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.

the eldest, yet her parents doted

Adrienne cast aside, they’d have to rely solely

in front of the press. Just admit to the wrongdoing. 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 would be too

severe stress. Rhett’s only wish was to

clenched her fists, not daring to meet his gaze.

seeing real affection in his

that once Kristin was no longer

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

his brows with suspicion, wary of Hertha’s

is a grandparentage test between Summer and Carter,” explained Hertha. Getting James‘ hair proved too difficult, so she had resorted to

had this

it to

know how do you get Summer’s hair?” His voice was icy, sending a chill down Hertha’s

Rhett was

prepared 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

well shut down.

at the results first,” Hertha shook her voice. “I admit I obtained.

dit

speaking once more. “Rhett, Kristin 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 alliance. Carter will resent Kris, and if…” Her

Rhett that Kristin was a habitual liar, never

Hertha, Rhett reached for the envelope and examined the test

between Carter and Summer. In other words, Carter wasn’t

tightening around the crumpled report. “And do your think I’d believe you?”

burst into tears, her voice breaking as she locked eyes with Rhett. “Kristin and I were friends before all this. I like her,

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.

matter.

of lying.

the kind–hearted woman she appeared to be. Her purpose