The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 256

Ethan nodded, his little face earnest and solemn. "Don’t let her looks fool you. She’s actually really fake. The only reason she’s at this charity event is to network—she doesn’t care about helping anyone.”

Joyce looked at him, warmth blooming in her chest at how serious he was. Smiling, she nodded. “Alright. I’ll trust you, Ethan.”

Seeing that she agreed, Ethan’s face lit up with a wide, genuine smile.

Joyce reached over and gently ruffled his hair, her gaze soft. “Ethan, we’re friends now, right?”

He nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah. Since we get along so well, I guess I can call you a friend.”

Joyce grinned. “And since we’re friends, let me help you out with this.”

Ethan blinked in surprise. “Help me?”

His eyes were wide, confusion written all over his face.

Joyce nodded. “Of course. In a few minutes, I’ll go talk to everyone here and make sure no one wants to partner with Crystal.”

Ethan stared at her, astonished. “You can really get everyone here to listen to you? You’re that powerful?”

Joyce raised an eyebrow, teasing, “What, you don’t believe me?”

Ethan hesitated, then nodded. “It’s just…hard to believe…”

He looked so serious—after all, in his small world, the idea of one person commanding an entire room just seemed impossible.

Joyce just laughed. “You’ll see. I always keep my promises. Soon no one here will even want to talk to her.”

With that, Joyce strode away, heels clicking elegantly on the marble floor.

Then, as she passed by a small group, she overheard them whispering.

“Apparently there’s something shady about Crystal’s project. She’s not trustworthy—her reputation is terrible.”

“Yeah, I heard the same. She’s just an adopted daughter, and she’s always scheming. I wouldn’t touch her project with a ten-foot pole. Could be a scam for all we know.”

“Honestly, people like her should be avoided. Who knows what she’s really after?”

“Exactly. She’s got some nerve bringing that pathetic project here. Does she think we’re stupid?”

“Someone like her deserves to be shut out. Anyone who works with her is asking for trouble!”

Crystal’s face went pale as the harsh words hit her, leaving her standing alone, exposed, and humiliated.