Chapter 84

Summer was momentarily dazed, staring blankly at James and then scurrying into Kristin’s arms, a bit scared.

Kristin nervously looked down. “Mr. Bryce…”

“It’s my fault.” James apologized first, admitting he had been careless this time, not expecting Vincent and the Haywood family crew to go after his grandpa.

“Come back with me.”

Kristin took a deep breath, head still lowered. “No, I’m not going back.” she said.

James reached out to comfort Kristin but caught air instead, and in her eyes, he saw a distance forming.

“Is it because I didn’t protect you, or is it because I didn’t agree to call off the engagement with Adrienne?” James asked, his voice heavy with concern.

Kristin kept her head down, silent.

James knew it all deep down. She just wasn’t important enough. That was all.

“Mommy…” Summer hugged Kristin, asking softly. “Who is he?”

Kristin’s eyes reddened, glancing at James tentatively.

She wasn’t sure if James was willing to acknowledge Summer.

“Summer, I’m your dad.” James crouched before Summer, reaching out gently. “Sorry, I was late.”

In his mind, Kristin was probably having a momentary spat with him, something he could sweet–talk out of.

A guy like Rhett, with his serious germaphobia, wouldn’t fall for someone like Kristin.

Wide–eyed and tearful, Summer looked to Kristin for reassurance. He’d often dreamed about his dad showing up one day, saying, “Summer, I’m your dad.”

But when James appeared, apologizing for his lateness, Summer felt like crying.

“I don’t like Daddy.” Summer looked away, clinging to Kristin. It was because Daddy hadn’t protected Mommy.

James took a deep breath, looking at Kristin. “Just come with me for now.”

Kristin stood up, holding Summer, then shook her head. “No need, Mr. Bryce…”

She was drawing a line with James.

felt tight in his chest as he watched Kristin walk

13:10 F

Chapter 84

family in his mind and

to get her to stick around him, and these jerks had to ruin

James caught up, offering to carry Summer. “Mommy’s tired. Let

then asked softly, “Can you

eyes, looking so much like Kristin’s from back in the

James nodded firmly.

had been an accident this time. He wouldn’t make

marry Mommy?” Summer sniffled and

and he said nothing.

quickly explained, “He’s just a kid. He doesn’t understand these

steals other people’s dad, but that’s not true. Someone will

why he had fought

afraid to cause trouble for his uncle and

his mom, he lost

there, stunned, massaging his temples. He couldn’t possibly marry Kristin.

that status, he could give Kristin

was expecting, maybe even harboring a fleeting fancy to give Summer a

marry her. It was all just

Kristin stood alone at the bus stop with Summer, waiting for the bus.

the words wouldn’t come

Kristin

James‘ memory, he had never taken

James offered to hold Summer, not wanting

hesitated, then passed

Chapter 84

to a stop, and Kristin nearly fell, but James caught her.

Look at you three. What a good–looking family,” an elderly

ma’am, but no need,”

wonderful,

He just held Summer and

whispered. “We’re

and a complete family for Summer were things Kristin didn’t even dare

marry her. And no one would

for someone and have Summer suffer.

Bever

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