The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 283

Mrs. Austin pushed open the office door and walked in.

Dylan glanced up, frowning slightly. “Mom? What are you doing here?”

She placed a thermos on the desk, her tone gentle but with a hint of reproach. “I saw how hard you’ve been working, so I asked the housekeeper to make some soup. I brought it over for you.”

As she spoke, Mrs. Austin lifted the lid, letting the rich aroma of homemade chicken soup fill the entire office.

She took a critical look around and shook her head. “Honestly, how can you sleep in a place like this? Why don’t you just come home?”

Her voice was thick with concern. She knew her son often spent nights at the office, sacrificing sleep for work, and it worried her how much his health might be suffering.

Dylan’s frown deepened. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Austin felt a surge of frustration, but she bit it back. For the sake of coaxing her son home, she restrained herself.

“Alright, I won’t meddle. But you have to promise you’ll drink the soup, okay? Just look at you, you’re getting so thin...”

Dylan finally looked up at her, his expression cautious. “Mom, don’t you have anything better to do today?”

Mrs. Austin bristled. “What do you mean, nothing better? I’m busy!”

He lowered his head again, rifling through a stack of papers. “You haven’t set foot in this office for half a year. You show up out of the blue, it’s a little suspicious.”

It was true—she rarely came to the company, and certainly not to bring him soup. He couldn’t help but wonder what her real motive was.

Mrs. Austin sighed, exasperated. “Your father’s been giving me a hard time. He says I don’t care enough about you and that I should reflect, be more supportive, and think about your happiness at home.”

A flicker of hurt crossed her face. Honestly, she thought it was unfair—she’d always cared about her son, his life, and his happiness.

“He told me you’re working yourself to the bone, and that I ought to show you more love and support. So here I am.”

Garcia’s voice sparkled with excitement. “Really, Ma’am? That’s wonderful!”

Mrs. Austin’s lips curled in a sly smile. “Don’t worry, I never go back on my word. If I promised you, I’ll make it happen.”

A crafty light flashed in her eyes—she’d already mapped out the perfect plan.

......

Rebecca had just arrived at the hospital room when a middle-aged man stepped in, a briefcase in hand.

With a serious expression, he took out a folder and handed it over. “Sir, here’s the evidence you requested.” His voice was low and respectful.

The old man waved him away wordlessly.

With a small nod, the man turned and left, closing the door behind him.