The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 262

Rebecca gave Joyce an understanding look. “You’re ambitious, and I truly believe you can do it.”

Joyce smiled softly. “Thank you.”

But as she glanced around the room, a flicker of disappointment crossed her face.

Rebecca noticed and asked curiously, “Are you looking for something?”

Joyce frowned just a little. “I saw an adorable little boy earlier. He loved chocolate truffles, but it looks like he’s gone now.”

She gestured toward the plate of chocolate truffles in front of her, her tone tinged with regret.

Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat. A little boy with a sweet tooth?

Could she possibly be talking about Ethan?

“What did he look like?” Rebecca asked, testing her hunch.

Joyce thought for a moment. “He was so cute—big bright eyes, the sweetest round cheeks, dressed up in a tiny suit. He looked so sharp.”

With every detail Joyce described, Rebecca became more certain: she was talking about Ethan.

Meanwhile, Crystal emerged from the dressing room in her new outfit, scanning the crowd for Joyce. She was determined to make a good impression, to earn Joyce’s approval and support.

As she walked, she rehearsed how to pitch her project, how to convince Joyce of her talent and her potential.

But as she rounded a corner, her eyes landed on a scene that made her blood boil.

There was Joyce, sitting with Rebecca, the two of them deep in cheerful conversation.

Crystal’s expression darkened instantly, jealousy and anger smoldering in her eyes.

Joyce raised her brows slightly, her voice cool. “Is there something you need?”

A flash of awkwardness crossed Crystal’s face, but she quickly composed herself. “Ms. Gellar, I just wanted to thank you for providing me with a backup dress. I really appreciate it.”

Joyce nodded. “Oh, don’t mention it. It’s nothing.”

Her tone was flat, without a trace of enthusiasm.

Crystal could feel the chill, but she refused to give up. She tried to sit down and join their conversation.

Before she could even settle into the seat, Joyce spoke up. “Ms. Thomson, do you still need something? If not, I’d appreciate it if you could give us some privacy. I have more to discuss with this young lady.”

Crystal’s embarrassment was obvious. She glanced at Rebecca, jealousy burning in her eyes. She simply couldn’t understand why Rebecca could get along so well with Joyce, while she herself was left out in the cold.