The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 180

Mr. Hugh Austin’s voice was firm and final. As soon as he finished speaking, he turned his back on Mrs. Austin, making it clear he had no intention of arguing further.

The living room, already tense from the ongoing moving arrangements, grew even quieter, a peculiar hush settling over everyone for several seconds.

Then, breaking the silence, the television erupted with noise.

Tonight was the championship boxing match, and the crowd’s cheers surged like a tide. The commentator’s voice rang out, full of excitement: “Joseph has won the title!”

Joseph, the boxer, beamed with elation, raising his championship medal high above his head as a symbol of glory.

The commentator, still grinning, held the microphone out to him. “Joseph, you’ve just claimed victory! You must have so much to say—share with us how you’re feeling right now.”

Joseph’s face lit up with the giddiness of triumph. He cleared his throat, ready to speak.

But in the next moment, the scene took a bizarre turn. Joseph’s eyes burned with intensity as he faced the camera and declared, “Mrs. Austin, I saw your ad seeking a child. If you choose me, this medal is yours.”

With that, he blew a dramatic kiss into the air and shouted again, “Ma’am, I love you!”

The arena went dead silent for a split second before exploding into an even louder uproar, the audience bursting into laughter and shouts.

Back in the Austin living room, however, the atmosphere plummeted to subzero. Not a sound could be heard.

Mr. Hugh Austin, who had just lifted his teacup for a sip, froze mid-motion. His face turned an alarming shade of gray.

Jacob hurried after him, trying to block his way. “Dad, please, don’t jump to conclusions. Maybe it’s not as bad as it looks. Let’s figure out what’s really going on first.”

Mr. Hugh Austin shot Jacob a withering glare. “What is there to figure out? The whole world knows! The Austin family is a laughingstock.”

Mrs. Austin, pale with anxiety, rushed over as well. “Dad, this has nothing to do with me...”

He snorted, face twisted with anger. “If it’s not you, then who? No matter what you say, this scandal is everywhere. Our family’s reputation is finished! My good name—all ruined by you! What a curse…”

With that, he strode out the door without so much as a backward glance.

Mrs. Austin stood frozen, too frightened to speak. She hadn’t imagined things would spiral so far out of control. Her eyes shimmered with hurt, and after a long pause, she finally relented, glancing at Jacob and Dylan. “Fine. I’ll move out…”