The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 72

At last, the study door swung open. Jack crawled out, looking utterly disheveled. Someone had scrawled ridiculous patterns across his face, making him resemble a calico cat.

His pants were torn to shreds, and bruises mottled his legs in shades of blue and purple. He looked like he’d barely survived a hurricane.

Emma rushed over, concern etched on her face. “Jack, are you alright?”

Jack grimaced, forcing a wry smile. “Hurry, help me to my room…”

The maids hovered nearby, curiosity getting the better of them as they peered into the study. To their surprise, four little boys marched out with the swagger and confidence of seasoned troublemakers.

Ethan, hands on hips, barked, “What are you all standing around for? Get back to work!”

Evan chimed in right after. “Unless you’re hoping for a scolding, you’d better move!”

The maids, afraid of getting caught up in the chaos, scattered at once.

Were these really children—or four little tyrants in disguise?

Ethan watched their retreating backs, nodding with satisfaction. “Finally, some peace and quiet around here.”

Noah agreed, nodding. “That’s right. Since no one else is in charge, we’ll run the place from now on.”

Meanwhile, Jack staggered back to his bedroom and, without wasting a second, dialed Dennis’s number.

The moment Dennis picked up, Jack’s desperate wail burst through the phone.

“Dennis, did you tell Mr. Austin? These four little devils are about to tear the roof off this house! They not only beat me up, they drew all over my face—I look like a clown!”

“Today, your wife took the children to the amusement park. By all accounts, they had a wonderful time. However—” Dennis hesitated, searching for the right words, “I’ve heard some troubling reports. The house manager says the boys caused some trouble at Sunset Villa Estates.”

“What kind of trouble?” Dylan’s voice was calm, but his authority was unmistakable.

“They put bugs in the maids’ beds, painted the manager’s face like a clown, and gave him a bit of a beating.” Dennis delivered the news carefully, watching Dylan’s reaction.

“All that in a single day?” Dylan’s tone turned icy, a flash of anger in his eyes.

Dennis hurried to explain. “But sir, the boys had a reason.”

Dylan’s gaze was sharp as a blade. “What reason?”

Dennis swallowed. “Apparently, some of the maids were gossiping at the amusement park—spreading rumors that the children aren’t your own, calling them bastards, and even mocking your wife’s appearance…”