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.

of regret

could have helped

fact… he wanted to see her

send it to

phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not

wasn’t into shopping, never buying stuff unless he had

be

handle this one?” he asked in a

looking up at him briefly, then fell silent.

took a deep breath.

anger,

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

the world.

the simplest phone she could find, a model typically used by seniors. “I can use this one.”

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

picked up a

out.

to pull

you want to get a hang of it first?”

Kristin stayed silent.

that… Mr. Bryce!”

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

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

Chapter 56

the air, taking pride in her three–year

glanced at Kristin, who looked

clear–headed that men like him were all the same without

was just a fleeting

covered her

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

He never brings anyone here willingly, and he even held her hand.”

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

the fitting room, overhearing the

“What’s your relationship with Mr. Bryce?”

Kristin said nothing.

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

still

years, and he ditches that haughty princess

looked down on. What mattered was not interfering with

assistant had brought, Kristin emerged

watched Kristin for

told, she had changed drastically. The

mirror, she quickly lowered

a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

James

clothes for Kristin, asking her to wait on the

Kristin asked, looking up.

3/5

Chapter 56

then

wasn’t going to destroy others‘ love.