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.

twinge of regret clenched

ago, he could have helped Kristin, but he didn’t.

wanted to see her stripped of her

her ID and send it to IF, James called his assistant, leading Kristin into a phone store.

prices on the phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not daring to

never buying stuff unless he had

to be his one exception.

he asked

away, looking up at him briefly,

here!” James took a deep breath.

anger, edged closer.

years off the grid, she might not know how

with the world.

shaking her head, then pointed to the simplest phone she could

out a chuckle. He wasn’t typically someone who was prone to laughter, but Kristin had

embarrass me, I’ll teach you.” He picked up

out.

to pull

you want to get a hang of it first?” James asked, looking at her.

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr.

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

a little starlet James had kept around in the

Chapter 56

her nose in the air, taking pride in her

at Kristin, who

men like him were all the same without

a woman was just a

display assistant, realizing the faux pas, covered her

to try some clothes,” James said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through a magazine on the sofa.

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

changed in the fitting room, overhearing the

her and whispered, “What’s your relationship with

Kristin said nothing.

Bryce likes girls with grace, like those who’ve danced

still silent.

he ditches that

down on. What mattered

white dress the assistant had

for a long

she had changed drastically. The sparkle was

herself in the mirror, she quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to recognize the reflection.

to herself,

James

more clothes for Kristin,

Linda?” Kristin asked, looking

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then Kristin would

going to destroy others‘ love.