The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 240

Mr. Marshall Ferber refused to say a word, and Fitch was out of ideas.

After they finished their drinks, Fitch sat with Mr. Ferber in the garden for a while longer before finally getting up to say goodbye.

He hadn’t expected much from the visit, just came to kill some time, but as fate would have it, he actually ran into Evan that day.

He was just strolling through the courtyard when Evan arrived to see Mr. Ferber for his singing lesson.

Fitch hurried over, a broad smile on his face. “Evan, where’s your mom?”

Evan looked up at him, his expression unreadable. “Mom’s busy today. I came for music lessons by myself.”

Just then, Evan spotted Mr. Ferber and immediately dashed over, calling out cheerfully, “Good afternoon, sir!”

Mr. Ferber’s eyes lit up at the sight of Evan, his delight plain as day—he doted on the boy as if he were his own grandson. Kneeling down, he gently ruffled Evan’s hair. “Evan, you’re such a good kid. Come on inside with me.”

Fitch stood off to the side, watching the easy affection between the old teacher and the young boy, and couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.

He’d waited so long, hoping for a chance to see Raina, but she hadn’t shown up. He’d thought maybe he could run into her by tagging along with Evan, but that plan had fallen flat.

Still, remembering the promise he’d made to Evan, Fitch quickly pulled himself together.

He had bought chocolates and ice cream, holding them out to Evan with a hopeful grin. “Here you go, these are for you.”

But Evan wrinkled his nose, eyeing the treats. “I don’t like sweets.”

Mr. Ferber wasn’t finished. “If you really want to be friends with Evan, you need to pay more attention. You’re so careless—what makes you think you can be his friend at all? You’re dreaming!”

Fitch nodded quickly. “I understand. I’ll do better next time.”

Evan, sharp as ever, took in Fitch’s awkwardness and guessed what had happened. He figured Fitch must have mixed him up with Ethan, and these treats were probably meant for Ethan, too.

Evan’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, “Just leave them here. I’ll take them home after my lesson.”

Fitch brightened immediately. “Sure thing!” He looked at Evan with heartfelt gratitude, touched that the boy hadn’t made things difficult and had even helped him save face.

Mr. Ferber regarded Evan with approval. “You’re a considerate kid, Evan. Well done.”