The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 445

Alan frowned, struggling to believe Rebecca could ever be that kind of person. Yet Katherine’s words planted a seed of doubt in his mind. He pressed her again, “Are you sure this is true?”

Katherine found it odd—why was Alan suddenly bringing up that wretched woman Rebecca out of nowhere today?

“Of course I’m sure,” she replied firmly. “Alan, don’t tell me you’re still thinking about her.”

Alan’s thoughts were tangled, confusion flickering in his eyes. He lied without hesitation, “No, I’m not.”

Katherine slipped her arm through his, her voice soft and coaxing. “Alan, you shouldn’t think about her anymore. She’s changed, she’s not who you think she is. You still have me—I’ve always liked you, and I’ll always be here for you.”

Alan didn’t answer. He quietly slid his arm free and started walking away.

“Let’s go.”

Katherine stared after him in surprise. What was with Alan today? He’d called her here, but instead of being warm or attentive, he kept asking about things that should have been ancient history.

It was all Rebecca’s fault, she thought bitterly. That woman was like a ghost—never really gone.

...

The group had barely settled at their table when Dylan and Rebecca entered one after the other.

Their apartment was upstairs, so it hadn’t taken them long.

That evening, Rebecca wore a crisp white blouse tucked into tailored cigarette pants—simple, stylish, and businesslike. The outfit accentuated her long, slender legs and gave her the look of a consummate professional.

When she stepped into the room, it was as if a bright new presence had swept in—everyone took notice.

Before Dylan and Rebecca arrived, the private dining room had been buzzing with chatter. But as soon as the two walked in, the entire room fell silent.

Sean was the first to recover, his tone suddenly ingratiating. “Mr. Austin, you’re here!”

He stood to greet them, plastering a wide smile on his face.

Katherine was convinced Rebecca was back to ruin her happiness, to steal Alan away.

Unable to contain herself any longer, she glared at Rebecca and demanded, “What are you doing here?”

Everyone else looked startled. Sean hadn’t expected Katherine to blurt out something so blunt, especially since everyone else had already sat down and she was still standing.

“Sit down!” Sean barked, his voice sharp. The last thing he wanted was for Katherine to embarrass herself in front of everyone.

But Katherine ignored him, her eyes never leaving Rebecca, clearly determined to force an answer.

Dylan sensed the tension and glanced at Katherine, then turned to Rebecca. “You two know each other?”

Rebecca’s face remained composed. “I don’t know this lady,” she replied coolly.

Katherine actually let out a bitter laugh—did Rebecca really have the nerve to pretend they were strangers?