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

ready to brush his teeth without further

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

eyes glistened, hope flickering. “Really?”

nodded, handing over

a moment’s thought, Milo decided. “I’ll stick with the piggy. Piggies are

side, the boys brushed their teeth. “Top and bottom, don’t forget, or the cavity critters will get you,” Summer advised, sounding

not.

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

Kristin offered timidly, recalling Rhett’s earlier complaints

Rhett remembered faking discomfort to

lit up with a smile as she hurried to the

was of some

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

around her. She’s not like Adrienne. Adrienne’s bad, but at least she’s upfront about it. Some people play a deeper game, and they’re harder to guard against,” Rhett cautioned.

her about Hertha? Did the same Hertha seen as a pure jasmine flower by other men look like a schemer in Rhett’s eyes?

she’s quite capable,”

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

Holcomb has been laying low, hard to read. He’s probably still wary of your alliance with the

me and Hertha.

ascended the stairs. He was

business, seeing their relationship as nothing 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

had value to her, she

bind Kristin to him, Rhett knew he had to make her fall

starting tomorrow, he’d spoil her, cater to her every whim, and make her dependent on him for every breath.

alone at the table, Kristin’s eyes welled

angered Rhett? She

family to back her up or a spotless

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

best for Rhett, even if it meant stepping

everything for Rhett’s sake.

hadn’t made a move against Rhett, but when Holcomb did, Kristin would be helpless, no matter how