The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 371

Before Crystal could leave, Ethan picked up the phone, issued a few brief instructions, and then hung up.

“Hmph. Sunset Villa Estates isn’t a place you can just waltz in and out of whenever you please,” he muttered.

He was determined to teach Crystal a lesson—she needed to learn what happened to people who messed with his mom.

Meanwhile, Crystal had just pulled out of the Sunset Villa Estates in her borrowed pickup, ready to head home. But not long after she hit the road, the engine sputtered and died.

With a sigh, she climbed out and popped the hood, but she didn’t have the faintest clue about engines or what might have gone wrong. All she could do was fish around for her phone to call for help.

But when she reached into her purse on the passenger seat, she realized her phone wouldn’t even turn on.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! Is the universe just out to get me today?” she shouted in frustration.

She glanced around at the empty, desolate stretch of countryside, growing uneasier by the minute. Was someone deliberately sabotaging her?

Fuming, she gave the truck a swift kick.

Sunset Villa Estates was nestled in the hills just outside the city, surrounded by woods and water—beautiful, but now it meant there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Crystal had no choice but to start walking back, muttering curses under her breath with every step. By the time she finally reached the edge of the city, her feet were covered in blisters and she’d been trudging along for nearly two hours.

...

Back at the Estates, Ethan was sprawled across his bed, laughing so hard he nearly rolled off the mattress as Louis recounted Crystal’s misadventure.

Just picturing Crystal’s miserable state filled Ethan with delight.

But Louis sounded worried. “Young master, what if she blames you or Mrs. Bennett for all this?”

He knew Crystal was not one to let things go. If she pointed fingers at Ethan or his mother, things could get messy.

Ethan’s laughter died down. That wouldn’t do at all—no way was he letting his mom take the fall for this.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

Ethan’s eyes sparkled as he sized Berton up, pretending to be serious. “You look the part, but let’s see what you’ve actually got.”

Aiden chimed in with a grin, “Do a good job and Mom will always treat you right.”

Evan, never one to let the past go, recounted Jack’s many blunders before warning, “Just don’t make the same mistakes Jack did, and you’ll fit in just fine around here.”

Noah, calm as ever, said, “Mom chose you herself. I trust you’ll do well.”

Berton just smiled warmly. “Thank you, young masters. I’ll do my best.”

His smile was like a breeze in spring—instantly putting everyone at ease.

The four kids were thoroughly impressed with their new house manager.

Rebecca, overhearing their banter, couldn’t help but laugh. They had no idea just how capable Berton really was.