The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 61

Crystal’s desperate denials echoed through the grand Thomson family hall. Her voice trembled, but her eyes were fierce with determination. “It wasn’t me! You have to believe me—it wasn’t me!”

Sue wasn’t about to back down either. “Everything I said is true. You have to trust me.”

A flash of malice darted through Crystal’s eyes as she clenched her jaw, cursing Sue in silence. If that idiot hadn’t betrayed her, she would never have ended up like this.

Just then, George, the head of the Thomson family, gave a curt order to retrieve the security footage from the garden.

He needed to see the truth for himself—to see if his own daughter was truly capable of what she’d been accused of.

Crystal’s anxiety spiked. She wanted to object but couldn’t find a single excuse that would hold.

The footage was pulled up quickly, flickering to life on the large screen at the end of the room.

George, Mrs. Thomson, and everyone else gathered, their attention locked on the unfolding scene.

When the clip showed Crystal threatening Sue, George’s face went cold. He turned to Crystal, disappointment heavy in his voice. “Crystal, I can’t believe you. I’m so disappointed in you.”

Mrs. Thomson looked as if she couldn’t trust her own eyes. Her voice shook. “Crystal, why would you hurt your own sister?”

Crystal bit her lip, unable to utter a single word.

In that moment, she had lost everyone’s trust—even the love of her own family.

The air in the hall grew thick and suffocating.

Crystal’s whole body trembled, her eyes wide with fear and regret. She knew, deep down, she had gone too far this time.

Rebecca’s brows knitted together in disbelief. How could her grandfather side so blatantly with Crystal? This was Crystal’s fault—how could she be expected to just forgive and forget?

At that moment, the butler hurried into the hall. “Sir, Mr. Thomson, Mrs. Thomson—someone from Dylan’s household is here.”

George was the first to react. “What do they want?”

“They’re here to collect Miss Rebecca,” the butler replied. “Mr. Austin says that since he and Miss Rebecca are now legally married, she should move in with him.”

Mrs. Thomson, seated rigidly on the sofa, gave a chilly snort. “Go tell him my daughter is staying right here with her family. She’s not moving in with the Austins.”

George’s face was equally stern. “You heard my wife. Rebecca is our only daughter. I don’t care about the marriage certificate—there’s no way we’re letting her go live with the Austins and be treated poorly.”

But before he could finish, Dennis strode into the room. “Mr. Thomson, Mrs. Thomson, good afternoon. I’ve been sent to bring Ms. Thomson to her new home.”