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

Chapter 56

James got the picture and leaned back in his seat with a chuckle. “Hop in, don’t make me say it a third time.”

Kristin’s fingers were nearly raw from her nervous picking. She glanced down to make sure her clothes were clean before carefully opening the back door.

“Sit up front,” James gestured.

Kristin pondered for a moment before settling into the front seat.

James didn’t say a word and drove Kristin to the mall.

“Get out,” he instructed as they arrived.

Kristin stayed put. After a long pause, Kristin finally spoke up. “I… I’ll go back.”

“Do you think I’ve had you around for three years to play nanny or maid?” James had to stifle a laugh.

Kristin remained silent.

“Come on, whether or not I go for a paternity test depends on if you can follow directions,” James resorted to a threat, as nothing else seemed to work.

Kristin was stubborn, only responding to this kind of talk.

She got out of the car and followed James inside.

Entering the elevator, Kristin instinctively tucked herself into the farthest corner, eyes fixed on the walls.

The elevator reached the ground floor, crowded with people entering the mall.

James reached out and pulled Kristin in front of him, frowning slightly.

Kristin stood rigid among the crowd with a trace of fear in her demeanor.

Crowds terrified her.

After years in prison, Kristin developed severe psychological issues.

Any person facing great trauma and change would inevitably show some stress response.

Kristin feared enclosed spaces, crowds, and being squeezed among people. Her breathing. became labored, sweat forming on her forehead.

James glanced down at Kristin. He towered over others, but Kristin was nearly swallowed by

the crowd.

“Let’s go.” he said.

Kristin had become much more docile than she was five years ago. She followed James

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Chapter 56

obediently like a soulless marionette.

As they walked, James had an epiphany about what had changed in Kristin.

Her eyes once shimmered, bursting with life. Now, they were vacant, hollow. It was as though her spirit had been depleted, leaving only an empty shell behind.

twinge of regret clenched

could have helped Kristin, but

fact… he wanted to see her stripped of her

her a SIM card with her ID and send it to IF, James

Kristin kept her head

wasn’t into shopping, never buying stuff

be his one

this one?” he asked in a low

away, looking up at him briefly, then fell

here!” James took a

fearing his anger, edged

how to use a modern smartphone. She was

the

I can’t,” she confessed, shaking her head, then pointed to the simplest phone she could find,

let out a chuckle. He wasn’t typically someone who was prone to

teach you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed Kristin’s wrist, and

out.

wanted to

get a hang of it first?” James

Kristin stayed silent.

that…

high–end boutique, and the display assistant lit up upon seeing

had kept around in the

Chapter 56

in the air, taking pride in her three–year stint with

face and instinctively glanced at Kristin, who looked back, withdrawing her wrist from

clear–headed that men like

just a

her mouth in panic.

her to try some clothes,” James said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through

girl Mr. Bryce brought today? He never brings anyone here willingly,

looks so timid like a country bumpkin. Did Mr. Bryce change his taste? He’s over those proud

fitting room, overhearing the gossip outside.

and whispered, “What’s

Kristin said nothing.

Mr. Bryce likes girls with grace, like those who’ve danced since childhood,”

paused, still silent.

with Mr. Bryce for three years, and he ditches that haughty princess for

looked down on. What mattered was not interfering

dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from

for a

told, she had changed drastically. The sparkle

herself in the mirror, she quickly lowered her gaze, not

stranger to herself, unfamiliar and frightening.

do.” James

clothes for Kristin, asking her to wait

asked, looking up.

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to be James‘ girlfriend, then

to destroy