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.

regret clenched

could have helped Kristin,

see her

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,

into shopping, never buying stuff unless he had to.

be his one exception.

he asked in

looking up at him briefly,

took a deep

his anger,

the grid, she might not know how to use a

with the world.

head, then pointed to the simplest phone she could find, a model typically used

chuckle. He wasn’t typically someone who was prone to laughter, but Kristin had always been an exception to that rule.

picked up a phone,

out.

to pull away.

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

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr. Bryce!”

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

James had kept around in the past, known

Chapter 56

with her nose in the air,

face and instinctively glanced at Kristin, who

like him were

a woman was just a fleeting

pas, covered her mouth in

clothes,” James said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping

brings anyone here willingly, and he

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

changed in the fitting room, overhearing the gossip outside.

and whispered, “What’s

Kristin said nothing.

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

still silent.

three years, and he ditches that haughty princess for a maid?” The chatter

care about being looked down on.

a white dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from the

Kristin for a long silence.

told, she had changed drastically.

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

was a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

James

find more clothes for Kristin, asking her to wait on the

asked, looking up.

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Chapter 56

James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have

to destroy others‘