The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 314

Joyce gave a small nod, waved goodbye to everyone, and slipped into her sleek luxury car.

The four little ones stood rooted to the spot, wide-eyed, watching as Joyce climbed in. They didn’t move an inch, only waving their tiny hands enthusiastically while the car rolled away, gradually disappearing from sight. Their eyes shimmered with reluctance; after all, they’d spent a wonderful day with Aunt Joyce.

“Alright, Aunt Joyce has left. Let’s head home, too,” Rebecca said gently to the children.

“Okay,” they answered in unison, nodding as they followed Rebecca and Samuel to their own car.

The ride took them toward the Thomson family estate.

Half an hour later, they pulled up in front of the grand manor.

As soon as they stepped inside, Samuel handed all the freshly caught fish to the staff, instructing the kitchen to prepare a hearty fish feast for dinner.

The housekeepers nodded and hurried off to the kitchen, fish in tow.

Though the little ones were somewhat tired, as soon as they set foot inside, it was as if someone had flipped a switch—they perked right up, bouncing and skipping their way down the hall toward the old man’s room.

In no time, they arrived at his door.

Rebecca knocked softly and called, “Grandpa, we’re home!”

“Come in!” came the old man’s voice from inside.

Rebecca opened the door, and the children piled in behind her.

The old man was sitting on the sofa, newspaper in hand. When he saw the children, he quickly folded the paper and set it aside, his face lighting up with a kind, gentle smile.

“Great-grandpa, we went fishing today! We caught a ton of fish!” Ethan rushed over, excitement bubbling in his voice.

“Oh really? That’s wonderful,” the old man replied, reaching out to ruffle Ethan’s hair.

But why would he lie?

Noah glanced up and pressed on, “Great-grandpa, are you sick?”

The old man paused, then straightened up and put on his most robust voice. “Now, now, what are you saying? Are you trying to jinx your great-grandpa? I’m as healthy as ever—do I look sick to you?”

Noah frowned. “But, Great-grandpa, didn’t you go to the hospital last time?”

The old man gave a theatrical sigh of realization. “Ah, yes, that was just a quick little hospital trip. See? I’m back home, good as new!”

Aiden let out a breath of relief. “That’s great! Great-grandpa, are you sure you’re not feeling unwell anymore?”

The old man smiled, reaching out to ruffle Aiden’s hair. “I’m perfectly fine now, not a thing to worry about, my dear boy.”