The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 170

A cacophony of voices rose and fell, wave after wave, filling the house with chaos.

Mrs. Austin and Jacob stood frozen in the entryway, utterly stunned by the scene unfolding before them.

Hugh Austin, disturbed by the commotion, rushed out to see what was happening. The sight that greeted him left him pale and trembling; thankfully, the old butler was at his side and caught him before he stumbled.

“What… what on earth is going on?” Hugh gasped, clutching his chest, his face drained of all color.

Jacob hurried to his father’s side. “Dad, something’s happened at home. Please, don’t get upset. Let’s get you back inside to rest.”

The butler chimed in quickly, “Sir, your health comes first. Let’s head back to your room.”

With Jacob and the butler supporting him, Hugh allowed himself to be led away, though he cast anxious glances over his shoulder at the pandemonium by the door. “This is outrageous—absolutely outrageous!”

Once he had settled his father, Jacob returned to the front hall, his face dark with anger. He shouted at the crowd, “Everyone, clear out! Stop causing trouble here!”

But his words fell on deaf ears. The crowd only grew louder, voices overlapping in a wild, stubborn clamor.

Mrs. Austin stood off to the side, mortified and furious. “What are we supposed to do now?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Jacob clenched his jaw. “I’m calling security!”

Moments later, the security team rushed in, but even their presence was hardly enough. It took all their effort to push back the crowd, and even then, plenty of people refused to budge.

“Mrs. Austin, you can’t go back on your word!” someone shouted.

“We saw the announcement ourselves!” another chimed in.

Mrs. Austin was livid. “What announcement? That’s all lies! If you don’t leave right now, don’t blame me for what happens next!”

But the reporter wouldn’t back down. “Then why did the ad appear? Rumor has it the Austin family’s only heir tradition is at risk. Is Mrs. Austin trying for a second child? If you’re not planning it with Mr. Austin, are you seeking someone younger because your marriage is in trouble?”

Mrs. Austin was speechless with rage. Jacob took her by the arm and pulled her toward the house. “Don’t listen to them. We’ll figure this out inside.”

She turned and snapped at the reporter, “Say another word and I’ll sue you for defamation!”

Inside the house, Jacob and Mrs. Austin fell silent, exhausted by the ordeal. Gradually, the noise outside faded as the crowd finally began to disperse. The quiet that followed was almost a relief.

Sitting rigid in his chair, Hugh Austin’s expression was grim. “We need to find out who’s behind this. I want the truth, no matter what it takes.”

Mrs. Austin paced the length of the living room, her breath coming in short, angry bursts. “Someone is clearly targeting me, trying to destroy my reputation. If this gets out, how am I supposed to show my face in public again?”

Jacob let out a weary sigh. “What good does it do to talk about that now? The scandal’s already out there.”