The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 309

Joyce suddenly remembered something and blurted out, "Oh no, did I just say something I shouldn’t have?"

Rebecca smiled and shook her head. "Don’t worry about it. Ethan already told me he snuck out to the party."

Relief washed over Joyce. She glanced at Ethan, her eyes full of affection.

"They’re absolutely adorable. You must be so happy. By the way, how come their dad isn’t here?"

Rebecca fell silent for a moment.

Realizing she'd made another misstep, Joyce’s face flashed with embarrassment. "Did I say the wrong thing again?"

Rebecca shook her head. "No, not at all. Their dad’s just busy with work. Most days, it’s just me with the kids."

"I see," Joyce said tactfully, choosing not to press further.

Rebecca quickly changed the subject. "Hey, Joyce, they’re about to start the fishing competition. Want to join us?"

Joyce’s smile returned. "That sounds like fun. Count me in!"

The four little ones perked up with excitement upon hearing there’d be a new teammate.

Ethan ran over, grabbing Joyce’s hand. "Aunt Joyce, you’re on our team, okay? We’re going to challenge Uncle Samuel and see who can catch more fish!"

Samuel turned and raised his eyebrow. "So, you’re ganging up on me?"

Ethan replied, full of conviction, "Uncle Samuel, you’re way older than us, and you always use that to your advantage. You’re a grown man—you should totally go easy on us six. What’s wrong, Uncle Samuel? Are you scared?"

Samuel couldn’t help but laugh. "Me? Afraid? Not a chance. Bring it on."

The four kids erupted in cheers.

This was perfect—six against one. Today, they were sure they’d finally best Uncle Samuel.

A gentle breeze drifted across the lakeshore, bringing a pleasant coolness.

He was getting restless, glancing around impatiently.

Aiden and Evan anxiously jiggled their rods, eager to catch something.

Samuel noticed their impatience and chuckled. "Fishing takes patience, you know. You can’t rush it."

No sooner had he spoken than his own rod jerked—he reeled in a big fish, grinning triumphantly at the kids as if to say, See? Told you I’m good.

Unfazed, Noah declared, "It’s just the beginning. I’m going to catch an even bigger one."

Ethan huffed, "Yeah, don’t get cocky. The contest isn’t over!"

Aiden and Evan, fired up, fixed their attention on the water, more determined than ever.

But as the minutes ticked by, it seemed like Samuel was on a lucky streak. One after another, he reeled in fish, while the kids’ plastic buckets remained stubbornly empty. The four of them grew more and more anxious, watching their opponent pull farther ahead.