The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 84

Ethan gave a nervous laugh, his gaze darting away. “Well, actually, when the mean aunt tried to push me just now, I took the chance to slip it into her pocket.”

Rebecca narrowed her eyes. “So it really was you causing trouble?”

Ethan jutted out his lower lip, insisting, “How is that causing trouble? I’d say it was pretty smart!”

Rebecca raised an eyebrow. “Smart? Are you sure about that?”

He nodded vigorously, puffing up with self-justification. “Of course! That mean aunt sneaked into Mom’s room—she was definitely up to something. Even if she didn’t steal anything, she must have had some scheme in mind. I was just teaching her a lesson for picking on Mom. Someone’s got to stand up for her, so I will.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh despite herself. “You’re quite the smooth talker.”

This time, Noah stepped in firmly on Ethan’s side. He looked earnestly at Rebecca. “Mom, I think Ethan did the right thing. That woman hurt your face and it still hasn’t healed. We should stand up for you!”

Ethan’s eyes sparkled with excitement at his brother’s support, and he nodded eagerly.

Rebecca looked at her two boys, so fiercely protective of her, and felt her heart melt. Ethan’s cheeky little face made her laugh again, but she sobered a bit and said, “Thank you both for wanting to look out for me. But I want you to protect yourselves first. When you’re grown up, you can protect me. For now, let me take care of you.”

Noah and Ethan exchanged a glance, then nodded obediently. “Okay, Mom. Then we’ll try to grow up fast, so we can protect you.”

Rebecca smiled, ruffling their hair, her heart brimming with contentment.

. . .

Meanwhile, in the Austin Group’s offices, Dennis was filling Dylan in on everything that had happened at Sunset Villa Estates.

When Dennis finished, Dylan let out a cold, humorless chuckle, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. His eyes were icy, and his tone held a hint of irritation. “What is it with Rebecca? Does she just have to stir up trouble every single day?”

But there’s no such thing as turning back time.

As if suddenly recalling something, Dennis hurried after him. “Sir, if you’re leaving all the work to me, where are you going?”

Dylan stopped and glanced back, a rare hint of warmth on his face. “Back to Sunset Villa Estates.”

Dennis was taken aback. *Back to Sunset Villa Estates?*

He sucked in a breath. *Wait… could Mr. Austin actually be planning to spend the night with the Thomson family’s plain-faced heiress?*

A second later, he shook his head. *No way. Mr. Austin would never stoop that low. He probably just married her to keep up appearances—a trophy wife, nothing more.*