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

have a child out of wedlock How’s your brother supposed

when you’re here tomishing

remained silent, Madge continued. ‘Don’t go to work tomorrow. Go on

Kristin looked up at Madge. “You never raised me a day in your life You have

to Kristin, and then the whispers started “See, that’s the trouble

talking back to her own

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

it on thick

How can you speak to her like that and break her

Kristin’s eyes as she looked away. She should have been left to her fate, why was she

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

people are saying about you and Kristin? It’s bad!

the words

Garner raised

Madge cried out.

Garner was frustrated

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 had a child with a nobody six

you.”

though my daughter has a child, she’s never been married.

12.45

They’ve said if he likes her, they’ll give a house over a hundred square meters, in her

eyes gleamed. “A house near downtown Silvergrove

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

get out of here, Kristin. Don’t listen to this nonsense,

firm hold of Kristin’s hand, ready

two off to?” inquired Madge, her prying eyes fixed on

nor Garner

such a sweet deal? Madge beamed with what she believed was a