The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 83

Mrs. Thomson’s face was clouded with guilt, her eyes filled with deep remorse as she looked at Rebecca. Her voice trembled with regret. “Rebecca, I’m so sorry. We shouldn’t have brought her here today. I thought maybe, just maybe, this would be a chance for you two to reconcile—to put the past behind you. I was being naive… I was wrong.”

Rebecca offered her a gentle smile, trying to comfort her. “It’s alright, Mom. This isn’t your fault.”

Crystal stared wide-eyed at Rebecca, helpless as she watched herself get accused without a way to defend herself.

With a heavy sigh, Mrs. Thomson’s exhaustion was written all over her face. “Forget it. Take care of yourself, alright? I’m heading home now…”

She turned and walked away, her steps slow and weighted with disappointment.

Crystal opened her mouth, ready to protest, but before she could get a word out, Ethan piped up with all the authority of a little grown-up. “Quick, someone bring some disinfectant and clean Mom’s room thoroughly. Who knows what kind of germs might’ve gotten in?”

Crystal’s mouth twitched in disbelief.

She shot Ethan a glare that could have set him on fire, but he didn’t flinch.

“Auntie, why are you staring at me like that? I’m just trying to keep Mom safe.”

“You… You just wait!”

Crystal’s anger and frustration threatened to spill over. She let out a huff and stormed out of the room.

The others watched her retreating figure, and for a moment, silence fell.

Rebecca stood by the door, lost in thought.

Later, Mrs. Thomson broke down in George’s arms, her eyes brimming with tears. “Honey, Rebecca’s been through so much. And that Dylan—he’s just too much! What kind of man leaves our daughter alone like that? What are we supposed to do?”

George patted her back gently, trying to soothe her. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll have a word with Dylan. If he ever dares mistreat our girl, he’ll have me to answer to.”

Listening to her adoptive parents fuss over Rebecca, Crystal couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope.

If Dylan didn’t come home, that gave her a chance. As long as Dylan didn’t care about Rebecca, maybe—just maybe—she could win him over.

Meanwhile, back at Sunset Villa Estates—

Rebecca stood with her arms crossed, fixing Ethan with a sharp stare. Her voice was steely as she demanded, “Alright, spill it. What really happened back there? How did my ring end up in Auntie’s pocket?”