The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 195

Dylan frowned, trying to get Fitch to calm down. “Fitch, you’ve got it all wrong. I sent Jonas to Veridia for business reasons—it has nothing to do with Raina.”

But Fitch wouldn’t hear a word of it. He paced the room, his agitation mounting by the second. “Dylan, save your breath. Explanations are just excuses. After all these years, you think I don’t know you? You’re meticulous, decisive—always planning three steps ahead. Don’t tell me this wasn’t premeditated.”

Dylan felt like he was talking to a brick wall.

Suddenly, Fitch stopped in his tracks, his expression turning dead serious. “Honestly, I never thought the day would come when we’d both fall for the same woman. Dylan, let’s not beat around the bush anymore. I want a fair competition. Are you in?”

Dylan stared at Fitch’s determined face, momentarily lost for words.

He knew nothing he said would change Fitch’s mind right now. Keeping Raina a secret had been his mistake. Now that everything was out in the open, he looked guilty no matter what he said. There was no way Fitch would believe he had been acting in his friend’s best interests.

The tension in the office was so thick, it felt like even the air had frozen.

After a long silence, Dylan finally spoke. “Fitch, I’ll say it one last time—I have no interest in Raina. But if you insist on believing otherwise, that’s your choice.”

Fitch locked eyes with him. After a few seconds, he said, “Fine. You said it. From now on, may the best man win. Whoever wins Raina’s heart, the other steps aside.”

Dylan looked up, searching Fitch’s clear blue eyes. For the first time, all he saw was foolishness.

“Fitch, I’m married. Do you really think I’m going to play this kind of childish game with you?”

Fitch gave a short laugh. “Of course I know you’re married. You tied the knot with the Thomson heiress, but let’s not kid ourselves. I’d bet anything Ms. Thomson isn’t as beautiful as Raina. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be acting like this.”

“Dylan, can you honestly swear you feel nothing for her?”

“I told you already—no. She’s just my employee.”

“Dylan, spare me the fake concern. I know you’re secretly hoping I fail with Raina.”

Dylan read the message and tossed his phone aside in frustration.

Soon, Rebecca’s desk was buried under a mountain of fresh, colorful bouquets. The whole office was filled with the heavy scent of flowers.

Their coworkers couldn’t help but stare at Rebecca with envy. Someone finally blurted out, “Raina, you’re incredible! Mr. Russell actually has the guts to chase after you.”

“I heard the Russells are a big deal. And isn’t he best friends with our CEO? Raina, you’ve really hit the jackpot!”

Rebecca could only force a smile. “Actually, I’m already married, really.”

But her colleague eyed her skeptically, looking her up and down. “Married? Then why aren’t you wearing a ring?”