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.

regret

have helped Kristin,

fact… he wanted to see her stripped of her pride.

and send it to IF, James called his assistant, leading Kristin into a

steep, Kristin kept

shopping, never buying stuff unless he

seemed to be his one

he asked in a low voice.

stood far away, looking up at him

took

fearing his anger, edged

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

the

simplest phone she could find, a

typically someone who was prone to laughter, but Kristin

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

out.

wanted to pull

want to get a hang of it

Kristin stayed silent.

isn’t that…

and the display assistant lit up upon seeing James. “Mr. Bryce, why didn’t Linda

little starlet James had kept around in the

Chapter 56

in the air, taking

at Kristin, who looked back, withdrawing her

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

was just a

the faux pas, covered her mouth in panic. “Mr. Bryce, I didn’t mean…”

his temples and

brought today? He never brings

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

changed in the fitting room, overhearing the gossip outside.

measured her and whispered, “What’s your relationship

Kristin said nothing.

stand tall with confidence. Mr. Bryce likes girls with grace, like those

paused, still silent.

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

care about being looked down on. What mattered was not

the assistant had brought, Kristin emerged from the fitting room.

watched Kristin for a

she had changed drastically. The sparkle was

quickly lowered her gaze, not

to herself, unfamiliar and

James nodded.

more clothes for Kristin,

Linda?” Kristin asked, looking

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out to be James‘ girlfriend, then

wasn’t going to