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 James‘

years ago, he could have helped Kristin,

he wanted to see

her ID and send it to IF, James called

phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not

shopping, never buying stuff unless he had

to be his

handle this one?” he asked in

away, looking up at him briefly, then

took

anger, edged

she might not know how to use a modern smartphone. She was

the world.

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

who was prone to laughter, but Kristin had

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

out.

to pull

hang of it

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr. Bryce!”

display assistant lit up upon seeing James. “Mr. Bryce, why

starlet James had kept around in the past,

Chapter 56

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

who looked back, withdrawing her

needed to stay clear–headed that men like him

a woman was just a fleeting plaything,

covered her mouth in

said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through a magazine on the

never brings anyone here

country bumpkin. Did Mr. Bryce

changed in the fitting room, overhearing the gossip outside.

measured her and whispered, “What’s your relationship with Mr.

Kristin said nothing.

with grace, like those who’ve danced

paused, still

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

didn’t respond and didn’t care about being looked down on. What mattered was not interfering

dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged

watched Kristin for a long

told, she had changed drastically. The

looked at herself in the mirror, she quickly lowered her gaze,

to

James nodded.

clothes for Kristin, asking her to wait

asked, looking

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Chapter 56

girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn down his

wasn’t going to