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

nodded and got ready to brush his teeth without further

Summer whispered. “Want to exchange?”

hope

over the froggy brush.

stick with the

or the cavity critters will get you,” Summer advised, sounding every bit the responsible elder he

not.

out of the bathroom, clutching Rhett’s sleeve, and they silently withdrew, leaving the youngsters

sweet pear and almond dessert for you,” Kristin offered timidly, recalling

Rhett remembered faking discomfort to dodge

with a smile as she hurried to the kitchen

was of some value

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

will see you as a thorn in her side. You have to be careful around her. She’s not like Adrienne. Adrienne’s bad, but at least

the same Hertha seen as a pure jasmine flower by other men look

she’s quite capable,” Kristin murmured.

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

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

with a chill in his voice. “Kristin, I’ve said it before. There’s no future for me and Hertha. If there were, you wouldn’t have any place here, would you? Since you’re here, scrap any delusions of setting me up with Hertha.”

and ascended the

she had no feelings for him, so he clung to the idea of her needing him, of having a purpose to

value

Rhett knew he had to make her fall for him, to make her unable to

her, cater to her every whim, and make her dependent on him

alone at the table, Kristin’s eyes welled

She felt so

prestigious family to back her up or a spotless reputation.

still a Turner, she wouldn’t push Rhett

she wanted what was best for Rhett, even if it meant

everything for Rhett’s sake.

Holcomb did, Kristin would be helpless,