The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 344

The table was by the window, offering a sweeping view of the city’s glittering skyline at night.

Once everyone was settled, a cheerful waiter appeared with menus in hand.

Joyce, ever the generous hostess, smiled and gestured for everyone to order whatever they liked. “Go on, don’t hold back tonight. Dinner’s on me.”

The four kids didn’t need to be told twice. With the confidence of seasoned diners, they eagerly scanned the menu and began making their choices.

Not far away, Crystal had chosen the same restaurant for dinner with Emily Clark.

Emily glanced around at the elegant décor, her brow furrowing in surprise and concern. “Crystal, I thought you were short on cash lately. Why are we eating somewhere this fancy? This place must cost a fortune.”

Crystal shot her a withering look and, putting on her signature airs, replied, “If you’re going to eat out, it should be somewhere good. Have you ever known me to settle for less?”

She’d always lived in luxury, and even now, with her finances tighter than she’d like to admit, Crystal refused to lower her standards.

Emily grinned. “Of course, Crystal. You’ll always be a princess—only the royal treatment will do.”

Crystal smirked, secretly enjoying the flattery. That was one of the reasons she liked having Emily around.

Just then, Emily spotted someone across the room. She pointed discreetly at a nearby table. “Crystal, look—isn’t that Rebecca with her four kids?”

Crystal squinted, and sure enough, it was Rebecca.

Her expression darkened instantly. Just the sight of Rebecca put her in a foul mood.

Crystal’s mood soured in an instant. She spun on Emily, her voice rising. “First it was William, then Michael—now you’re eyeing Samuel? What’s your deal, Emily? Are you planning to collect all four of my brothers?”

She’d never met anyone so shameless!

Emily shrank back, startled by the outburst. She rushed to explain, “Don’t be mad, Crystal! I just want us to stay best friends forever. Honestly, I don’t care which brother—if I could just be your sister-in-law, I’d be happy to marry any of them!”

Crystal gave a derisive snort, eyes glinting with scorn.

Yeah, right, she thought. More like you’ve got your sights set on the Thomson family fortune.

In truth, Crystal had nothing but contempt for Emily. Someone as penniless as her, dreaming of marrying into the family? She must be delusional.