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

when you’re here tomishing his image?

silent, Madge continued. ‘Don’t go to work

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

started “See, that’s the trouble with strays, they never really become part of

talking back to

served five years for who? For you! Remember your heart condition? If she hadn’t fought to save you,

it on thick

years in prison. How can you speak to her like that and break

looked away. She should have been left to her fate, why was she saved in such a

has to work tomorrow, I’ll take her home Garner said,

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

the words stinging

raised

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

Garner was frustrated

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

you.”

daughter has a child, she’s never been married. We won’t settle

12.45

nodded, smiling. They’ve said if he likes her, they’ll give a house over a hundred

gleamed. “A house near downtown

Kris‘ situation, she couldn’t do better Jeannie

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

hold of Kristin’s hand, ready to bolt.

inquired Madge, her prying eyes fixed

Kristin nor Garner uttered a

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