The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 345

Crystal arched a mocking eyebrow, lips curling in a smirk. “You sure you want to chase after me, Samuel?”

Emily nodded, unwavering. “William’s way too aloof, and Michael’s got a mouth like a knife. Compared to them, you—Samuel—you’re the best bet.”

Honestly, he probably wouldn’t be that hard to catch, either.

Crystal just let out a short, cold laugh. “Oh, please. If you tried anything with me, Samuel, I’d deck you so hard you’d be seeing stars.”

Samuel was a boxing champ; sure, he’d spent most of his adult life in business, but anyone who underestimated him was in for a nasty surprise. Only someone as clueless as Emily could think Samuel was easygoing.

Emily looked skeptical. “Really?”

Crystal’s eyes narrowed, warning sharp. “Go after anyone you like, just stay away from Samuel. Got it?”

But Emily wasn’t one to back down that easily. She pouted, sulking. “Why not?”

She was determined to land herself a rich, powerful man—who cared if he was a good fighter or not? In fact, if Samuel really was that tough, all the better. She loved a man who could take charge; that kind of raw confidence was exactly her type.

Crystal clearly just didn’t want to introduce her to Samuel. Typical.

Crystal glanced away, her expression uneasy. Of course she had her reasons—truth was, she’d always been a little afraid of Samuel. Even as a kid, she’d desperately wanted to win his approval, but he’d always treated her with a cold indifference.

Not that she’d ever admit any of this to Emily.

Instead, Crystal shot her a withering look. “Have you even seen yourself in a mirror lately? Your face is ruined, and you still think Samuel would be interested in you? Dream on.”

Emily’s face lit up. “Perfect.”

The two of them made their way across the restaurant, heading straight for Rebecca and the others.

As they approached, Crystal cleared her throat loudly, making sure everyone noticed them.

Rebecca, Joyce, and the rest were laughing and enjoying their meal, but as soon as they looked up and saw Crystal and Emily standing there, the mood soured instantly.

Crystal put on her sweetest fake smile. “Well, isn’t this a surprise! What a coincidence running into you here.”