The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 22

Just as Crystal was brimming with hope that her parents would support her, George finally spoke up.

“Michael has a point. The company’s in good hands with Samuel. Crystal, sweetheart, you’re a young woman—there’s no need for you to wear yourself out. Even if you never worked a day in your life, the Thomson family could take care of you.”

It sounded affectionate, but wasn’t this just his way of keeping her out of the family business?

Crystal nervously picked at her fingers, forcing a smile. “Thanks, Dad.”

But disappointment still crept into her heart.

Maybe Dad just doesn’t want me to struggle. Maybe he wants to protect me from hardship...

But then George turned to Rebecca, his gaze lingering with meaning.

“Rebecca, now you’re a different story. You’ve got four little ones to raise as a single mother. That’s a heavy load—money goes out faster than it comes in, and it never feels like enough. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll put the company in your name. Starting tomorrow, you’ll officially take over as CEO. That way, you can set aside a little more for your boys’ future.”

No one understood the pressure of raising four sons better than George.

Rebecca stared at him in disbelief. “Take over the company?”

Crystal froze.

What?

Hadn’t Dad just said the family would support her?

So why was Rebecca—who also had the family’s support—being handed the company?

But before the shock wore off, Rebecca hesitated. “Dad, I don’t really know much about running a company. Maybe it’s better if I don’t…”

Truth be told, she had plenty of ways to make money already. If her father knew just how many assets she had under her name, not to mention the balance in her bank account, he’d never worry about her finances again.

But before she could finish declining, Samuel rapped his knuckles on the table, his tone commanding. “Becky, all you have to do is put your name on the door as CEO. Leave the management to me.”

Rebecca blinked.

Was it really that easy?

Crystal stared at Samuel in disbelief. Did he even realize what he was saying?

Before she could recover, William chimed in, “Becky, let me handle the contracts and projects. That’s my specialty anyway.”

Michael puffed out his chest, not to be left behind. “Exactly! You just play the figurehead CEO. Leave the marketing and publicity to me.”

Matthew, always businesslike, added, “Becky, I’m tied up with work most of the time, but I’ve got plenty of contacts for investment. I’ll take care of bringing in new partners.”

Rebecca was speechless.

His assistant was stunned for a full minute, double-checking the name for the transfer.

Then, as if a fire had been lit under him, the man leaped to his feet and dashed out the door at full speed.

In no time at all…

Rebecca’s phone buzzed with a text: she was now officially the CEO. She stared at the message, dumbfounded.

Before she could process it, she was added to the company’s internal chat group.

Welcome messages poured in from employees.

Several even sent her digital gift cards. Stunned, she opened them—she’d just received tens of thousands of dollars worth.

This… was almost too efficient.

Crystal’s anxiety finally boiled over. Her face turned red and white by turns, and she was practically grinding her teeth to dust.

“Dad, I…”

George heard Crystal’s voice and immediately put down his phone, beaming at her. “Oh, that’s right, Crystal! You said you came home especially for your nephews’ birthday. What did you bring them? Let’s see your gifts!”