The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 249

Upstairs, the three little rascals huddled together, whispering in conspiratorial tones.

Aiden furrowed his small brow and piped up in his soft, childish voice, “So that mean lady came here to frame Mom.”

His eyes flashed with indignation, clearly appalled by Crystal’s behavior.

Noah nodded, his face serious. “We can’t let Mom take the blame for something she didn’t do.”

As the eldest of the trio, Noah always seemed a bit more mature and responsible. He knew it was up to him to protect their mother.

Ethan’s eyes sparkled with mischief as a sly smile crept across his lips. “I’ve got an idea,” he declared.

Immediately, Noah and Aiden turned to look at him. Ethan cleared his throat, and with great importance, began to outline his plan.

...

Ethan scampered down the stairs, his small feet pattering against the wood.

He hurried over to one of the bodyguards, tilting his cherubic face up with a sweet grin. “Sir, could I borrow something from you?” he asked, his voice as innocent as ever.

The bodyguard’s stern expression softened at the sight of Ethan’s cuteness. He chuckled, “What do you need, young man?”

Ethan leaned in, glancing around as if sharing a great secret, and whispered a few words into the bodyguard’s ear.

The bodyguard blinked in surprise, but after a moment’s hesitation, he produced a small pocketknife from his jacket and handed it to Ethan.

Ethan’s eyes lit up. He thanked the bodyguard and dashed back upstairs, clutching the knife tightly.

By the time he returned, Noah and Aiden were already finishing their preparations.

When they saw Ethan come in, they nodded at one another, then got ready to put their plan into action.

First, Evan would find an excuse to draw Rebecca out of the living room, leaving Crystal alone.

Crystal’s frown deepened when she saw the children heading her way.

Noah narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low, commanding voice, “Why are you here, Miss Crystal?”

As she disappeared down the hall, the three kids exchanged triumphant grins.

...

After leaving Sunset Villa Estates, Crystal seethed with anger and frustration.

She drove straight to the hospital, her mind racing with thoughts of how she might get back at Rebecca.

Inside, Emily was lying in her hospital bed, eyes fixed eagerly on the door.

As soon as Crystal walked in, Emily blurted out, “Did you find anything? Any evidence?”

Her voice was tense, desperate for news that would spell trouble for Rebecca.

Crystal’s face darkened. She shook her head. “No. That little witch wouldn’t admit to anything.”

Her voice was bitter, every word laced with resentment. Just thinking about Rebecca’s calm, collected face made her blood boil.