When the Boss’ Lady Became His Sister-in-law

Chapter 43

When she got up, Kristin spoke up again. “When I was in the slammer, those jerks would mess with my water and spike it with nasty stuff. I knew it but when I fought back, they just doubled. down on their cruelty. So I stopped resisting, just sucked it up and downed it. Once, twice… İ figured if I could just hang in there until they got bored, they’d stop using that trick to torment.

me.”

After falling into depression, Kristin lost her voice. For a long stretch, she just couldn’t bring. herself to speak.

But with Rhett, it was like she had a lot to get off her chest.

She continued. “Just when they were getting over their little game, one of my kindhearted cellmates decided to give me a heads–up in front of everyone. What could’ve been a short–lived thing turned into a nightmare. They got even crazier with their revenge. After all, she couldn’t have my back 24/7, and she was released the following year.”

Kristin’s smile was tinged with bitterness. One could only imagine the kind of hell she went through after her protector was released. There was no need for her to spell it out.

Rhett was frozen in place.

He had been schooled by Kristin not once but twice today.

He knew she was telling him if he couldn’t protect her for life, he better not stick his nose in her business.

“I’ve laid it out for you. Mull it over before you come back at me. Given Vincent’s disdain for your and Summer, he won’t lift a finger to help with the school issue, but I could,” Rhett knew where to press Kristin’s Achilles‘ heel.

A shadow of sadness crossed Kristin.

She couldn’t kid herself into thinking Rhett was one of the good guys. These past years, she’d totally shut herself away. No way, no how was she going to let someone in again, let alone trust anyone.

“Mommy!” Summer was back, happily bounding over to Kristin. “That sir bought it for me.”

Kristin hugged Summer and shook her head. “Summer, you can’t just take stuffs from others. Can we give it back to him?”

Summer looked down, clearly bummed. He really loved this toy, but Kristin was right. “Sorry. Mommy.

After apologizing, Summer handed the toy back to York. “Sorry, can we return it?”

“Kristin, really? It’s just a kid’s toy. Quit playing the martyr, you think you’ll earn

which was pretty deep–seated.

didn’t bother explaining and was about to leave, holding Summer.

made a promise to Summer. He traded

looked at her son, then bowed in gratitude. “Thank

gaze fixed on Rhett. It

Summer looked away.

away th

that

his temples and spoke gravely. “Tell the Turner family and Vincent, the one who called the cops today was me. Tell them to lay off

nodded. “Got it.”

the subway station, Kristin didn’t take Summer home.

and Clarence went looking. It would bring trouble

Kristin’s lap, playing intently with his toy. He clearly cherished it.

do you like Superman, Summer?” Kristin asked softly.

isn’t that Superman? My

hugged Summer tightly, saying with a smile, “Yes, you’re right.

eyes. “I love the lion king! Uncle Garner told me about

Summer close, her voice warm. “Would you like Mommy to tell

it?”

Summer hugged

so easy

all night, Kristin, exhausted, leaned against the wall, gazing at Summer asleep in her arms.

so much so that

night, he never once asked why

stayed by

chosen to keep this child.