When the Boss’ Lady Became His Sister-in-law

Chapter 165

“Security is just for show now?” Rhett’s voice was a low grumble as he questioned York.

York looked utterly clueless. After all, security wasn’t his department.

Mr. FitzGerald had been acting off lately, glaring at him as if he was some kind of eyesore. “Mr. FitzGerald, I’ll speak to the head of security right away and ensure they tighten things up,” York murmured, almost to himself.

“Rhett…” Hertha trembled her voice, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Rhett, I’m here on behalf of my family about the whole mess with Adrienne. We need to talk.”

Rhett glanced at the calendar. Tomorrow was the deadline he’d set for the Haywood family.

He closed his office door with a click and, all business, led Hertha to the VIP meeting

room.

Cameras were everywhere.

Rhett was making it crystal clear that this was strictly business with Hertha.

Taking a deep breath, Hertha steeled herself and followed Rhett into the meeting room.

“This whole debacle is Adrienne’s fault. She’s the baby of the family, and our parents spoiled her rotten. As her sister, I’m partly to blame,” Hertha said, her voice choked with emotion and seemingly full of remorse.

Rhett had no interest in the sob story. “So, what’s the deal?”

“We will hold a press conference, admit to Adrienne’s mistakes and publicly apologize to Kristin. Then, we’ll send Adrienne abroad,” Hertha said, clenching her fingers tightly.

To the Haywood family, these actions implied cutting Adrienne loose. Yet, for Hertha, this could represent a gleam of hope. Despite the blow to the family’s reputation, she would emerge as the victim, garnering sympathy.

With Adrienne out of the picture, the family’s resources would be channeled into Hertha.

She was the eldest, after all. The Haywood family and the Bryce family had an engagement pact, and her parents had thought of Adrienne first, not her.

Even though Hertha didn’t want the engagement with James, it still stung to feel less favored.

was the eldest, yet her

cast aside, they’d have to rely solely on

As for an apology, that’s secondary harm. Kristin only needs to see Adrienne’s conséquences, not wait for some so–called apology,” Rhett said sternly. He didn’t want Kristin to be thrust into the public again, which

and severe stress. Rhett’s only wish was to keep her safe behind him.

fists, not daring to

feared seeing real affection in his eyes

once Kristin was no longer of value, he wouldn’t care for

take a look at this paternity test result,” Hertha said quietly, sliding the document across the table.

his brows with suspicion,

between Summer and Carter,” explained Hertha. Getting James‘ hair proved too difficult, so she had resorted to Carter’s assistant, who

Hertha had this test result.

she was using it to negotiate with

you get Summer’s hair?”

was angry.

to let your family off the hook, but it seems you’re keen on digging your graves,” Rhett’s fury was palpable. If even the school wasn’t safe, that kindergarten might

shut down.

get mad yet, look at the results first,” Hertha shook her voice. “I admit I obtained. Summer’s hair,

dit

claims that Summer is James‘ child, and both James and Carter believe it. Carter is especially fond of Summer. But our family and Bryce family are bound by marriage. Now that our family has decided to confess to Adrienne’s misdeeds, it essentially torpedoes the marriage

lines, she was insinuating to Rhett that Kristin was a habitual liar,

the envelope

and Summer. In

his fingers tightening around the crumpled report. “And do your think I’d believe

and I were friends before all this. I like

of Rhett’s darkened expression, Hertha spoke again. “If you don’t believe me, you can take Summer and James to get tested again. If I’m lying, you can

Rhett remained silent.

this matter. She was well aware

of lying.

not the kind–hearted woman she