The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 190

But right now, he had no intention of telling the whole truth.

After a moment, he finally spoke, his voice measured and calm. “Part of it is that I appreciate your talent. But there’s more to it—landing this deal is good for the company. Still, you can relax. Lionel? After this, you’ll never have to see him again.”

Rebecca’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why not?”

Dylan drew in a deep breath before continuing. “Lionel’s actually an illegitimate son. His place in the Olson family has always been shaky. His brother, Matthew, has been trying to dig up dirt on him for years, looking for a way to push him out of the family business. On the surface, it looks like we’re working with Lionel, but in reality, it’s not that simple.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened. “Wait, are you saying you set him up? Was this your plan all along?”

Dylan turned his gaze away, his expression unreadable. “That’s all I can tell you. The less you know, the better off you’ll be.”

Rebecca muttered “scheming businessman” under her breath but couldn’t help saying aloud, “Don’t you ever worry about karma, doing things like this?”

Dylan let out a low chuckle. “Business is survival of the fittest. If I don’t play the game, someone else will—and the company will pay the price.”

He paused, then added, “Besides, Lionel’s no saint. He’s done plenty of shady things himself. If he’s getting pushed out, he only has himself to blame.”

Rebecca fell silent at that.

If it weren’t for Dylan, she realized, she might never have known just how many secrets lurked beneath the surface of the business world.

Maybe ignorance really was bliss.

After a long day navigating the cutthroat world of corporate deals with her ruthless boss, Rebecca walked past a bakery on her way home. Thinking of her four little ones waiting for her, a gentle smile lit up her face. She decided to pick up some treats to bring back for them.

Meanwhile, Fitch was sitting in the back of a sleek, black car, his gaze drifting idly out the window. Suddenly, a familiar figure flashed by on the sidewalk, making his heart skip a beat.

The girl eyed the cupcake, hesitated, then finally took it, her face lighting up with a smile. “Thank you, ma’am!”

Rebecca ruffled her hair affectionately.

Just then, Fitch hurried up, breathless and slightly flushed. “Hi… hello,” he stammered, his excitement palpable.

Rebecca frowned, studying him. There was something vaguely familiar about this man, but she couldn’t quite place him. “Is she your daughter?” she asked.

Fitch hesitated, but before he could answer, a woman hurried over—clearly the little girl’s mother.

The child instantly ran into her mother’s arms, then piped up, her voice small and accusing, “Mommy, you left me behind!”