The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 313

“Yeah, Uncle Samuel is definitely up to something. Otherwise, why would the fish only bite his hook? They just ignore ours completely.” Ethan pouted, hands planted stubbornly on his hips.

Evan chimed in, nodding vigorously. “Exactly! Uncle Samuel’s way too sneaky.”

Aiden didn’t say a word, but the look in his eyes was full of disappointment.

Suddenly, Ethan seemed to remember something and turned to ask, “Aunt Joyce, how many did you catch?”

Joyce gave a sheepish smile and showed off her little bucket. There was just one sad, lonely fish inside.

The moment everyone saw it, they wilted like balloons losing air, their shoulders slumping in defeat.

“Looks like Uncle Samuel’s the winner again,” Ethan sighed, resigned.

Samuel couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of their crestfallen faces. “Come on, don’t get discouraged. Fishing isn’t easy, you know. It took me years of practice to get this good.”

“Hmph, we don’t believe you,” Ethan muttered, looking away.

Evan whispered, “Fine, Uncle Samuel wins this time, but next time we’re taking the trophy back.”

The others nodded fiercely in agreement.

Samuel grinned, rubbing salt in the wound. “A deal’s a deal, kids. Uncle Samuel won, so you know what that means—you’ve got to keep your end of the bargain. Don’t forget, you promised to join me for boxing practice later, remember?”

The four kids drooped even further, looking as sorry as wilted flowers.

“Oh no, Uncle Samuel’s boxing is terrifying! We’re doomed!” one of them groaned.

Joyce laughed from the sidelines. “Can I come watch next time? I’d love to see just how good your Uncle Samuel really is in the ring.”

The kids instantly perked up and started talking over each other. “Of course, Aunt Joyce! Uncle Samuel’s a real champ! He taught me all my moves!”

“Really?” Joyce teased.

Everyone’s faces fell with disappointment.

Ethan hurried to say, “Aunt Joyce, I wanted to show you my room!”

Joyce ruffled his hair gently. “Sorry, Ethan. I’ve got some things to take care of. I can’t come over this time, but maybe next time, alright?”

Ethan nodded, mature beyond his years. “Okay. Next time we go to boxing practice with Uncle Samuel, we’ll invite you again.”

Joyce smiled. “I’d love that.”

Her gaze lingered on Samuel for a moment.

Then she turned to Rebecca. “Raina, thank you. I had a wonderful time today.”

Rebecca grinned back. “You’re welcome. Let’s do this again sometime.”