Chapter 122
At the FitzGerald Group.
Kristin sat at the table, listlessly picking at her fruit salad seemingly without an appetite.
“Eat up, you’re too skinny. If you’re gonna survive as Mr. FitzGerald’s assistant, you better be ready for a whirlwind,” York muttered under his breath, ribbing his boss.
Kristin just nodded and forced a few more bites of her cherries and strawberries.
It seemed she was only interested in the sweetest parts of her plate.
James, across the table, was eyeballing a plain grilled chicken breast, utterly devoid of any dressing.
He couldn’t be bothered to pick up his knife, instead reaching over with his fork to snag some fruit from Kristin’s plate. It was a move that was borderline flirtatious.
In truth, James was purposely goading Rhett.
Everyone knew Rhett had a thing about cleanliness, and James was just throwing down the gauntlet, which was a challenge Rhett would never take up.
“Mr. FitzGerald, I heard you’re a bit of a germophobe. In all these years, aside from Hertha, you haven’t touched a woman, have you?” James prodded as Rhett darkened his face.
“Focus on your food, okay? Carter’s upbringing seems a tad lax,” Rhett frowned.
Kristin tightened her grip on her fork. Rhett hadn’t denied his involvement with Hertha. It appeared to be true.
“Hertha is quite the catch, compliant and low–key,” James said coolly, his words still laced with provocation.
“What a pity then! You’re set to marry her sister. If you’re regretful, you could always bring it up with the Haywood family,” Rhett said, setting down his glass and wiping his hands. “Enjoy your meal.”
With that, he stood and left.
“I… I’m done too. I should get back to work,” Kristin said, dropping her fork and standing abruptly.
James frowned. “It’s not even time to clock in yet, is it?”
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“I need to work overtime.” Kristin was eager to leave.
“Kristin, how long are you going to keep this up with me?” James grabbed her wrist.
“It’s not like that.” Kristin stammered, trying to pull away.
York choked on his food and quickly excused himself, sensing the tension.
“The Haywood family paid a visit to the FitzGerald family today to see Holcomb. Rhett is bound to marry Hertha sooner or later. If you stay with the FitzGerald Corp, the Haywood family won’t let you off easy.” James said, genuinely worried for her.
“It has nothing to do with you.” Kristin snapped, shaking off James‘ hand. She was irritable, though she thought she had long since lost her temper. But it was more about not daring to show it without any support behind her.
James looked annoyed and had perhaps been too indulgent with Kristin lately, which made her lose touch with reality.
This was just how Kristin was and he had known it six years ago.
If she had been more pragmatic, she wouldn’t have chosen prison over him five years
back.
Rubbing his temples in frustration, James sighed.
What could he do? He just liked Kristin the way she was. Even if she had lost all her edges, she wouldn’t be herself.
James wasn’t in a hurry. He had time to wait for her to come around.
Nowhere else would be safe for her but by his side.
“Mr. Bryce, you’ve been frequenting the FitzGerald Corp quite a lot lately.” Vincent remarked as he walked into the dining room, clearly looking for Kristin,
“Got a problem with that?” James leaned back, his voice deep. Even if Vincent had objections, he would have to swallow them.
“Carter won’t approve of you and Kristin together. Adrienne will be out soon, and do you think the Haywood family would accept your relationship with Kristin?” Vincent clenched his fists, but he needed James‘ cooperation right now.
“In the face of absolute interests, the Haywood family has no right to object,” James said, rising and approaching Vincent. “That is the difference between you and Rhett. You’ve never reached his level.”
James was playing a double game, fueling the rivalry between Vincent and Rhett.
Chapter 122
But he was right. In the face of absolute interests, the Haywood family had no say.
If the Haywood family didn’t approve of James and Kristin, it would mean breaking off the engagement. A move James would welcome.
Unfortunately, the Haywood family wouldn’t call off a business marriage just because James had a mistress on the side.
These sorts of arrangements were understood by all involved.
At the Turner family.
Mamie was seething. “What kind of game is Kristin playing to hook Rhett and have him so protective over her?”
“Rhett won’t be interested in Kristin for long. She got her job through despicable means. How long can he keep her?” Ruby stood at the doorway, her voice breaking. “Clarence, I did faint that day, which wasn’t Kristin’s fault. But since she’s been out, her attitude towards us is clearly vindictive.”
Clarence was silent.
He knew too well that Kristin was out for revenge against the Turner family and
Vincent.
Otherwise, why would she stay by Rhett’s side and keep James on a leash?
Was she so fallen now that she had to sell herself for their help?
“Does she think Rhett would actually marry her?” Mamie scoffed. “Forget about the FitzGerald family, who in Silvergrove City would even dare to propose to her now?”
“Rhett won’t marry her,” Hertha breezed into the room, her laughter sweet as apple pie. “I’m the one he’s got his eye on for that.”
Ruby glanced at Hertha.
She’d heard the buzz alright that the Haywood family had been cozying up to Holcomb, aiming to tie the knot between their houses.
Sure, Holcomb had Rhett pegged for Ms. Haywood.
The Haywood family’s game was crystal clear. Married off the older mistress to Rhett and the younger one to James. They planned to get their hooks into two of the big fishes in business.
“What brings Ms. Haywood here today.?” Ruby inquired with a hint of curiosity.
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“I swung by the FitzGerald Group earlier to catch Phett, but bumped into Vincent instead. He seemed to have just jetted back into town. Since we’ll be family soon, rd drop by to see you,” Hertha was all pleasantries in her tone with the undercurrent
Hertha and Ruby were like oil and water, really.
The Turner family turned their noses up at the Haywood family’s hungry look while the Haywood family scoffed at the Turner family for rescuing a sickly and ignorant girl, making them the laughing stock of Silvergrove City.
“Vincent?” Ruby’s heart skipped a beat as she made a bertine for Hertha. “You saw Vincent at the FitzGerald Group?”
“Yeah.” Hertha replied, the picture of innocence. “You wouldn’t believe it, but Kristin caused quite the stir at the office today. Phett is allergic to peanuts, and she gave him peanut brittle of all things and sent him straight to the hospital Just outrageous.”
Ruby hitched her breath, her grip tightening on Hertha’s arm. “Kristin sent Rhett to the hospital? How did the PR department and the evens handle ty
With Kristin’s blunder and Vincent’s sudden reappearance at the FitzGerald Group, Ruby didn’t need a roadmap to see the connection.
The project of Harborside Haven was Vincent’s baby and he was supposed to meet Eddie today. Was he really ditching everything for Kristin?
“They’re letting her off with just a written apology, if you can believe that Hertha said nonchalantly.”
Ruby’s eyes blazed with fury as she stormed out.
“Ruby!” Clarence stood up and chased after her. “Where are you off to?”
Ruby paused to dial Vincent’s number.
He didn’t pick up at first.
On the second try, he answered.
“Vinny, where are you?” Ruby was strained.
“I’m at the hotel Vincent lied. “Tied up with some things. You need something?”
“No, no…” Ruby trembled her voice.
Vincent was lying to her because of Kristin.
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After Ruby hung up, Hertha stood at the doorway, feigning confusion. “Did I get it wrong?”
“Ruby!”
Headstrong as ever, Ruby jumped in her car and floored it towards the FitzGerald Group. She was always so reckless.
“What’s going on?” Hertha’s concern was painted on her face. “What’s gotten into Ruby?”
Clarence was too frantic chasing after Ruby to answer.
Hertha watched the siblings drive off, her lips curling into a smug smile.
Ruby only had a mean streak and no brains to boot, which was the truth.
Now, the FitzGerald Group was in for a show.
