The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 220

But the only answer he received was the backs of the people ahead and their laughter echoing down the hallway.

After a moment, Mrs. Thomson said, “I asked the kitchen to prepare all your favorite dishes. Let’s eat first.”

Everyone gathered in the dining room and took their seats around the table.

During dinner, Mrs. Thomson kept piling food onto the kids’ plates, while George cracked jokes from time to time, filling the room with warmth and laughter.

George glanced at his daughter. “Rebecca, stay home for a few more days this time.”

Rebecca nodded. “Alright, Dad.”

Michael chimed in, “Mom, Dad, since Becky’s home, we ought to really celebrate.”

Mrs. Thomson nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! We must make this a proper homecoming.”

She couldn’t help but ask Rebecca about her life at Sunset Villa Estates. “Rebecca, are you doing well out there? Has anyone treated you badly? How are things going with Dylan lately?”

Michael was just about to mention the tension between Becky and her brother-in-law, but Rebecca quickly cut him off. “I’m fine, Mom. Really, you don’t need to worry.”

Of course, Mrs. Thomson wasn’t easily fooled. She trusted her intuition far more than her daughter’s reassurances.

She suspected things were still rocky between Rebecca and Dylan. If their marriage was going smoothly, why hadn’t Dylan come home with her? And after all this time, he hadn’t even stopped by to visit his mother-in-law.

A thousand thoughts swirled through Mrs. Thomson’s mind, but her face remained calm as she continued to serve Rebecca and the kids. “Eat up, all of you. You look like you’ve lost weight.”

Rebecca smiled. “You should eat too, Mom.”

Meanwhile, after leaving the concert, Dylan realized he had nowhere to go besides the office. On a whim, he turned and headed to a bar to meet up with his best friend.

Thomas Brown greeted him with a smirk. “Well, well, Mr. Austin, what brings you here on a Saturday night instead of working late at the office? Finished all your deals? Wrapped up the business? You know, if you slack off like this, the company might go under tomorrow.”

Dylan shot him a look, too tired to banter. “Shut up and move over.”

Thomas frowned. “What’s with you two tonight, anyway?”

Fitch took a long swig and sighed. “Don’t even ask. I’ve been looking for Raina all day. She won’t answer my calls or messages. I wanted to meet up, but she’s just disappeared.”

Before Fitch could finish venting, Dylan let out a faint chuckle.

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

Dylan swirled his drink, a small, amused smile on his lips. “Just laughing at how clueless you are.”

Fitch snorted. “Oh, spare me. You’re just pissed because I’m interested in Raina. Seriously?”

Dylan couldn’t be bothered to argue. After a moment, he spoke up. “I saw Raina with someone else. You should give up now, and don’t let her string you along.”

Fitch refused to believe it. “Who was she with?”