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

13:10 F

Chapter 84

cursed the Haywood family in his mind and hurried

stick around him, and these jerks had to

me take you guys.” James caught up, offering to carry Summer.

then asked softly, “Can

eyes, looking so much like Kristin’s from back

James nodded

time. He wouldn’t make

marry Mommy?” Summer sniffled and asked

and

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

a thief who steals other people’s dad, but that’s not

had fought

he never fought back, afraid to cause trouble for his

badmouthed his mom,

his temples. He

that status, he could

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

wouldn’t marry her. It was all just wishful

Kristin stood alone at the bus stop with Summer,

something, but the words wouldn’t

arrived, and Kristin got

memory, he had never

James offered to hold Summer, not wanting

then passed Summer to

Chapter 84

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

seat? Look at you three. What a good–looking family,”

ma’am, but no need,” Kristin waved

chuckled. “Youth is wonderful,

didn’t explain. He just held Summer and smiled politely.

“We’re not family…”

for Summer were things Kristin didn’t even dare to

want to marry her. And

didn’t want to settle for someone and have Summer suffer.

Bever

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