever he got into trouble, he’d turn on the cuteness and try to distract her. But Rebecca wasn’t having it.