The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 236

"That wicked woman really got what she deserved!"

Ethan sent a laughing emoji, the kind people use online when they’re mocking someone, clearly feeling smug about his “investigation.”

He lingered in the hospital corridor for a while, secretly proud of himself for playing detective and pulling off his little “mission.” But he knew he couldn’t hang around too long—if his mom found him here, he’d be in trouble.

Inside the room, Rebecca was talking to William. She brought up Emily and asked, “William, how’s Emily doing?”

William’s expression grew serious. “It’s pretty bad. When they brought her in last night, she was covered in bruises.”

He paused, then eyed Rebecca curiously. “Becky, since when do you care about Emily?”

Rebecca’s lips curled into a cold, dismissive smile. “I don’t. She had it coming.”

She hesitated, then continued, “Remember how I said someone was following me? I’m pretty sure Crystal and Emily were behind it.”

William’s reaction was immediate—his face flushed with anger. “What? They sent someone to tail you? What the hell were they thinking?”

Rebecca nodded and quietly recounted what had happened.

“What I’m most curious about now,” she said, her gaze distant, “is who stepped in to get revenge for me.”

Their eyes met, and suddenly, the same thought struck them both.

William looked stunned, disbelief flickering across his face. “No way. Ethan’s just a kid. How could he possibly pull something like that off?”

But Rebecca frowned, her eyes thoughtful and a little troubled. “You’re underestimating Ethan. I mean, I thought it was impossible too, but he insisted on coming to the hospital this morning… The timing is just too convenient.”

William fell silent, suspicion creeping in. “Let’s go check on him.”

Rebecca nodded, and together they headed down the hall toward Emily’s room.

They hadn’t made it far when a familiar face appeared in the corridor—Fitch.

Ethan shook his head. “It doesn’t hurt anymore. Do you need something else? I’m going to find my mom now.”

His impatience showed on his face; the last thing he wanted was to hang around with this guy.

But Fitch wouldn’t let it go. “Well, in that case, I’ll go with you!”

He was inwardly delighted—this was the perfect way to get closer to Raina.

He’d been infatuated with Raina for years, always looking for an excuse to see her. Running into “Evan” now? Too good to pass up.

Ethan’s little face tightened in irritation. “No, I want to find my mom by myself.”

But Fitch persisted, “Don’t be like that, Evan. Let Uncle help you—maybe we can grab a snack on the way!”

He was clearly trying to bribe Ethan with food.