The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 272

Jacob’s tone was sharp, his disappointment in Mrs. Austin’s attitude unmistakable.

He was well aware that Mrs. Austin had always held a grudge against Rebecca, but now, of all times, she ought to set it aside. After all the recent scandals swirling around the Austin family, things had finally begun to quiet down. The last thing Jacob wanted was for Mrs. Austin to stir up more trouble.

But Mrs. Austin shot back, “Am I wrong? Our son’s bound to divorce Rebecca sooner or later. Why bother cozying up to her family?”

She gave a derisive laugh. “I bet the Thomsons still don’t know this whole thing with Dylan and their daughter is nothing more than a three-year contract.”

Jacob’s anger only deepened at her words. “That’s beside the point. Right now, Mr. Thomson is ill, and it’s our duty to visit him. And Rebecca is not nearly as bad as you make her out to be.”

He tried to reason with her, hoping she might reconsider her opinion of Rebecca.

But Mrs. Austin just shrugged, stubborn as ever. “I don’t care. I simply don’t like her. She’s not right for Dylan, period.”

Jacob let out a weary sigh. He knew arguing with her was pointless. Deciding to ignore her complaints for now, he turned his focus to seeing the old man.

His wife, he thought with resignation, had no sense of tact whatsoever.

At the door to the hospital room, Jacob took a moment to compose himself before quietly pushing it open.

Inside, George was still recovering from the surprise of seeing Dylan there. He hadn’t expected Jacob and Mrs. Austin to arrive as well. Both George and his wife looked up, their faces registering astonishment.

Mrs. Austin strode right over to Dylan, her voice sharp with disbelief. “Dylan, what are you doing here?”

It didn’t take long before Mrs. Austin lost patience. “Jacob, we’ve seen him now. If there’s nothing else, let’s go. No need to disturb Mr. Thomson’s rest.”

Her tone made it clear she was only there out of obligation.

Everyone’s expressions stiffened, Mrs. Thomson’s especially.

Jacob frowned, but refrained from contradicting his wife in public. He managed a strained smile for the Thomsons. “If that’s the case, we’ll take our leave. I hope Mr. Thomson has a swift recovery.”

George forced a polite smile. “Thank you both for coming. Take care.”

But just as they were about to leave, the old man—who had been unconscious all this time—suddenly stirred...