The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 59

Crystal met Rebecca’s gaze, her conscience prickling for just a moment. She quickly regained her composure and pressed on, “Dad, you have to get rid of Sue. People like her are dangerous—she even dared to steal Rebecca’s blush. Who knows what else she’ll pocket if we let her stay?”

Sue stood trembling, realizing this meant losing not just her job, but her livelihood. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked desperately at Rebecca. “Miss, I—I was blinded by a moment of weakness. It’ll never happen again, I swear. Please, just this once, forgive me. I beg you.”

Rebecca found it odd that Sue was suddenly taking the blame for her missing blush. The evidence was all there—witnesses, the makeup itself, even footage of Sue entering her room. And now, Sue herself was confessing. There was no way Rebecca could accuse Crystal instead.

But something felt off.

Was it really nothing to do with Crystal?

Or was Sue being set up as the scapegoat?

Rebecca turned to her father. “Dad, what do you intend to do about this?”

George’s expression was grim. “Rebecca, Sue not only stole from you—she caused you to have an allergic reaction. That’s a serious offense. I’m calling the police. She can spend the rest of her days repenting behind bars.”

His words echoed through the living room. Sue’s knees buckled and she nearly collapsed.

Mrs. Thomson chimed in sharply, “Exactly. People who can’t be trusted need a lesson they’ll never forget.”

The mention of prison left Sue utterly terrified—she couldn’t go to jail, she just couldn’t. Instinctively, she turned to Crystal, silently pleading for help. But Crystal was at a loss herself.

Still, she knew one thing for certain: Sue could not go to prison. If the truth ever came out, they’d all be finished.

After a split second’s hesitation, Crystal stepped forward, her voice carrying a trace of reluctant mercy. “Dad, isn’t prison a bit much for stealing a blush? Why not just fine her and send her away?”

George looked at Crystal, suspicion flickering in his eyes. “Since when did you become so soft-hearted? Just a moment ago, you were demanding justice for your sister.”

Crystal faltered, biting her lip. “Dad, I know Sue stole from Rebecca, and that’s wrong. But she’s worked in our house for years. If word got out that we sent a longtime maid to prison over this, what would people think of the Thomson family? Let’s just fire her and be done with it.”

Rebecca went on, “Sue has worked for us for ten years, and she’s never stolen a thing. Why suddenly take a blush? Besides, have any of you ever seen her wear makeup? And if she wanted to steal, why not take something valuable instead?”

All eyes turned to Sue.

George muttered, almost to himself, “Rebecca, you make a good point.”

Sue’s heart pounded in her chest. She lowered her head, silent and shaking.

Rebecca smiled faintly at Sue. “We’ve always treated our staff fairly. I doubt Sue would steal for money. Isn’t that right, Sue? Doesn’t your daughter live with you? Did you take the blush for her?”

Sue’s head snapped up at that, eyes wide. She nodded eagerly, grasping at the lifeline. “Yes, yes, I took it for my daughter.”

Rebecca’s smile grew. “If that’s the case, why don’t we bring your daughter here and clear this up?”