The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 52

Early that morning, Dylan sat behind his expansive desk, pen in hand, signing his name with unwavering focus on a stack of documents.

His office was the epitome of sleek, modern minimalism—abstract paintings adorned the walls, and several lush green plants in the corners breathed a touch of life into the space.

Dylan was a workaholic through and through. Three hundred sixty-five days a year, he was glued to his work. Sometimes, even his assistant felt sorry for the boss, but Dylan never once gave himself a break.

The worst part? If the boss didn’t take a vacation, neither did the assistant.

For Dennis, Dylan’s long-suffering assistant, the biggest wish in the world was for Mr. Austin to give himself a few days off—just enough for Dennis to breathe.

“Mr. Austin, it’s almost time for your meeting with Ms. Thomson,” Dennis said quietly, clutching the day’s agenda as he stood by the desk.

Dylan glanced at the clock on the wall and gave a faint nod. “Alright.”

Dennis turned to leave, but Dylan stopped him mid-step. “Wait. Come back.”

Dennis doubled back, a puzzled look on his face. “Yes, Mr. Austin? Is there something else?”

Dylan fell silent, deep in thought.

His marriage to Rebecca was nothing more than a business arrangement. He hated the very idea of it, but family pressure had left him with no choice.

He didn’t want Rebecca to develop any feelings for him—he knew he wasn’t cut out for romance, much less marriage.

After a moment’s hesitation, Dylan finally asked, “How can I make sure she doesn’t fall for me?”

“Excuse me?”

Dennis blinked, momentarily stunned, but then it clicked.

He couldn’t help but think, With your workaholic schedule and that icy demeanor, I’m pretty sure no woman would fall for you anyway.

Of course, Dennis didn’t dare say that out loud. Instead, he flashed a polite smile. “Well, Mr. Austin, I might have an idea…”

Dylan arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? What is it?”

Clearing his throat, Dennis offered his suggestion. “You could consider… changing your look. Make yourself less, well, appealing.”

As much as Dylan wanted to be angry, he had to admit Dennis had a point. Even he couldn’t stand the sight of himself in the mirror. If Rebecca saw him like this, there was no way she’d be attracted to him.

Still, this transformation was pushing his limits.

But the die was cast, and there was no turning back.

He remembered Jonas, the guy with the infamous blue hair—no girl had ever fancied him. That memory gave Dylan a bit more confidence.

Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself to meet Rebecca looking like this.

Before leaving, he turned to Dennis, his gaze serious. “Don’t forget what I asked you. If you get any news about that woman, let me know immediately.”

Dennis nodded, equally solemn. “Of course, Mr. Austin.”

Dylan took the executive elevator so no other employees would see his new look—only Dennis had witnessed the transformation.

When he arrived at the coffee shop they’d agreed on, Rebecca was already seated, waiting for him.