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

he could have

to see her stripped

a SIM card with her ID and send it to IF, James called his

the phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not daring to look.

shopping, never buying stuff unless he had to.

seemed to be his one exception.

this one?” he asked

up at him briefly, then

here!” James took a deep

his anger, edged closer.

how to use a modern smartphone.

with the world.

phone she

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

you.” He picked up a

out.

to pull away.

hang of it first?” James asked, looking

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that…

up

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

Chapter 56

nose in the air, taking pride in her three–year

at Kristin, who looked back,

men like him were all

them, a woman was just a fleeting

her mouth in panic. “Mr. Bryce, I

James said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through a

girl Mr. Bryce brought today? He never brings anyone here

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

the fitting room, overhearing the

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

Kristin said nothing.

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

still

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

down on. What mattered was not interfering with

the assistant had

for a long silence.

had changed drastically. The sparkle

in the mirror, she quickly lowered

a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

do.” James nodded.

more clothes for Kristin, asking

Linda?” Kristin asked, looking

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turned out to be James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn down his request.

to destroy others‘