The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 363

Emma dropped her gaze, unable to meet Rebecca’s eyes. “Ma’am, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have believed those rumors, let alone spread them. I just heard people talking, and I thought it must be true…”

Rebecca had no patience left for Emma’s excuses. She turned to address the gathered staff, her voice icy. “You’ve all worked at Sunset Villa Estates long enough to know better. It’s one thing to slack off, but spreading lies about me is another matter entirely. Jack and Emma led the way, but every single one of you involved is to collect your wages and leave tonight.”

The announcement stunned the room into silence.

Cries for mercy erupted almost immediately. “Ma’am, please, we know we were wrong! Just give us another chance!”

“We promise, we’ll work hard from now on. No more laziness, no more gossiping—please!”

But Rebecca remained unmoved. She shot a pointed look at the security guards.

Within moments, everyone involved in the earlier incident was hustled out of Sunset Villa Estates, not a single person spared.

Dennis hesitated, wanting to say something, but one look at the steely resolve in Rebecca’s eyes made him think better of it. Maybe Mr. Austin approved of this too. Best not to meddle.

Once Dennis handed out the last paychecks, he ushered the group out without further conversation.

Jack and Emma, however, stubbornly dug in their heels. After all, Mr. Austin paid better than anyone else—they didn’t want to lose this job.

Emma, face flushed with frustration, protested, “Dennis, Mr. Austin hasn’t told us to leave. Who is Rebecca to fire us? I’m not going!”

Jack chimed in, “Dennis, I need to see Mr. Austin. I’ve worked here for years—he won’t just let me go!”

Dennis’s tone cooled. “Do you really think Mr. Austin has nothing better to do than listen to your petty complaints?”

Jack and Emma fell silent, stunned.

Inside Sunset Villa Estates, the four children watched as Jack and Emma, clutching their belongings, trudged away in defeat. Unable to contain themselves, they burst into cheers.

Ethan bounced with excitement. “Yes! They’re finally gone!”

But then he sighed. “Now there’s no one left to mess with.”

Aiden glanced around the now-empty mansion. “Isn’t the house a bit too quiet without everyone here?”

Rebecca knelt down and gave Aiden a gentle hug. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Tomorrow, Mommy will hire a whole new staff.”