Chapter 114
James furrowed his brow, reluctant to leave the room. He feared what Carter might say could upset Kristin.
“Is this woman more important to you than me?” Carter asked angrily.
James remained silent and bowed his head for a long time before saying, “Summer, go out with Daddy,” he finally said.
Summer looked back at her mom, unwilling to leave.
Kristin cupped Summer’s cheeks. “Go wait for Mommy, sweetie. It’s okay. Great–grandpa needs. to talk to Mommy for a bit.”
With a nod, Summer left the room warily.
Then, only Kristin, Carter, and an assistant were left there. The assistant broke the silence. “Ms. Turner, name your price. What will it take for you to give up custody of the child?”
“Summer is mine.” Kristin said, her fingers tightening into fists. “James and I have an agreement. The child is mine. He won’t contest it, and I won’t accuse him of rape.”
Taking a deep breath, Kristin looked straight at Carter. It wasn’t her fault, and she had nothing. to be ashamed of. Summer’s existence was unexpected but not of her choosing.
Carter’s face darkened immediately. “Ah, quite the tactic, Ms. Turner,” he said.
Kristin bit her lip, her voice hoarse. “I have nothing left to lose, and I don’t want anything from the Bryce family. If it makes you feel better, I can sign an agreement clarifying that Summer has nothing to do with the Bryce family.”
Carter squinted his eyes. “You must realize that your chances are slim if I take this to court to fight for custody.”
“Sir, James will merge with the Haywood family through marriage. He’ll have his children, and Summer’s existence could complicate the alliance between the Haywood and Bryce families. Instead of jeopardizing your deal, it might be better to keep Summer’s identity à secret. He is my son, not a Bryce,” Kristin negotiated. “Besides, I have a stable job and an income now. As his mother, I don’t think you’re guaranteed to win.”
“Unfortunately for you, you’ve done time,” Carter said, and his words pushed Kristin to the edge. Her incarceration was a stain she could never erase. For her whole life, she would be a burden. to Summer.
What kind of child could come from a mother who had been in prison?
“Summer is under my brother’s name,” Kristin said, looking up at Carter. “I don’t think you’d want to make a spectacle by suing me. It wouldn’t reflect well on James or Aurora Tech.”
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Carter regarded Kristin thoughtfully. He had expected her to seize this opportunity to make outrageous demands, to show a greedy face that would disgust anyone.
Instead, she was proving to be a clever woman, negotiating methodically.
Carter had no desire for a court battle.
If it came to that, the scandal would go public, which would be detrimental to James and Aurora Tech.
“If Summer is a Bryce, we won’t neglect our duties. He needs a proper educational environment. I will allot you a monthly educational fund of thirty thousand dollars. You will take good care of Summer and bring him to visit me in Crescendo Town once a month. If he fails to receive a proper education with you, I will take measures to remove him, and you will not see. him until he turns eighteen.”
Carter’s terms were not harsh. They were merely for Summer’s sake.
“Summer doesn’t need your educational fund,” Kristin said, standing up and bowing to Carter. “I understand your reason for keeping me here. It’s not just about Summer but about James, too.”
Carter showed a hint of admiration. Kristin might seem timid, but she was indeed clever.
“James and I will never be together, so you don’t have to worry, sir, and you should trust your grandson. He’s more rational than anyone and won’t give up his alliance with the Haywood family for me.” Kristin turned and left.
“Boss, I’m a tad worried about this Kristin gal. Seems all sweet and light, but could be just mouthing off,” the assistant voiced his concern.
“She’s stuck out there in Silvergrove, not a lot she can stir up. Keep tabs on her; if she drops the ball while caring for Summer, bring the kid back to me,” Carter replied calmly, throwing a glance at his assistant. “What’s the Haywood clan saying?”
“The media is on a leash for now. No one’s got wind of Miss Haywood being hauled off by the cops. The Haywoods‘ plan is to announce the union of our families as soon as she’s out,” the assistant quietly murmured.
Carter pensively stroked his chin. His grandson James usually played by the book. He could only hope this time would be no different.
The unknown variable here could be Kristin.”
Outside the room, James held Summer were waiting for Kristin’s return.
“Did Grandpa give you a hard time?” he asked as she emerged.
Kristin shook her head, taking Summer into her arms. “Mr. Bryce, we’re going home.”
“Kristin, think carefully about what I said,” James warned, his brow furrowed, feeling perhaps he had indulged her too much, allowing her to treat him this way.
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“James…” Kristin paused, turning to look at him. “You have your own life to lead. Please stay away from me if you can’t give me what I want.”
James scowled. “Kristin, you’re too greedy.”
Kristin’s laugh was tinged with sarcasm as she stepped into the elevator.
She was indeed too greedy, but it was just an excuse to keep James out of her world.
“Mom, will they take me away?” Summer clung to Kristin’s neck, his voice a whisper of worry.
“No, honey…” Kristin’s voice was hoarse as she shook her head, trying to reassure her son and herself.
Summer nuzzled closer. “Mom, did I get you worried?”
“Why did you go with Mr. Carter?” Kristin murmured.
“He had a paternity test, saying I was their family’s child and wanted to take me away. He said he would snatch me away from you if I didn’t go with him nicely.” Fear was evident in Summer’s voice.
“They won’t. I won’t let anyone take you away.”
After stepping out of the hotel, Kristin’s gaze fell on Rhett, waiting by the car. The evening sun seemed to shine brighter just because he was there.
“Daddy!” Summer exclaimed instinctively, his face lighting up, but then his expression fell.
That wasn’t Daddy.
“Did they give you a hard time?” Rhett asked.
Kristin shook her head, replying. “They offered a trust fund for Summer’s education. I refused.”
“What does Summer feel like eating?” Rhett was in a good mood, noticing Kristin’s resolve.
“I’m not picky.” Summer’s eyes sparkled when he looked at Rhett. A child’s affection was always pure.
“My brother texted, saying he’s working late and needs me to look after Summer, Mr. FitzGerald, I’ll take Summer home tonight. We can take a cab,” Kristin said, planning to take Summer back to their modest apartment.
Rhett glanced at her. “We’ll go home together. The cook’s off tonight.”
Summer cleverly hugged Rhett’s neck. “I want Mom’s homemade pasta. Can you make it for me and Daddy?”
“I’ll cover your overtime.” Rhett declared, not giving Kristin a chance to refuse, as he ushered Summer into the car, a subtle smile on his lips.
Kristin waved her hands frantically. “No, no need for overtime pay.”
“The housekeeper’s out, and the cook is on leave. From now on, it looks like you’ll have your
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hands full with my meals and daily routines, Miss Kristin,” Rhett said sternly.
Kristin nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry, Mr. FitzGerald. I’ll get to know your dietary preferences
soon.”
“As for the money saved from the cook and housekeeper’s absence, I’ll have York transfer to you,” Rhett spoke as if discussing work.
But in reality, he knew Kristin was too proud, and he was finding creative ways to support her without her having to accept a dime from the Bryce family.
He could afford to take care of Kristin and Summer. Why would he need the Bryce family to provide an education fund?
