The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 5

“Mom, please don’t treat Rebecca like this...” Katherine nestled in Jane’s arms, her voice gentle and coaxing.

Jane’s heart twisted with a mix of sorrow and guilt as she looked at her own daughter.

“You don’t have to defend her. I’ve raised her for over ten years—she’s never wanted for anything. It’s time she learned to stand on her own.”

Turning to Rebecca, Jane continued, “Go pack your things. I’ll call the driver to take you out to the country.”

As for a dowry or wedding gifts, she didn’t intend to give Rebecca anything. After all, this was punishment—sending her to the countryside to learn what real hardship meant.

Katherine leaned into Jane, shooting a smug look at Rebecca.

But Rebecca calmly slung her backpack over her shoulder and said, “I’ve already packed. I’m just taking a few books and a scrapbook from a friend—nothing else. And you don’t need to call the driver. I can make my own way.”

With that, she walked out the door, not sparing them another glance.

Jane seethed at Rebecca’s attitude, barely able to contain her anger. “Fine! Just don’t come crawling back in tears.”

Rebecca smiled, the corners of her lips curving with quiet confidence. “Don’t worry. That day will never come.”

Leaving the Foster family behind, she knew she’d be better off.

Jane huffed. “So stubborn.”

Katherine put on her most concerned face. “Mom, at least let the driver take her. It’s a long way—she’ll never get there before dark if she walks.”

Of course, what Katherine really feared was Rebecca running off and never making it to Jerry’s house in the country.

Jane hesitated, then caressed Katherine’s cheek. “Alright, sweetheart. We’ll do as you say.”

Better to send her off in the family car, anyway—no need for outsiders to gossip about the Fosters being too stingy to provide a ride for their daughter.

After all, the Fosters were a prominent family; appearances still mattered.

Downstairs, Rebecca crossed paths with Hogan.

Seeing her ready to leave, Hogan didn’t try to stop her. His tone was cold as he said, “This is for your own good. You lost your reputation, and now you’re pregnant. Staying here would only disgrace the Foster name.”

If she truly didn’t resent him, that was a relief.

Jane hurried down the stairs. “It’s getting late. Don’t bother walking—I’ll have the driver take you.”

The car was already waiting outside.

Rebecca knew they only wanted to keep an eye on her, to make sure she ended up where they intended. She didn’t protest, simply climbed into the car.

Katherine watched as Rebecca got in, finally feeling like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. All her scheming had finally paid off—Rebecca was gone.

Ian, the Fosters’ driver of twenty years, had watched Rebecca grow up. His voice was gentle, tinged with concern. “Miss Rebecca, life in the country is tough. Are you sure you want to go?”

Rebecca gave him a serene smile. “Of course not.”

She had no intention of following the Foster family’s orders and obediently disappearing into the countryside.

Now that their real daughter was back, the Fosters couldn’t be bothered to help Rebecca find her own family.