The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 243

William had always been a man of principle, with standards set impossibly high. A woman as insincere and spiteful as Emily would never catch his eye.

Isabella, though furious at first, calmed down after a few complaints. Watching Rebecca’s composed expression, her own anger gradually faded.

“Rebecca, are you really that sure William won’t get tangled up with Emily?” Isabella still sounded uneasy.

Rebecca gave a faint, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. William has a mind of his own—Emily doesn’t stand a chance.”

Isabella thought about it and nodded. “You’re right. Out of sight, out of mind. Let’s get out of here and not let her ruin our mood.”

When they left the hospital, Rebecca headed straight to Mr. Marshall Ferber’s house to pick up Evan. As she stepped into the garden, she spotted Fitch already there.

Her brow furrowed just slightly.

Fitch blocked her path and started up a conversation.

Across the lawn, Evan and Mr. Ferber were practicing piano together. When they saw Fitch chatting with Rebecca, the old man and the boy exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

Mr. Ferber leaned over and asked, “Evan, what do you think of Mr. Fitch?”

Evan tilted his head, considering. “He’d make an okay uncle, I guess. But as my dad? No thanks.”

Mr. Ferber burst out laughing. “Well said, Evan! I couldn’t agree more.”

Rebecca exchanged a few polite words with Fitch, but she had no interest in dragging things out.

She crossed the yard and took Evan’s hand, her voice gentle. “Evan, let’s go home.”

Fitch pouted. “Uncle Marshall, it just doesn’t sit right with me.”

Mr. Ferber sighed again. “You can’t force these things. The sooner you move on, the better—for everyone’s sake.”

……

Crystal arrived at Sunset Villa Estates in the back of a sleek car. As it rolled to a stop, the butler, Jack, hurried out to greet her. “Ms. Thomson.”

Crystal stepped out, her posture regal and her chin lifted high, arrogance written all over her face. She wore an extravagant dress straight out of a princess story, her carefully made-up features unable to hide the impatience and vanity simmering beneath the surface.

She shot Jack a dismissive glance, as if he were nothing more than a piece of furniture.

“Is it just you here to greet me? Where’s Rebecca? And the rest of the staff—are they all slacking off?” Her tone was sharp and demanding.