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

could have

fact… he wanted to see her stripped

it to IF, James called his assistant, leading Kristin

were steep, Kristin kept her

wasn’t into shopping, never buying stuff unless

seemed to be his

you handle this one?” he

at him briefly,

James took a deep breath.

his anger, edged

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

the

shaking her head, then pointed to the simplest phone she could find, a model typically used by seniors.

let out a chuckle. He wasn’t typically someone who was prone to

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

out.

to

to get a hang of

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr.

assistant lit up upon seeing James. “Mr. Bryce, why

was a little starlet James had kept around in

Chapter 56

in the air, taking pride

and instinctively glanced at Kristin, who looked back, withdrawing her

men like him were all the same

them, a woman was just

covered her mouth in panic. “Mr.

her to try some clothes,” James said irritably, massaging his temples and

Bryce brought today? He never brings

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

room,

“What’s your relationship

Kristin said nothing.

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

paused, still silent.

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

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

assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from the

watched Kristin for a long silence.

she had changed drastically.

she quickly lowered her gaze, not

was a stranger to herself,

James nodded.

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

Linda?” Kristin asked, looking

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Chapter 56

to be James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn

to