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

Chapter 168

As Kristin walked through the front door of her house, the sounds of laughter and playful banter filled the air.

She paused for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise as she spotted Summer and Milo in the living room.

“Mommy!” Summer cut through the chaos, a beam of joy on his face as he caught sight of Kristin.

Milo, on the other hand, seemed to shrink in on himself, his gaze dropping guiltily to the floor as he scooted closer to the couch for cover. Kristin recalled how Milo had once held a grudge against them, harsh words spilling from his lips, accusing them of all sorts of nonsense. Even at his young age, shame was a language he understood all too well.

“What’s going on with Milo?” Kristin whispered, curiosity lacing her tone.

Summer leaned in close, her voice barely a whisper. “Mommy, Milo’s daddy doesn’t want him anymore, so Daddy brought him home to play with me.”

Kristin’s heart skipped a beat. Caleb had abandoned Milo? She ruffled Summer’s hair affectionately and moved to squat beside Milo. “Well, you two have fun then. I will make you some yummy food. What would you like to eat, Milo?”

Milo looked up at Kristin with wide and uncertain eyes. Why was Summer’s mother so

kind?

“Can I have BBQ and cheesy baked pumpkin?” Milo asked, his voice hopeful as he sat cross–legged on the floor.

“You’ve got quite the taste! Eat whatever Kristin makes, kiddo,” Saying so, Rhett strolled into the room, having changed into more comfortable clothes. He scooped up Milo’s overalls and tossed them aside, teasingly claiming they were in the way.

Milo pouted. “Uncle Rhett, Summer is also in the way. Why don’t you pick him up?!

Rhett glanced between Summer and Milo. Though both were children, he had a soft spot

for Summer.

“Because he’s…” Rhett began./

“Because you’re wearing overalls, easy to lift,” Kristin interjected, saving Rhett from potentially wounding Milo’s feelings with a careless comment. After all, Milo’s father was far from exemplary.

“Kristin, do you know how to make BBQ?” Milo was tinged with a newfound fondness for Kristin.

“I do,” she replied warmly, tousling Milo’s hair before rising to head into the kitchen to start

dinner.

her Auntle Kristin, because she’s my wife, Rhett said, playfully ruffling Milo as Kristin left

Milo nodded obediently.

approval and followed Kristin into the

hint of panic in her voice. Whenever Rhett tried to help

clock,” Rhett reminded her, leaning casually against the countertop.

play with the kids instead?” Kristin suggested, hoping to avoid any

mud?” Rhett frowned in

thought of the usually stoic CEO playing in the mud with the kids. She bit her lip to stifle the giggles, careful not to

the ribs?” Rhett asked, eager to lend a hand.

replied, handing him

Kristin, blushing, helped him

this happiness came a growing fear, she dreaded the thought of how lost she’d feel if Rhett ever left her.

Rhett asked, looking up at

soft and

instructed as they

Rhett said earnestly, surprising Kristin with his sudden interest in cooking.

Kristin thought, her heart sinking

can you be sure that it was James that night?” Rhett asked, his

handle, nearly burning

into a spiral of distress, “Kristin, that night…” Rhett pressed,

as her finger brushed against the hot edge of the pot, her skin

reached out instinctively

mel” Kristin slapped his hand away, tears welling in

murmured apologies.

Rhett could respond, she turned to

who hurt you that night that you chose to work with me instead of him?” Rhett asked, his

mind. I can’t forget the pain of that night, and so I can’t forgive James, nor can I

of that night brought waves of fear

bear the touch of another man.” Kristin trembled her

If Summer was his son, then it meant that on that fateful night, due to an alcohol–induced mistake, he was the one who had

he had allowed that wound to fester, his