The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 35

At the sound of his mom’s name, Ethan instantly parted the branches and leaves, pricking up his ears to eavesdrop.

With her back to him, Crystal stamped her foot in frustration. “I’ve liked Dylan for years, and now Grandpa’s going to marry Rebecca off to him? It’s driving me crazy!”

“Dylan’s handsome, rich—he’s the kind of perfect man who should belong to me! I chased after him the whole four years I was abroad, and I refuse to end up empty-handed. No way—I’m not letting anyone take him from me…”

Hidden in the bushes, Ethan’s jaw nearly hit the ground.

Whoa… Aunt Crystal likes his stepdad? And she wants to take him away from Mom?

On the other end of the call, Crystal’s best friend, Emily Clark, tried to soothe her. “Crystal, don’t panic. The wedding hasn’t happened yet, has it? As long as they aren’t married, you still have a chance.”

Crystal blurted out, “Then tell me, what chance do I have?”

Whatever Emily said next made Crystal’s eyes light up with excitement. “Really, Emily? Promise me you’ll hurry—Dylan is mine. I can’t stand by and watch him marry someone else!”

There was a brief pause before Emily’s voice returned, calm and reassuring. “Don’t worry. Leave this to me—I’ll help you.”

“Thank you.” Crystal exhaled in relief, her voice brimming with gratitude.

Just then—“Achoo!”

A sneeze erupted from the bushes nearby.

Crystal’s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly hung up the phone.

She set her phone down, scanning the area with suspicion, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound.

“Who’s there?” she called out, her voice quivering ever so slightly.

Ethan’s small body tensed up. He rubbed his ticklish nose, panic fluttering in his chest.

Oh no—busted!

She forced herself to her feet, ignoring the sharp pain in her knee. All she could think about was catching him.

Crystal broke into a run, but she hadn’t counted on how fast those little legs could go. In just a blink, Ethan had vanished from sight.

Up ahead was the Thomson family’s living room. Crystal didn’t dare chase any further; if the whole family found out, she’d be in big trouble.

Fuming, she stamped her foot on the spot.

“You little brat, just wait till I get my hands on you!”

Still catching her breath, she turned around and saw Evan rubbing his eyes as he wandered out of the house.

Crystal’s brow knitted in suspicion. She marched over, pulled him aside, and hissed, “Was it you? Were you the one eavesdropping on my call just now?”

Evan stared at her in confusion, eyes wide and innocent. “Aunt Crystal, what are you talking about?”