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 clenched

he could have helped Kristin,

to see her

card with her ID and send it to IF, James called his assistant, leading

phones were steep, Kristin kept her head down, not daring to look.

into shopping, never buying stuff unless he had

be his one exception.

you handle this one?” he asked in a

stood far away, looking up at him

here!” James took

his anger, edged

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

with the

simplest phone she could find, a model typically used by seniors.

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

me, I’ll teach you.” He picked up a

out.

wanted to

of it first?” James asked, looking

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that… Mr. Bryce!”

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

around in the past, known to everyone in

Chapter 56

the

at Kristin, who looked back, withdrawing her wrist

to stay clear–headed that men like him were

woman was just a fleeting

assistant, realizing the faux pas, covered her mouth in panic.

James said irritably, massaging his temples and flipping through

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

Mr. Bryce change his taste? He’s over

changed in the fitting room, overhearing the

measured her and whispered, “What’s

Kristin said nothing.

Mr. Bryce likes girls with

paused, still silent.

been with Mr. Bryce for three years, and he ditches that

looked down on. What mattered

assistant had brought,

Kristin for

changed drastically. The sparkle was gone.

quickly lowered

a stranger to herself, unfamiliar and

do.” James nodded.

to find more clothes for Kristin, asking her

Linda?” Kristin asked, looking

3/5

Chapter 56

be James‘ girlfriend, then Kristin would have

wasn’t going to