The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 188

Dylan’s brow furrowed, his voice icy. “I just don’t see the point.”

“Why not?” Rebecca pressed.

He fell silent for a moment. Just as he’d refused to explain himself to Lionel earlier, now he offered Rebecca no answer either.

His nonchalance only made her angrier.

“Rebecca, just focus on your own work. I can handle everything else.”

She let out a sharp huff. “So your way of handling things is to throw me to the wolves? Tell me honestly—did you set me up to play tennis with Mr. Olson on purpose, just so he’d agree to work with us?”

Dylan’s frown deepened, clear irritation flashing in his eyes. “Rebecca, what gives you the right to interrogate me like this?”

She lifted her chin defiantly. “I may just be an employee, but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask questions, does it? I thought you were different from those sleazy businessmen, Mr. Warren.”

“Sleazy businessmen?” Dylan let out a short laugh. “Clearly, you’ve never met a real one.”

Rebecca thought to herself, Oh, I have—you’re looking right at me.

After a brief silence, Dylan finally spoke up, his tone more deliberate. “I had you play tennis with Mr. Olson as a normal part of business networking. I never intended to use your looks to win a deal, nor would I stoop so low as to sacrifice my colleague for a contract. As for his inappropriate request, I wasn’t expecting that either.”

Rebecca eyed him suspiciously. “Is that really true?”

Dylan’s voice was cool. “I don’t repeat myself.”

She snorted. “It better be.”

With that, Rebecca turned and headed for the locker room. “I’m going to get changed.”

Dylan remained where he was after she left, irritation etched across his face as he lit a cigarette.

Leaning in, Fitch whispered something in his companion’s ear. She gave him an understanding smile, shot him a playful look, and then sashayed away.

Dylan took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a lazy plume of smoke. “New girlfriend?”

Fitch gave a lopsided smile. “Not exactly.” For a moment, something almost wistful flickered in his eyes.

There was a pause, and then Fitch’s mood shifted, a hint of melancholy creeping into his voice. “Honestly, man, I haven’t been myself lately. Ever since I met that angel—no one else even comes close. I’ve been searching everywhere, but she vanished without a trace. I feel like I’m doomed to pine for someone I’ll never find.”

He heaved a few dramatic sighs for good measure.

Dylan just chuckled softly.

Fitch shot him a look, brow furrowed. “What’s so funny?”