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.

regret clenched

could have helped Kristin,

see her

ID and send it to IF, James called his assistant,

phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not daring

buying stuff unless

seemed to be his

you handle this one?” he asked in

up at him briefly,

James took

anger, edged closer.

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

the

to the simplest phone she could find, a

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

me, I’ll teach you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed

out.

wanted to pull

of it first?” James

Kristin stayed silent.

that… Mr. Bryce!”

lit up upon seeing James.

was a little starlet James had kept around in the past, known to everyone in the

Chapter 56

to prance around with her nose in the air, taking pride in her three–year stint

darkened his face and instinctively glanced at Kristin, who looked

needed to stay clear–headed that men like him

them, a woman was just a fleeting plaything,

display assistant, realizing the faux pas, covered her mouth in panic. “Mr. Bryce, I didn’t mean…”

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

never brings anyone

girl looks so timid like a country bumpkin. Did Mr.

room, overhearing

tailor measured her and whispered, “What’s your relationship with Mr. Bryce?”

Kristin said nothing.

confidence. Mr. Bryce likes girls with grace, like

still

Mr. Bryce for three years, and he ditches that

didn’t care about being looked down on. What mattered was not interfering with others‘

white dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from the fitting room.

Kristin for a long silence.

be told, she had changed drastically. The sparkle was

quickly lowered her gaze,

a stranger to herself, unfamiliar

James nodded.

more clothes for Kristin, asking

Linda?” Kristin asked,

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James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn down

wasn’t going to destroy