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

Chapter 204

The Collins clan had gathered in full force, their voices blending into a chorus of chatter and laughter that filled the modest suburban home. It was a welcome home party for Madge, who had just been released from prison. They said it was to help her turn over a new leaf, to cleanse her of the past.

“Oh my, I never expected our Collins girl to be such a beauty” a relative remarked, eyeing Kristin up and down. “And still on the market, huh?”

Kristin, shy and uncomfortable around strangers, especially under such scrutiny, retreated into silence.

“What are you doing, Jeannie?” Garner frowned, moving protectively closer to Kristin.

“Oh, I’m just thinking of setting Kristin up with a fine match, Jeannie, the middle–aged woman, chuckled. “She’s a looker, even if she has a child. In our town, that would draw some tongues wagging, but since your mom asked me, I’ll make sure to find her someone decent.”

Garner’s frown deepened, his gaze shifting towards Madge, seated at the head of the table, looking rather well for someone who had just spent time behind bars. Madge cracked open a sunflower seed and met her son’s eye. “She’s not getting any younger, and with a child in tow, she needs to settle down sooner rather than later. You want to keep your own reputation pristine for when you find a wife, don’t you?”

Garner’s cheeks flushed with anger ‘Kristin doesn’t need to marry anyone I’ll take care of her and Summer for the rest of our lives.”

“What nonsense you speak, Madge snapped back, clearly irritated. Jeannie’s friends are all well–off. Stop meddling in your sister’s affairs, if she wants to, it’s her choice.”

Kristin, head bowed, said nothing. What did she want?

“Kristin, I know a man, owns a pig farm in our town. Don’t turn your nose up at pig farming – it’s lucrative,” Jeannie said, popping another seed into her mouth. “He’s looking for a second wife, got a kid with some disabilities, but nothing serious”

Kristin’s face turned ghostly pale, still silent.

“Let’s set you two up to meet tomorrow, Jeannie decided on Kristin’s behalf.

“No… I have work,” Kristin objected quietly.

“Work? What job? If that farm owner takes a shine to you, you won’t need a job. You won’t have to earn those peanuts anymore, Jeannie scoffed. “Listen here, a woman needs to marry well; nothing is more important.”

“I can make my own money. I don’t need… to ‘marry well,” I can take care of myself. Your way of thinking is wrong,” Kristin retorted, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.

How dare you talk back like that?: Madge interjected sharply, “Tre a huge fartuly

child out of wedlock How’s your

here

to work

never raised me a day in your life You have no right

air turned heavy, the relatives‘ gazes all shifting to Kristin, and then the whispers started “See, that’s the trouble with strays, they never really become part of the family”

already talking back to her own

line. Your mom did time for you. She served five years for who? For you! Remember your heart

was laying it

your mother’s five years in prison. How can you speak to her like that and break her heart?”

been left to her fate, why was she saved in

rest after your release. Kristin has to work tomorrow, I’ll take her

Madge slammed the table, standing abruptly. “Do you know what people are saying about you and Kristin? It’s bad! You’re raising

the

raised his

away, the whole world has changed” Madge cried out. “Are you choosing

Garner was frustrated

to me. I am your mother. I didn’t raise you because I was saving your life. You may not be grateful, but you owe me,” Madge declared. “Quit your job tomorrow. Stay away from the FitzGerald family. Do you think you’re worthy of them?

you.”

tirade, she turned to Jeannie. ‘Even though my daughter has a child, she’s never been married. We won’t settle for less than a

12.45

they’ll give a house over a hundred square meters, in her name, and the dowry

gleamed. “A house near downtown Silvergrove

given Kris‘ situation, she couldn’t do better Jeannie boasted with confidence.

here, Kristin. Don’t listen to

hold of Kristin’s hand, ready

Madge, her prying eyes

nor Garner uttered a word.

you find such a sweet deal?