The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 442

Alan’s gaze settled on Rebecca, and he made a deliberate point of emphasizing that the invitation was for both of them.

He was hoping, more than anything, that Rebecca would agree to come.

Rebecca frowned slightly. The last thing she wanted was to have dinner with the Browns—or to have any more contact with Alan at all.

But before she could object, Dylan spoke up. “Sure, that’s fine.”

Alan’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “Thank you, Mr. Austin.”

Dylan gave a curt nod and climbed into the car.

Alan tried to say something to Rebecca, but she didn’t give him the chance. The moment he opened his mouth, she pulled open the car door and got in without so much as a glance back.

Alan stood there for a moment, a flurry of emotions crossing his face.

Still, it didn’t matter. As long as Rebecca agreed to come to the dinner, he’d find a way to talk to her alone.

Just then, Alan’s phone rang. He fished it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen: Katherine.

Annoyance flickered in his eyes, but remembering the close ties between their families, he forced himself to answer.

The moment the call connected, Katherine’s syrupy voice came through the line. “Alan, what are you up to?”

Suppressing his irritation, Alan replied, “Just met with an important client. What’s up?”

“Alan, we haven’t seen each other in days,” Katherine said. “My mother’s making your favorite casserole tonight—why don’t you come over for dinner?”

“I can’t. I’ve got plans,” Alan replied flatly, not bothering to soften the rejection.

There was a brief pause on Katherine’s end. Immediately suspicious, she blurted out, “Can I come with you?”

Katherine, oblivious to his real motives, was overjoyed. “Great! I’ll see you tonight, Alan!”

As soon as the call ended, Katherine began getting ready.

It wasn’t often she got to see Alan, so she was determined to look perfect—maybe even sweep Alan off his feet.

She stood in front of her mirror, combing through her wardrobe. The closet was packed with chic, fashionable outfits, but tonight, she was especially picky. She wanted to find the perfect dress—something that would show off her best features and make Alan fall for her all over again.

She tried on one dress after another, until finally she settled on a pastel pink cocktail dress. The design was simple yet elegant, the fabric soft and flattering, hugging her curves just right.

Spinning in front of the mirror, Katherine smiled with satisfaction.

In this dress, she thought, she looked every bit the princess—beautiful and utterly enchanting.