The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 64

The room fell silent, as if struck by thunder. No one else dared utter a word; everyone understood—the patriarch’s decision was final, unchangeable.

Michael opened his mouth to protest, but William caught his arm, stopping him. They both knew it was pointless to argue. Becky’s heart was broken; she would never return to this house.

Mrs. Thomson sobbed as though her heart might break, unable to accept that her daughter was truly leaving. George stood off to the side, his face ashen. He ached for his daughter, but there was nothing he could do to change what had happened.

Suddenly, Michael clenched his fists, voice trembling with anger. “No. I’m going to get Becky back from Dylan, no matter what.”

The other brothers immediately chimed in.

“I’m coming too!”

“Wait for me—I’m going as well!”

Each of them was swept up in emotion, their minds made up.

But when Michael rushed outside, intent on stopping things, he was greeted by the sight of an entire motorcade lined up at the curb. Three or four bodyguards stood beside each car, their presence intimidating and impossible to ignore.

The sheer show of force was overwhelming. There was no way to get through.

Michael’s bravado drained away in an instant.

As they drew closer, it became clear that Dylan hadn’t even bothered to show up himself—he’d only sent his assistant and chauffeur. The realization stung; humiliation and fury burned in their chests.

Matthew muttered under his breath, “He’s got some nerve, doesn’t he? Taking Becky into his family and not even showing up himself.”

“Exactly! Becky, you can’t go with them!” Michael called out, desperate, as he saw Rebecca heading for the car.

Rebecca paused, taking in her brothers’ angry faces. She was touched by their concern, but she knew this wasn’t the time to explain. She stepped forward, trying to soothe them. “It’s alright. Honestly, it’s not such a big deal…”

Mrs. Thomson’s tears flowed even harder as she choked out, “Rebecca, I hate to see you go. Promise you’ll come visit, as often as you can…”

Rebecca’s steps faltered. She didn’t look back, but she nodded gently, then walked on, resolute, and got into the car.

Once inside, she glanced at Dennis, her tone calm and steady. “Let’s go.”

Dennis nodded and started the engine.

The car eased forward, its low rumble echoing in front of the Thomson family home. Rebecca watched the faces of her loved ones recede in the rearview mirror—the family she’d lived with for four years, the people she knew best. She fought to keep her tears in check, to hold herself together.

But in the end, she couldn’t. Her vision blurred with tears. She closed her eyes and drew a deep, shaky breath, struggling to steady herself.

As the car pulled away, the Thomson family’s figures faded from view. Rebecca pressed her palm to the window, silently saying goodbye to everything she had ever known.