The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 278

Dennis lowered his head. “Mr. Carter, I haven’t forgotten. I’ll do my best—I won’t let you down.”

Dylan gave him an approving nod. “Good. As long as you stay focused on your work these next ten years, you’ll go far. One day, you’ll thank me for this.”

With that, Dylan strode off without another word or a backward glance.

Dennis watched his boss’s retreating figure and sighed quietly.

Back then, Dylan had made him sign a contract—no personal relationships during working hours—worried that dating might distract him from his job. Dennis always thought it was a bit much; after all, he was just a normal guy.

But the salary was too tempting to refuse, and so he signed that unfair agreement.

Now, thinking back, he couldn’t help but feel a little bitter.

. . . . .

Rebecca didn’t stop running until she was sure Dylan had left the hospital. Peeking around the corner, she slipped back into her grandfather’s room.

Just then, a fit of coughing echoed from inside.

Her heart tightened. She hurried to the bedside and gently took her grandfather’s hand. “Grandpa, are you all right? Are you feeling unwell?”

He looked up at her and shook his head softly. “I’m fine, just a little cough. Don’t worry about me.”

Rebecca nodded, her eyes full of concern. “You have to get better soon. We’re all worried about you.”

Her grandfather managed a weak smile. “Of course, I’ll do my best to get well.”

The old man’s tone grew more commanding. “Make sure they get the message. If any of them show up, they’ll answer to me.”

Forcing a smile, William said, “All right, Grandpa. Don’t get worked up. I’ll tell them not to come.”

At last, the old man seemed satisfied. He squeezed Rebecca’s hand. “You can all go—I just want Rebecca to stay here with me.”

After William left the room, he didn’t pass on the message at all.

The other three brothers were already on their way, even Matthew had dropped his research and caught a flight home.

When they finally arrived, one after another, they gathered in a private room just outside the hospital—a space William had arranged ahead of time, so they could discuss their grandfather’s condition without interruption.