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

11:39

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 James‘

could have helped Kristin,

fact… he wanted to see her

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

the phones were steep, Kristin kept her

wasn’t into shopping, never buying stuff

to be his one

you handle this one?” he asked in a low voice.

looking up at

here!” James took a deep breath.

his anger, edged closer.

not know how to use a modern smartphone.

with the

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

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

you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed Kristin’s wrist, and led her

out.

wanted to

want to get a hang of it

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr.

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

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

Chapter 56

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

instinctively glanced at Kristin, who looked

needed to stay clear–headed that men like him were all the same

just a fleeting

the faux pas, covered her mouth in panic.

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

never brings anyone here willingly, and he even

country bumpkin. Did Mr. Bryce change his taste? He’s over those

in the fitting room, overhearing the gossip outside.

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

Kristin said nothing.

with grace, like those who’ve danced since childhood,” the

paused, still silent.

three years, and he ditches that haughty princess

being looked down

white dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged

Kristin for

be told, she had changed drastically. The sparkle

quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to recognize the

was a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

do.” James nodded.

more clothes for Kristin, asking her to wait on the

asked, looking up.

3/5

Chapter 56

be James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would

wasn’t going to destroy