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.

twinge of regret clenched James‘

years ago, he could have helped

wanted to see her stripped of

ID and send it to IF,

were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not

buying stuff

to be

he asked in a low voice.

far away, looking up at him briefly,

here!” James took a deep breath.

fearing his anger, edged

she might not know how to use a modern smartphone. She

with the world.

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

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

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

out.

wanted to pull away.

hang of it first?”

Kristin stayed silent.

that… Mr. Bryce!”

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

around in the past, known to everyone in the circle.

Chapter 56

around with her nose in the air, taking pride in her three–year stint with James.

his face and instinctively glanced at Kristin, who

like him

just a fleeting plaything, nothing more.

her mouth in panic.

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

plain girl Mr. Bryce brought today? He never brings anyone here willingly, and he even held her hand.”

a country bumpkin. Did Mr. Bryce change his

the fitting room, overhearing the

her and whispered, “What’s your relationship with

Kristin said nothing.

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

paused, still silent.

years, and he ditches that haughty princess for

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

the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from the fitting

Kristin for a long silence.

she had changed drastically.

Kristin looked at herself in the mirror, she quickly lowered her gaze, not daring to

a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and frightening.

James

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

asked,

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James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have to turn down

going to destroy