The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 179

Dylan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Mom, please calm down. I’ll get to the bottom of this. If Rebecca’s really behind it, I’ll deal with her myself. But storming off to accuse her without any proof—that’s just unreasonable.”

Mrs. Austin was so furious she nearly hurled her phone across the room. “Fine, I’m the one being unreasonable. If you’re determined to take that woman’s side, then there’s nothing more I can say.”

Dylan paused, his voice steady. “Mom, it’s not about taking sides. We just need evidence. We can’t condemn Rebecca based on your word alone.”

Mrs. Austin snapped, “Alright, go ahead and investigate! I’d love to see what you find!”

With that, she hung up, her anger echoing in the abrupt click.

Dylan frowned, exasperated by his mother’s behavior. Still, knowing Rebecca as he did, he found it hard to believe she’d do something like this.

He called Dennis next, searching for answers. “What has Rebecca been up to lately?”

Dennis sounded frazzled. “Mr. Austin, I’ve been swamped at the office—I haven’t had time to check on her.”

Dylan’s brow furrowed further.

Dennis hesitated, then ventured carefully, “Sir, if you’re concerned about Mrs. Austin, maybe you should reach out to her yourself.”

Dylan shot back, “Who said I was concerned about her?”

Dennis muttered under his breath, “If you’re not concerned, why ask about her at all?”

Dylan’s expression darkened. “What did you just say?”

Panicked, Dennis backtracked. “Nothing, sir. If you want to know what Mrs. Austin’s been up to, I’ll look into it for you.”

A little while later, Mrs. Austin reappeared, cleaned up but still looking worse for wear. Bandages covered her arm and hand, and a nasty bite from a goose marred the corner of her mouth. The humiliation on her face was plain for all to see.

The family gathered in the living room, an oppressive silence hanging over them.

Dylan finally broke it. “You should move out for now. Once things quiet down, you can come back.”

Mrs. Austin’s temper flared instantly. “What? Move out? Why should I be the one to leave?”

Mr. Hugh Austin’s voice was stern. “Have you seen the crowd outside? Do you want to keep living like this, harassed every day?”

Mrs. Austin protested, “But I’ve lived here for years. I’m used to it—I can’t just move somewhere else.”

Mr. Hugh Austin scoffed. “Does it matter what you’re used to? Things can’t go on like this. If you won’t leave, then I will. I’ve had enough—I’m moving out tonight.”