The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 80

Rebecca smiled warmly. “Mom, stop worrying. I’m really fine here, and honestly, I like it. You and Dad can relax, okay?”

Mrs. Thomson just sighed again, her concern unwavering.

Meanwhile, Crystal was sneaking up the stairs, moving as quietly as she could. Her destination was Rebecca and Dylan’s bedroom—she was desperate for a peek inside, hoping to find even the faintest trace of Dylan. The thought of Rebecca so easily moving into Dylan’s home made Crystal’s blood boil with jealousy.

A mix of nerves and curiosity fluttered in her chest. She’d never set foot in Dylan’s room before. Just as she slipped into what she assumed was Rebecca’s room, she nearly collided with a little kid.

Crystal had no idea which one this was or what kind of temper he might have. She cleared her throat, trying to play it cool. “Uh… is this your mom’s room?”

Ethan lifted his chin, a note of suspicion in his voice. “Yup. Why are you in my mom’s room?”

His eyes, far too serious for his age, studied Crystal as if he were an adult interrogating a criminal.

Crystal stammered, “Well… little guy, I just wanted to ask you something. Does your dad come home to sleep at night?”

Ethan huffed, not even bothering to hide his annoyance. “Why do you care what my dad does? Are you trying to go after him or something?”

He eyed her with a sharpness that belied his age.

Crystal opened her mouth to deny it, but suddenly, a realization struck her. Her eyes widened. “Wait a minute! You’re that sneaky kid who was eavesdropping on my phone call in the backyard, aren’t you?” Her tone was accusatory.

Ethan crossed his arms with a smirk. “That’s right. So what?”

Crystal clenched her teeth. She hadn’t expected this brat to be so sharp—or to remember her at all. She glared, voice low and threatening. “Who are you, anyway?”

She needed to figure out this kid’s identity so she’d know who to keep an eye on from now on.

Ethan straightened his back, pride shining in his eyes. “I stand by my name and never change it…”

Crystal nearly exploded. Eyes wide with outrage, she snapped, “You want to search me?”

Noah met her glare unflinchingly. “Of course. When I grow up, I’m going to be a police officer—catching thieves like you will be my job.”

Thief? Did this little brat just call her a thief?

Crystal’s cheeks burned with humiliation, but there was nothing she could do. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone civil. “Noah, really, I just walked into the wrong room. That’s all. I’m not here for anything else.”

Noah sniffed, refusing to let it go. “If you didn’t steal anything, then why are you so worried about me searching you? Relax—you’re so ugly and your figure’s so weird, I wouldn’t be interested anyway!”

Crystal’s jaw clenched in fury. There were some insults she simply couldn’t swallow. She glared at him, voice trembling with anger. “You little runt! Calling me ugly and weird? Hasn’t anyone taught you to respect others?”

Noah just shrugged, standing tall and proud. “I’m only telling the truth. Kids don’t lie, you know.”