The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 79

Unfortunately, Emma barely had a minute’s rest before Mrs. Thomson started in again. “Oh, and Emma, my daughter loves fresh juice. Make sure you strain it several times—it needs to be completely smooth, not a single bit of pulp.”

“And another thing, my daughter’s health is delicate, so you must be extra careful with her food. No pesticides, only the freshest and healthiest ingredients.”

Emma nodded dutifully, almost like a machine. “Yes, Mrs. Thomson.”

With her instructions delivered, Mrs. Thomson turned on her heel, clearly intent on inspecting her daughter’s living quarters.

Emma couldn’t help herself. “Mrs. Thomson, truly, Mr. Austin is incredibly attentive to your daughter’s needs. You really don’t need to worry so much.”

Mrs. Thomson stopped and turned, her gaze sharp with disapproval. “Emma, why are you so chatty? You’re not young anymore, and you’ve been with the Austin family long enough. Is this really how a maid should behave?”

She’d seen right through Dylan’s indifference toward her daughter, and Emma’s constant assurances were nothing but empty words in her eyes.

Emma bristled. “I do understand you’re only looking out for your daughter, but I’m just telling the truth…”

Without answering, Mrs. Thomson strode into the kitchen, pointing at the haphazardly stacked dishes. “Then what’s this? Do you never sanitize these dishes? If you can’t even handle something so basic, how can I trust you to look after my daughter and grandson?”

Emma’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mrs. Thomson, are you questioning my ability? I’ve worked for the Austins for thirty years. I practically raised Mr. Austin myself, and he turned out just fine.”

Mrs. Thomson scoffed coldly. “Don’t you dare treat my daughter by the Austin family’s standards. In the Thomson household, she never had to put up with this kind of neglect!”

Emma opened her mouth to argue, but Mrs. Thomson cut her off, voice rising. “I can’t believe the Austin family keeps on such incompetent help. Talking back to your employer at every turn—have you no sense of propriety?”

Emma felt humiliation burn inside her. She’d just been berated out of nowhere and told she wasn’t fit for her job. She’d met her share of demanding employers, but never anyone quite this arrogant.

She was about to snap back when Jack caught her arm.

“Our poor Mr. Austin—how did he end up marrying into a family like that? If it were my son, I wouldn’t care how rich they were—I’d never let him marry someone like her!”

…

As soon as Emma left, Mrs. Thomson turned to Rebecca, her tone tinged with concern. “Rebecca, it’s best not to keep such insolent staff around. Just dismiss her.”

Rebecca hesitated. She’d never been fond of Emma either—there was something about her that didn’t sit right—but all the household staff were loyal to Dylan, and she knew it wasn’t her place to make such decisions.

“Mom, they all work for Dylan. Let’s wait until he’s back before we do anything.”

Mrs. Thomson sighed, her worry for her daughter deepening as she looked around the unfamiliar house.

She squeezed Rebecca’s hand gently. “Rebecca, ever since you married into the Austin family, I’ve always worried you’d be treated unfairly.”