The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 326

Unlike his younger brother, Justin wasn’t quite the womanizer, but he loved his liquor—he was a notorious drinker.

At dinner, the drinks kept coming, one glass after another, with barely a pause in between.

Justin even insisted Rebecca join him. Lifting his glass, he turned to her with a broad grin. “Miss Raina, come on, let’s have a drink together.”

“Mr. Olson, I’m really not much of a drinker. Would it be alright if I just had a little?” Rebecca replied, her words polite but firm.

But Justin shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Oh, that won’t do, Miss Raina. Sharing a drink is how we show goodwill at the table. If you don’t drink, I’ll think you’re not taking me seriously.”

Rebecca eyed the glass in his hand and frowned slightly. She knew she wasn’t good with alcohol; if she kept up with Justin’s pace, she’d be tipsy in no time.

Still, she also understood that, in situations like this, turning down a client outright could jeopardize the entire deal.

Hesitating, she reached slowly for her glass.

Just as her fingers brushed the rim, Dylan’s voice cut through the moment. “My assistant doesn’t handle alcohol well. I’ll have her drink.”

The table fell silent for a beat.

Justin looked genuinely surprised, his gaze flicking between Dylan and Rebecca. Then he let out a laugh. “Mr. Austin, you really do look after your people, don’t you? I’ve never seen a CEO step in like this before—taking the drinks for his assistant. She must be someone special.”

Dylan’s expression didn’t flicker. Calmly, he replied, “She’s an essential member of our team. Of course I look out for her. Besides, I’d rather our negotiation not be sidetracked by too much drinking.”

With that, he took Rebecca’s glass from her and drank it himself.

More drinks?

Rebecca realized there was no sidestepping this one—Dylan had already taken her place once, so now it was her turn.

She raised her hand, about to pick up her glass, but Dylan intercepted her again, quick and decisive. His gaze was unwavering as he looked at Justin. “Mr. Olson, as I said, my assistant isn’t good with alcohol.”

There was a hint of warning in his tone, making it clear he hoped Justin would take the hint and stop pressing the issue.

Rebecca didn’t want the two men to get into an argument over something so trivial—and truthfully, she could handle a little alcohol—so she tugged gently at Dylan’s sleeve and whispered, “It’s alright, I can drink a little.”

But in Justin’s eyes, that tiny exchange looked suspiciously like playful flirting.