Chapter 25
“Are you strapped for cash?” Tam casually asked after dropping Kristin off.
Kristin didn’t reply but looked down and got out of the car.
“Take these. I’m not carrying much cash. I’ll hook you up with some more tomorrow,” Tam said, shoving a few bills from his car into Kristin’s hand. “Don’t trash yourself for money. Sure, you’re used to living in the lap of luxury, but you’re not a legit heiress. Even if you’re faking it, you have to hustle. Selling your body for cash would get you looked down on.”
Having had a thing for Kristin long ago, Tam furrowed his brow and gave her advice.
Besides, Kristin had protected him just now.
Kristin glanced at the money Tam offered, didn’t take it, and just walked away.
That was an insult to her.
“You think that’s too little?” Tam exploded. “Whatever those guys like Lance are paying you, I’ll double it, and you can spend the night with me!”
After his outburst, Tam didn’t notice his ears had turned red.
Damn it! Cursing inwardly, Tam felt he’d been too bold.
Kristin bit her lip, glared at Tam, said nothing, and ran into the alley.
“Damn it!” Tam cursed again, feeling he’d lost his mind. Everyone knew Kristin was trouble, willing to go with any man, and possibly carrying diseases.
Summer had already fallen asleep in Garner’s mechanic shed.
Maybe because he’d always been around Garner, Summer felt particularly secure in Garner’s shabby little hut, sprawling out as he slept.
“You’ll sleep in the bed with Summer, and I’ll crash on the couch,” Gafner said. He was poor and couldn’t afford a place in Silvergrove City, so he tidied up the shed he used.for work just enough to be livable, albeit a bit cold in winter.
“Garner…” Kristin called softly. “Tomorrow, I want to find a job.”
“Sure, I’ll see what I can do. You do need a job,” Garner smiled, turning on an electric heater for Kristin. “This will keep you warm.”
“Garner, no need. Let’s save on the electric bill,” Kristin smiled at Garner. Her eyes were clear, glistening with tears.
Garner couldn’t stand to see his sister suffer, so he turned and headed for the couch.
Kristin shouldn’t have been part of the Turner family but had lived the life of a pampered
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heiress for twenty years. She had to endure hard times, and he thought she couldn’t handle it. But she was proving to be sensible in a heart–wrenching way.
That night, Garner didn’t sleep a wink, thinking about how to make a better life for Summer and
Kristin.
With their mother in jail and their father long passed away, he had little savings, having spent it all on raising Summer.
He’d roughed it out himself but wouldn’t let Summer suffer.
But fixing cars wasn’t a long–term solution and didn’t make big money. Garner had to think about earning more at least to give Kristin and Summer a home in Silvergrove City.
“Hey Garner, what about that thing I mentioned to you? I want you to come and work with me.”
Early in the morning, Garner’s old army buddy called him.
Garner had served a few years as a special forces soldier before being discharged due to an injury.
His buddy had set up a security company and wanted him to join.
The company serviced the elite families in Silvergrove City and offered a handsome salary.
Garner had previously turned it down to look after Summer, but Kristin was out, and he needed to make money.
“Garner, here’s the thing. The darling daughter of the Lawrence family married a tycoon from Mistwood City a few years back. The guy kicked the bucket from a heart attack, and now she’s back in Silvergrove City with nearly ten billion in inheritance, needing a reliable bodyguard. Think it over. The offer is generous. You know the Lawrence family is second only to the FitzGerald family. Before Rhett took over the FitzGerald family, the Lawrence family was neck and neck with them. It’s just that the Lawrence‘ family’s current generation only has Ms. Lawrence.”
Garner frowned, hesitating for a moment. He wasn’t too fond of rich kids, especially spoiled heiresses, but he needed the cash. “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.”
On the other end of the line, his buddy was stunned. “Garner, you agreed? Are you in trouble, or did you finally come to your senses?”
Garner remained silent, then spoke after a long pause. “My sister’s out of jail. I have to provide for the family.”
“Okay, come in for orientation tomorrow.”
After hanging up, Garner went to make breakfast for Kristin and Summer.
Kristin seemed sick, running a fever through the night and still out of it at half–past eight, showing no signs of waking up.
“Uncle Garner, I think Mommy’s sick,” Feeling Kristin’s forehead, Summer quickly got out of bed
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and rummaged for some aspirin for her mother.
Garner rushed into the room and also felt Kristin’s forehead.
Her fever was skyrocketing, a bad sign. So, they needed to hightail it to the hospital.
“Summer, be good and stay home, okay? I will take your mommy to the hospital.”
Summer nodded sweetly.
Anxious, Garner picked up the lightweight Kristin and hurried out.
“Where’s Kristin?” A black sedan pulled up at the door, and Vincent’s voice sounded impatient.
Garner glared at Vincent with anger and disgust. “What do you want now?”
Vincent caught a glimpse of Kristin, pale in Garner’s arms, and felt a tightness in his chest.
“She owes Ruby and needs to pay it back,” Vincent gestured for Garner to hand Kristin over obediently.
“Kris is sick. I’m taking her to the hospital first. As for what we owe Ruby, we’ll pay it back,” Garner was in a hurry and didn’t want to waste time arguing with Vincent.
But Vincent wasn’t about to cut Kristin any slack. “Sick? Yeah, right, she’s faking it big time. Even if she kicked the bucket today, she’d still have to roll with me.”
He didn’t trust Kristin one bit. No matter what she did, he believed Kristin was putting on an act.
