The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 171

Hugh Austin let out a cold snort. “I don’t care who it is—anyone who dares to mess with the Austin family won’t get off easy. Butler, what’s the status of your investigation?”

The butler kept his head bowed. “Sir, we haven’t found anything concrete yet, but we’re expanding the search. We won’t overlook any clue, no matter how small.”

Mrs. Austin whipped around, glaring daggers at the butler. “Still no results after all this time? Useless, the lot of you!”

Sweat beaded on the butler’s forehead as he stammered, “Ma’am, please don’t be angry. We’re doing everything we can. I’m sure we’ll have a lead very soon.”

Mrs. Austin scoffed. “Soon? I’ve waited long enough! If I find out who’s behind this, I’ll make them regret it!”

Jacob’s eyes were sharp as he fixed the butler with a steely gaze. “Pick up the pace. Use every resource we have. I want the truth uncovered as soon as possible.”

The butler nodded meekly. “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”

Mrs. Austin sank into the couch, looking completely exhausted.

“For the next few days, you shouldn’t go out,” Jacob told her. “Wait until this is sorted out.”

She clenched her jaw so tightly it seemed her eyes might spit fire.

Meanwhile, across town in the city’s poorest neighborhood, Ethan was still bossing the driver, Louis, around as he handed him a stack of flyers.

“Louis, hurry up! Get these flyers posted everywhere people can see them!” Ethan barked, hands on his hips.

Louis hesitated. “Master Ethan, are you sure about this? We’ve already plastered the whole city. Do we really need to put them up here, too?”

Noah shot him a glare. “Enough with the excuses! Do as you’re told!”

Evan chimed in, “Faster, come on! Don’t just stand there!”

Louis, outnumbered and clearly intimidated by the young masters, let out a resigned sigh. He grabbed the flyers and trudged into the maze of alleys.

In less than a minute, Louis was left with nothing but empty hands. The beggars clutched the flyers like they were holding winning lottery tickets, already picturing a future filled with luxury and comfort.

Louis breathed a sigh of relief. At least the job was done quicker than he’d hoped—but as he thought of Mrs. Austin, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

If Mrs. Austin finds out all her flyers ended up with the beggars, who knows how furious she’ll be, he thought ruefully.

The beggars were still buzzing with excitement.

“Wonder what this rich lady looks like?”

“Who cares? As long as she’s loaded!”

“Maybe she’ll give us a fortune to spend!”

Louis shook his head at the group, lost in their fantasies, then turned and quietly slipped away.