The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 291

In his office, Dylan picked up his phone and dialed Mrs. Austin.

She answered almost immediately, her voice warm and familiar. "Hello, Dylan! What makes you think to call your mother today?"

He wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. "Mom, why did you bring Garcia into the company? I want her out of my sight by the end of the day."

Mrs. Austin’s tone sharpened, anxiety creeping in. "Dylan, I will not allow you to kick Garcia out."

He scowled, his voice growing cold. "This is a workplace, not a playground for your schemes. I warned you yesterday—stay out of my business. You’ve crossed the line."

She caught the anger in his voice and rushed to explain. "All I did was arrange for someone to work near you. How is that crossing a line? Garcia is considerate and well-mannered; she’d never cause trouble. She’s a good girl. I just want her to gain some experience. What’s wrong with her working under you?"

Taking another tack, she added, "Besides, Garcia cares about you. I think you two would be a perfect match. I thought if she worked close by, maybe the two of you could grow closer."

Dylan’s tone turned icy. "I’ve told you before—I’m not interested in her. If you want her to learn something, send her somewhere else. This isn’t a classroom, and I’m not here to give lessons."

Mrs. Austin faltered, lost for words after his rebuke.

She took a deep breath, then stubbornly pressed on. "Listen, Dylan, I’m telling you—I want Garcia to stay. You’re not to fire her. And if you do, I’ll let your uncle know. This company isn’t only yours to run."

Dylan gave a short, humorless laugh. "Do whatever you want. Go to him, if you think it’ll help. But I’m still in charge of personnel, and this is my decision."

Mrs. Austin clenched her teeth, pulling out her final card. "Dylan, I only ask one thing from you—a grandchild. If you insist on firing Garcia, fine, but you’ll have to promise me you’ll go back to Rebecca and give me a grandchild. That’s all I want!"

She paused, voice trembling. "So, it’s your choice: keep Garcia around, or go give Rebecca a child. Decide for yourself."

Garcia froze. "What? He wants to fire me?"

Porter nodded, then quickly slipped away.

Garcia clenched her fists, torn between anger and frustration.

No. She couldn’t let this happen. She had to find a way to stay.

She pulled out her phone and dialed Mrs. Austin. "Ma’am, it’s Garcia."

Mrs. Austin recognized her voice instantly, a note of worry creeping in. "Garcia, what’s happened?"