The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 189

Dylan flicked the ash from his cigarette, looking at him with calm, unreadable eyes. “It’s nothing,” he said.

But Fitch didn’t let up. “Don’t give me that. There’s a reason for that grin of yours. Out with it!”

Dylan took a long drag, exhaling slowly. “Fitch, one day it’s a model, the next it’s some influencer. Even if your so-called angel showed up, she’d run screaming after seeing how much of a playboy you are. Honestly, maybe you should stop looking for angels altogether.”

Fitch’s face shifted, stung. “Why can’t I look for her? I’m just having a little fun along the way. Whatever, let’s not talk about me.”

He changed the subject, teasing, “By the way, Dylan, your mom’s become quite the celebrity lately—she’s practically gone viral. The whole country club is gossiping about her.”

Dylan’s brow furrowed, his tone darkening. “What are they saying?”

Fitch chuckled. “Oh, you know, they’re swapping stories about her so-called triumphs. Those women love nothing more than spinning rumors and adding their own twist. At this rate, they’ll turn it into a soap opera.”

Dylan’s expression grew colder. He paused to think, then said, steady as ever, “I’ll handle it. Give it a little time and you won’t see another headline.”

Seeing Dylan’s seriousness, Fitch finally dropped the joking. “Alright, I get it. But this one’s blown up more than usual—better keep your wits about you.”

Dylan flicked his cigarette again. “I know what I’m doing.”

Just then, the locker room door creaked open. Dylan’s gaze snapped in that direction.

Fitch caught the shift and followed Dylan’s eyes.

As Rebecca was about to step out, Dylan turned to Fitch. “Fitch, go find your date. I’ve got work back at the office.”

Fitch rolled his eyes, sighing. “Fine, I was hoping to beat you at a few rounds though.”

“Next time.”

Dylan’s voice was cold. “What is it?”

She cleared her throat. “Next time you need to meet with Lionel—or any client like him—please don’t bring me along.”

He frowned, then gave a short, mirthless laugh. “Raina, dealing with clients is part of a secretary’s job description. The fact you’d say something like that tells me you still don’t understand what your position entails.”

“You—”

Rebecca bit back her retort, turning to look at his refined profile. No matter how composed he looked, she couldn’t help but suspect there was a ruthless side lurking beneath that calm exterior.

“Mr. Carter, I’m honestly curious. There are plenty of capable people in the company—why did you bring me today? Don’t tell me you actually value my skills.”

Dylan could feel the heat of her angry, questioning gaze. For a moment, he hesitated. If he told her the truth—that he suffered from face blindness and hers was the only face he could recognize among all the women at the office—wouldn’t that sound a little too strange?