The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 334

A hundred thoughts darted through Emma’s mind, each one making her more certain that something was off.

Suddenly, she straightened with a jolt. “No, this isn’t right! I bet Mrs. Austin snuck out behind Mr. Austin’s back to meet some other man!”

Jack nearly jumped out of his skin. “No way… you really think so?” Doubt flickered across his face—he just couldn’t believe Mrs. Austin would do something like that.

Emma shot him an exasperated look. “Why not? Mr. Austin’s been away for ages. He clearly doesn’t care about her, and Mrs. Austin—well, she’s only human. She must’ve gotten lonely and went out looking for a man. And you actually believe those stories she tells the kids?”

Her voice was resolute. Emma had completely convinced herself that Rebecca had betrayed Mr. Austin.

Jack’s brow furrowed, anxiety creeping in. “So what are we supposed to do? This is serious.”

A cold glint flashed in Emma’s eyes. “Obviously, we tell Mr. Austin. Tomorrow, you call and let Dennis know that Mrs. Austin never came home last night.”

She wanted Mr. Austin to hear all about his wife’s supposed escapades, hoping he’d kick Rebecca and those four brats out for good.

Jack hesitated. “I don’t know… What if Mrs. Austin really had something important to take care of?”

Emma dismissed his concern with a scoff. “What could possibly be so important she wouldn’t come home all night? She’s definitely off with another man.”

She leaned in, lowering her voice threateningly. “Don’t even think about backing out. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. And if you don’t make that call, I’ll tell everyone what you tried to pull with me…”

She hadn’t finished her threat before Jack clamped a hand over her mouth. “All right, all right, I’ll do it!”

Satisfied, Emma threw him a flirtatious wink.

Half an hour later, Rebecca returned home by taxi. It was late, and she crept upstairs quietly, careful not to disturb the little ones’ sleep.

She had no idea the rumors that were already swirling around her—or that she’d been accused of staying out all night.

His tone turned icy. “You’d better explain yourself.”

Dennis hurried on, “Last night, Mrs. Austin never came home. She was out all night with another man...”

Dylan’s frown deepened. “And who told you that?”

“Jack, the head butler at Sunset Villa Estates. He said it’s the first time she’s ever stayed out all night.”

Dylan’s scowl didn’t budge. “So what? Don’t jump to conclusions just because of some gossip.”

He, after all, was also out all night.