The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 273

George and Mrs. Thomson hurried over to check on the old man.

“Dad, you’re awake…”

“Dad, how are you feeling? Are you uncomfortable anywhere? I’ll call the doctor right away.”

Jacob and Mrs. Austin had been on their way out, but when they heard the commotion, they stopped and rushed to the bedside, concern etched on their faces.

Jacob spoke up, “Sir, you’re finally awake—you had us all worried sick.”

Mrs. Austin, still a little reluctant deep down, knew this wasn’t the time to show it. She quickly chimed in, “Yes, you must get better soon. We’ve all been hoping for this.”

The old man slowly opened his eyes, looking at the crowd gathered around him. He managed a weak smile.

His voice was faint, but firm. “I’m sorry for making everyone worry. I’m all right.”

George quickly said, “Dad, don’t talk. Just rest.”

He turned to the others. “Someone get the doctor, now.”

Within moments, the doctor hurried in and began a thorough examination.

Everyone watched anxiously, waiting for the verdict.

After a series of checks, the doctor finally said, “His condition is stable for now, but he’ll need to be monitored closely.”

At those words, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.

George thanked the doctor. “Thank you so much.”

Jacob, looking at the old man, felt a wave of emotion. He understood just how important the old man was to both the Thomson and Austin families—he was the link between them. More than anything, Jacob hoped for his recovery, and that the two families might finally ease their tensions.

He turned to George, offering quietly, “If there’s anything we can do, just let us know. The Austins will do everything we can to help.”

George nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Austin. We appreciate it.”

Seeing everyone gathered around, the old man’s face softened into a look of genuine contentment.

When his eyes landed on Dylan, his smile grew wider. “Dylan, you’re here too.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca’s phone began to ring.

She blinked in surprise, then quickly answered.

On the other end, Mrs. Thomson’s excited voice came through, “Rebecca, where are you? Come home, your grandfather’s awake!”

Rebecca was stunned, her voice full of joy. “He’s awake?”

“Yes!” Mrs. Thomson’s tone was bursting with excitement. “Hurry back—he asked about you the moment he woke up!”

Hearing this, Rebecca was genuinely happy, but a moment later, her face clouded over with hesitation.

She glanced at Isabella beside her, hesitated briefly, then lied into the phone, “Mom, my stomach’s upset. I’m in the bathroom—I’ll be there in a minute.”

Mrs. Thomson’s voice softened with concern. “All right, but don’t take too long. Dylan’s here too, you know.”

Rebecca hung up, a mix of guilt and worry lingering in her eyes.