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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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.

of regret clenched

years ago, he could have helped Kristin, but

to see her stripped of her

SIM card with her ID and send it to IF, James called his assistant, leading Kristin into a phone

the phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down,

into shopping, never buying

Kristin seemed to be his one exception.

one?” he

at him briefly, then fell silent.

here!” James took a deep breath.

fearing his anger, edged closer.

off the grid, she might not know how to use a

the world.

pointed to the simplest phone she could find,

prone to laughter, but Kristin had always

teach you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed

out.

wanted to pull

of it first?” James asked, looking at her.

Kristin stayed silent.

that…

high–end boutique, and the display assistant lit up upon seeing James. “Mr. Bryce, why didn’t Linda come

had kept around in the past, known

Chapter 56

prance around with her nose in the air, taking pride in her

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

like him

just

covered her mouth in panic. “Mr. Bryce, I

said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through a magazine

the plain girl Mr. Bryce brought today? He never brings

like a country bumpkin. Did Mr. Bryce change his taste? He’s over those proud swans now?”

fitting room, overhearing

her and whispered, “What’s your relationship

Kristin said nothing.

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

paused, still

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

didn’t care about being looked down

a white dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from

watched Kristin for

she had changed drastically. The sparkle was gone.

at herself in the mirror, she quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to

stranger to herself, unfamiliar and frightening.

James nodded.

find more clothes for Kristin, asking her to

asked, looking

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to be James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn down his request.

going to destroy