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.

of regret

he could have helped

he wanted to see her stripped

and send it to

Kristin kept her head down,

buying stuff unless he had to.

be

he asked in a

far away, looking up at him

took a deep breath.

his anger,

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

the world.

the simplest phone she could find, a model typically used by

to laughter,

me, I’ll teach you.” He picked up a phone, grabbed

out.

wanted to pull away.

you want to get a hang of it first?”

Kristin stayed silent.

that…

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

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

Chapter 56

with her nose in the air, taking pride in

who looked back,

to stay clear–headed that men like him were

was just

the faux pas, covered her mouth in

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

brings anyone here willingly, and he even held her hand.”

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

fitting room, overhearing the

tailor measured her and whispered, “What’s your

Kristin said nothing.

tall with confidence. Mr. Bryce likes girls with grace,

paused, still

Bryce for three years, and he ditches that haughty princess for a maid?”

being looked down on. What

a white dress the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from

Kristin for a

told, she had changed

quickly lowered

stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

James

find more clothes for Kristin,

asked, looking up.

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

wasn’t going to destroy