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

Chapter 170

On that fateful evening, young Milo found himself abandoned by his parents, seemingly forgotten by the Gladstone family. The family’s finances were in shambles, and Caleb’s folks were busy with work, leaving the boy to fend for himself.

Caleb was as drunk as a lord, his whereabouts unknown, presumably sprawled on some woman’s bed. Eve was also as drunk as a fiddler, lying unconscious at the FitzGerald Mansion.

Kristin couldn’t bear to trust the Gladstone’s help to whisk Milo away. She pleaded with Rhett to let the boy stay, her eyes brimming with concern.

Elated yet cautious, Milo clung to Summer’s hand, his excitement palpable but contained.

After all, loneliness was a child’s greatest fear, but with a playmate by his side, the world seemed a bit brighter.

“Good thing that I switched Summer to a big kid’s bed,” Rhett mused, leaning against the revamped children’s room’s doorframe, ruffling Summer’s hair. “Is it more comfortable now, kiddo, with your growing sprout legs and all?”

Beaming, Summer bolted to the bathroom and found the sink and basin lowered to his height. “You’re the best, Dad!”

Basking in the praise, Rhett couldn’t help but smirk.

“Okay, pumpkins, time for wash up and hit the hay. School’s up early, and we’re inching closer to middle school. Must keep those grades up, you hear that?” Kristin cooed, shepherding the two tykes to brush their teeth.

Not one to watch from the sidelines, Rhett scooped up Summer, squeezing toothpaste onto a brand–new froggy toothbrush.

“I love this toothbrush!” Summer was thrilled with the gift. Anything Dad gave him was a

treasure.

Milo eyed the pink piggy brush Kristin had handed him, a frown creasing his brow. “Aunt Kristin, why’s mine pink? Pink is for little girls, and I’m a big boy.”

Kristin chuckled at his protest. “Who says pink’s only for girls? Boys can rock pink, too.”

It was then Kristin’s cheeks flushed, realizing Milo had called her… Aunt Kristin.

Rhett suppressed a laugh, quite pleased with the title.

“I want the froggy one,” Milo, soiled at home, pointed at Summer’s froggy brush, yearning for green.

“Milo, you’re a guest in our home, and guests need to mind their manners, not snatch things from their hosts. Got it?” Rhett gently admonished.

12.13

got ready

pink piggy’s cute, though, Summer whispered. “Want to

eyes glistened, hope flickering.

nodded, handing over the froggy

thought, Milo decided. “I’ll stick with the piggy. Piggies

cavity critters will get you,”

not.

bathroom, clutching Rhett’s sleeve, and they silently withdrew, leaving the youngsters to their newfound

and almond dessert for you,” Kristin offered timidly, recalling Rhett’s earlier complaints of an

Rhett remembered faking discomfort

smile as she hurried to the kitchen to dish out the dessert.

she was of some value

at the dinner table, Rhett hesitated to speak, his words catching in his throat. Kristin sat beside him, quiet as a mouse.

to be careful around her. She’s not like Adrienne. Adrienne’s bad, but at least she’s upfront about it. Some

as

Hertha… she’s quite

she could be helpful if she were on the same team as Rhett. A marriage alliance between their families wouldn’t be entirely without merit.

of your alliance with the Haywood family. If you and Hertha were to…” Kristin

no future for me and Hertha.

and ascended the stairs. He

more than professional. He knew she had no feelings for him, so he clung to the idea of her needing him, of having a purpose to

he had value to her, she wouldn’t

had to make her

whim, and make her dependent on him for every breath.

the table, Kristin’s eyes welled up with

angered Rhett? She felt

prestigious family to back her up or a spotless reputation.

were still a Turner, she wouldn’t push Rhett toward

what was best for Rhett, even

consider everything for Rhett’s sake.

against Rhett, but when Holcomb did,