The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 24

At that moment, George let out a long sigh. “We’ve got the money now, and the kids are all well taken care of. What Rebecca needs most these days is a good husband. If she could find someone who truly cherishes her, her life would be complete.”

His words landed like a grenade in the calm waters of the dining room. The air around the table grew tense in an instant.

Everyone looked up in shock, their eyes fixed on George.

Matthew was the first to protest, a bit put out. “Dad, isn’t it a little early to start thinking about Becky’s marriage?”

Samuel’s expression darkened. “Exactly. It’s not like the Thomsons can’t provide for Becky just fine.”

William hurried to pour his father a cup of strong tea. “Dad, you’ve had a bit too much wine. Here, have some tea and take it easy.”

Michael waved his hands emphatically. “No way, absolutely not! There’s not a single lousy guy out there who deserves our Becky. I won’t allow it!”

Sunny, furious, twisted her husband’s arm. “Marry her off? Over my dead body! She’s my precious daughter—why would I hand her over to some stranger? If you even think about letting Rebecca get married, I’ll never forgive you!”

The little ones chimed in too, flailing their arms for emphasis. “Yeah! We don’t want Mommy to get married!”

Rebecca listened to the chorus of voices, one after another standing up for her, and tears pricked her eyes.

George had never expected his offhand remark to stir up such fierce opposition from the entire family. Flustered, he quickly tried to smooth things over, turning to his wife with a sheepish grin. “Alright, alright, she’s not getting married. I was just saying. How could I bear to let our darling girl go? Don’t be upset, please.”

Only then did Sunny’s anger start to fade.

The only person in the room who actually wanted Rebecca to get married was Crystal.

If Rebecca married out, Crystal would finally have the chance to become the Thomson family’s one and only princess again.

But before she could even get her hopes up, the entire family shut the idea down in a heartbeat.

She was fuming.

Clutching her fork, Crystal simmered with frustration.

Suddenly, a deep and gravelly voice echoed from the living room. “Marry her off. She must get married!”

Everyone turned toward the sound.

There was Mr. Harold, wheeling himself slowly into the room. Nearly eighty, frail and stooped, he had to pause and cough after speaking.

George jumped to his feet, worried. “Dad, what are you doing out of bed?”

Because his health was so poor, they hadn’t invited the old man to join the family dinner, hoping he could rest in peace and quiet. No one expected him to come out on his own.

The moment Mr. Harold appeared, the room fell silent.

Everyone knew he hated noise; whenever he was around, they were careful to keep things subdued.

With a wave of his hand, Mr. Harold stopped George’s fussing. “I’m fine.”

George frowned. “Dad, what did you mean just now?”

Mr. Harold lifted his chin, his voice strong and clear. “I mean, Rebecca is getting married—and I’ve already picked out her husband!”

As soon as he finished, the family’s faces tightened again.

Crystal’s eyes widened in shock, her pupils contracting.

Dylan?

No way. That couldn’t possibly be true...

Michael glanced at Crystal, puzzled by her outburst. “Crystal, what’s with the reaction?”

She shook her head, trying to hide her feelings. “N-no, it’s just—well, the Austins are the richest family in Wye. Would they really agree to let their grandson marry my sister?”

Her face was composed, but under the table, her hands twisted anxiously in her lap, nearly tearing the fabric of her dress.

For four years, everything she’d done had been for Dylan.

She’d stayed overseas just to be close to him, hoping to win over that “untouchable” golden boy.

Now that Dylan was back in the country, she’d followed him home.

She’d always thought, if she could just marry into the Austin family, she’d finally escape the Thomson house—after all, she was only their adopted daughter. She was already in her twenties; it was no longer appropriate to stay.

She never dreamed Grandpa would want to marry Rebecca off to Dylan...

Mr. Harold noticed Crystal’s strange expression, but assumed she was just worried about her sister.

He smiled faintly and explained, “I remembered just the other day—when I was young, I arranged a marriage for Rebecca. She hadn’t even been born yet, but I made a promise with Hugh Austin. We agreed: if your mother ever had a daughter, the engagement would be set.”