The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 234

They clustered around Rebecca as usual, laughing and playing, their voices filling the room with warmth and noise.

Rebecca’s phone buzzed—it was a call from the police station. The officer on the other end gave her an update on the interrogation.

Unfortunately, the suspects’ statements didn’t match up. Some could only offer a vague description of the perpetrator, but couldn’t identify who it was; others insisted no one had put them up to it.

But after more questioning and investigation, the police finally managed to dig up some important leads.

For instance, the one pulling the strings was a young woman.

After hearing that, Rebecca said, “Alright. I think I already know who it is.” She hung up without another word.

She already had her answer. Deep down, she was certain Crystal had something to do with it.

She didn’t have hard evidence yet, but her instincts told her Crystal was involved.

Just then, one of the bodyguards came in and informed Rebecca that Emily had been badly beaten and was now in the hospital.

Rebecca’s brow furrowed. “What happened?”

The bodyguard shrugged. “No idea. Word is, Emily managed to piss off the wrong people—got roughed up by some gangsters.”

Rebecca found this news even stranger.

Emily, mixed up with the mob?

Rebecca could picture Crystal orchestrating the men who’d followed her—and maybe Emily, Crystal’s eager lackey, as well. But Emily getting attacked? That was unexpected.

Could someone have gotten to her first?

Across the room, the four children heard the news but didn’t react. They kept to their games—some building towers with blocks, others pushing toy tanks across the carpet.

Crystal wouldn’t be here to finish her off, would she?

The thought flashed through Emily’s mind, making her tremble uncontrollably.

“Crystal, please—don’t, don’t kill me,” she stammered, her eyes pleading.

Crystal scowled, her voice dripping with contempt. “Don’t flatter yourself. Why would I bother killing you?”

Emily let out a shaky breath, but her fear didn’t vanish.

“I screwed everything up,” she whispered. “Rebecca probably suspects me now. Isn’t that why you’re here—to tie up loose ends?”

Crystal snorted. “Of course not. I’m just here to see how badly you got hurt.”