The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 49

Emily nodded. “I know.”

Then she hesitated before adding, “Crystal, what about Dylan? He and Rebecca are getting married soon. If you miss your chance tonight, you might not get another.”

Crystal’s jaw tightened. “It’s fine. If I can’t win Dylan over, I’ll just deal with Rebecca.”

Them getting married? Over my dead body.

“Just be careful, Crystal,” Emily warned.

Crystal let out a cold laugh. “Don’t worry. I have my ways.”

Night settled softly over the landscape, the lights of the Thomson estate flickering against the darkness.

After coming home, Rebecca still felt uneasy. She decided to check on the kids before going to bed.

In the nursery, all four little ones were tucked under their blankets, sleeping soundly and peacefully.

Well, almost all. Ethan was sprawled out, his round cheeks flushed, covers kicked halfway off.

Rebecca smiled, gently smoothing his hair and tucking him back in.

Watching her children sleep so quietly, Rebecca finally felt her worries ease.

Maybe she’d been overthinking things.

She tiptoed out, softly closing the door behind her, and headed back to the master bedroom.

All she wanted was a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. The day had worn her out—and tomorrow she still had to meet with Dylan.

The next morning, as Rebecca got up to wash up, her phone buzzed with a message.

It was from Dylan’s assistant, reminding her about their appointment.

Rebecca replied with a quick “Got it,” set her phone aside, and began her morning routine.

Since she was heading out, she put on a little makeup—just a touch of blush to brighten her face. But as she picked up the compact, she noticed the lid was slightly askew, as if someone had been messing with it. She frowned in puzzlement.

No one came in her room besides the kids.

She shrugged it off, figuring one of her little ones must’ve been playing around, and dabbed a bit of blush onto her cheeks.

Downstairs, Mr. George and Mrs. Sunny were already at the dining table, sharing breakfast and watching the morning news.

The four kids were sitting neatly, side by side, at the table.

Oh no. She had to go out and see people today.

Ethan followed her, peering in from the doorway and giggling mercilessly. “Mommy, you really do look like a baboon! Hahaha!”

Aiden’s eyes widened in curiosity. “Mommy, why is your face so red?”

Evan let out a few giggles of his own. “Mommy, you look silly!”

Only Noah stayed quiet, his dark eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

“Alright, that’s enough. Go eat,” George scolded, hurrying over.

The four kids immediately straightened up and fell silent.

George and Mrs. Thomson both watched Rebecca anxiously.

“What happened, Rebecca?”

“Sweetheart, here, try this,” Mrs. Thomson said gently, handing her a wet wipe.

Rebecca took it, her brows furrowing in frustration. “I already tried. It won’t come off. My face… I think it’s ruined.”