The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 280

Just then, Ethan pointed excitedly at the driveway. “Mom’s home!”

The four little ones sprinted over, beaming as they crowded around Rebecca and pelted her with questions. “Mom, how’s Grandpa doing? Is he okay?”

Rebecca stepped out of the car, ruffling their hair with a bright smile. “He’s absolutely fine now, nothing to worry about.”

The kids erupted in cheers. “Yay, that’s awesome!”

Their faces glowed with pure joy, as if every worry had melted away at that moment.

Ethan crossed his arms and huffed, “Good thing Grandpa’s okay. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have let that mean auntie off the hook.”

Rebecca shot him a look, narrowing her eyes as she switched to her ‘mom voice.’ “By the way, none of you have told me what happened this morning. What exactly did you do…”

The four kids glanced at each other, instantly on high alert.

Ethan reacted first, immediately hugging her leg and turning on the charm. “But Mom, Grandpa’s all better now. That’s all that matters, right?”

Rebecca put her hands on her hips, pretending to scold him. “Ethan!”

Evan piped up in his sweetest voice, “Mom, we made you something yummy! Come see!”

Rebecca’s curiosity was piqued. “You made something for me to eat?”

“That’s right, Mom! We really did! You’ll see when you come look,” Ethan said, his face full of eager anticipation. He clearly hoped she’d check out their “masterpiece” before asking more questions.

Before Rebecca could say anything else, Ethan had already grabbed her hand and was pulling her toward the house.

With the kids bustling around her, Rebecca soon found herself distracted—especially when she saw the odd-shaped cookies they’d made with their own little hands. The whole “morning incident” was promptly forgotten.

...

The next day, Rebecca brought the homemade cookies to work to share with her colleagues.

Everyone immediately stood, greeting him with respect. “Good morning, Mr. Parker!”

Dylan gave a curt nod, his sharp features and commanding presence practically freezing the air around them.

His gaze swept over the cookies in everyone’s hands, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Rebecca stood up, a bit flustered. “Mr. Parker, would you like to try one?”

She only asked out of politeness—she’d heard from Director Porter that Dylan didn’t like vegetables or sweets.

To her utter shock, Dylan replied, “Sure. Bring them to my office.”

With that, he walked away without another word.

Rebecca was left stunned, staring at the few cookies left in her container, silently cursing herself. Why did I just volunteer for that? She never expected Dylan would actually agree, and now she had no choice but to bring him the cookies herself…