The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 315

Ethan, ever the carefree one, grinned and declared, “Great-Grandpa’s way too tough to ever get sick!”

Great-Grandpa burst out laughing at that. “Ethan, you’re such a good boy. Hearing you say that, I reckon I could live another ten years.”

Ethan grabbed his great-grandfather’s hand, eyes wide and fiercely determined. “Don’t be silly—it’s a hundred years! You’re going to be with us for a hundred more!”

“Well, I suppose I’ll have to become a saint at that rate!” Great-Grandpa laughed so hard his eyes disappeared behind his smile.

Despite all the laughter, Noah couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He’d always been observant, picking up on things others missed, and he knew his great-grandfather too well. The old man had a habit of hiding his troubles, shouldering every burden alone so no one would worry.

The family lingered in Great-Grandpa’s room for a while, sharing stories from their fishing trip that day, until the smell of dinner drifted in. Only then did the four kids insist on wheeling Great-Grandpa out to the dining room.

George Thomson and Mrs. Thomson had been sitting at the table, their faces drawn with worry. But as soon as Great-Grandpa appeared, both brightened up. George jumped to his feet. “Dad, you’re here!”

He reached out to push the wheelchair, but Great-Grandpa waved him off, a little gruff. “I’m not helpless, you know. I can manage on my own!”

George nodded quickly, mumbling, “Of course, of course,” but still hovered behind, hands ready just in case.

Mrs. Thomson hurried to clear a space at the table, noticing the slight tremor in Great-Grandpa’s shoulders. Her nose tingled as tears pricked her eyes; she looked as if she might cry any second.

After dinner, Noah couldn’t stop thinking about it. He figured Uncle Samuel had to know more, so he pulled him aside into the garden.

“Uncle Samuel, is Great-Grandpa really not getting better?” Noah looked up at him, his gaze steady and sharp—far more mature than his years.

Samuel was taken aback by the intensity of Noah’s eyes. He hadn’t expected the boy to be so perceptive, to notice that Great-Grandpa hadn’t fully recovered.

“How did you figure that out?” Samuel asked, genuinely curious.

Noah told him everything he’d noticed throughout the day—his observations, his doubts, and the little signs that had made him worry.