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.

of regret clenched

years ago, he could have helped Kristin,

see her stripped of her

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

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

into shopping, never buying stuff unless

Kristin seemed to be his

one?” he asked in a

at him briefly, then fell silent.

took a deep

his anger, edged closer.

years off the grid, she might not know how to use a

the world.

her head, then pointed to the simplest phone she could

who was prone to laughter, but Kristin had always been an exception to that rule.

you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed

out.

to

hang of it first?” James asked,

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr. Bryce!”

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

James had kept around in

Chapter 56

used to prance around with her nose in the

at Kristin, who looked back,

stay clear–headed that men like him were all

them, a woman was just a fleeting plaything, nothing

covered her mouth in panic.

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

Bryce brought today? He never brings anyone here

Mr. Bryce change his taste? He’s over those proud swans

room, overhearing the

“What’s your relationship with Mr.

Kristin said nothing.

Mr. Bryce likes girls with grace, like those who’ve danced

still

he ditches that haughty princess for a maid?” The chatter

being looked down on. What mattered was not interfering with others‘

dress the assistant had brought, Kristin

for a long

had changed

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

was a stranger to herself,

James

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

Linda?” Kristin asked,

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girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn

to destroy others‘