The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 74

The household bustled with quiet efficiency—staff dusting shelves, sweeping floors, and prepping breakfast in the kitchen, each person moving with practiced purpose. Everything ran like clockwork.

As Rebecca descended the grand staircase, the maids and butlers paused their tasks, greeting her with warmth and respect.

“Good morning, ma’am!”

The entire house radiated peace and order.

Rebecca smiled, pleased with the harmonious scene, and returned their greetings.

Just then, Jack, the butler, came rushing toward her, nearly tripping over his own feet as if being chased by a pack of wolves. He managed to steady himself against the doorway, breathless and flustered.

“Ma’am, ma’am—” Jack called urgently.

Rebecca arched an eyebrow. “What’s the matter?”

Jack opened his mouth, clearly about to lodge a complaint, when four little whirlwinds came charging in, shrieking, “Mommy! Mommy!”

At the sight of the four little rascals, Jack instinctively flinched, swallowing his words. The staff, too, ducked their heads and busied themselves, like mice scurrying from a cat.

Rebecca, oblivious to the tension, knelt down and wiped the sweat from her children’s brows.

“Slow down, you little maniacs. Look at you—soaked through already!”

Ethan grinned, showing off his dimples. “Mommy, the playroom here is amazing!”

Evan nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! And Jack was super nice—he played with us, too!”

Rebecca’s attention shifted back to Jack, and for the first time, she noticed his hair—or rather, the glaring lack thereof. She frowned in confusion.

“Jack, what happened to your hair?”

Realizing Rebecca wouldn’t come to his rescue, Jack slunk off to the study, phone in hand, intent on lodging his complaint with Dennis.

“Dennis, could you please pass a message to Mr. Austin? Tell him to send these four kids back to the Thomson family as soon as possible.”

Dennis’s voice came through, cool and stern.

“Jack, that’s out of line. Mr. Austin and Ms. Thomson are married now. Her children are his children. What do you mean, send them back? I won’t hold it against you because you’ve served Mr. Austin for years, but don’t ever say that again.”

Jack’s face fell. “But Dennis, I can’t manage these kids anymore! Isn’t there any way Mr. Austin can come home and handle them himself?”

Dennis’s tone sharpened.

“If you can’t handle them, then don’t. Who asked you to discipline them in the first place? Mr. Austin is busy. Don’t bother him with every little thing!”

Jack let out a long, miserable sigh, realizing he was on his own.