Chapter 51
Kristin didn’t know what was the point of clinging to her so–called pride anymore.
In Silvergrove City, her reputation was trashed, down to the bone. Everyone was gabbing about how she got dirty enough to have a strange man’s baby. However, only she was aware that it was a singular night of passion with a man.
Once your name was dragged through the mud, you could never be clean again.
As long as Kristin could make money, enough to cover Summer’s medical bills, she’d do anything.
Harriet was a bit taken aback, not expecting Kristin to agree.
During those five years in the slammer, no matter how much her cellmates bullied and humiliated her, she never budged but stood tall. Kristin never begged for mercy, and bit back the pain without making a peep.
Who knew she’d have a change of heart just days after getting out?
“Try working with me for a month first and do some other stuff. I’m worried your weakness… might not handle this work,” Harriet sighed, paid the driver, and got out to help Kristin with her things.
Kristin didn’t have much to carry, just a few clothes, the same ones Garner had sent to the prison.
“Thanks, Harriet.” Kristin hurried to show her gratitude.
–“What for? Once you’re in Crescendo Town, if I’ve got a roof, you’ve got a place to shelter from
the storm.”
The snow was coming down hard, piling up on Harriet’s long hair.
Kristin reached up to touch her hair, which, once long enough to drape over her shoulders, had been chopped off when she was locked up. Not having cut it for half a year, it was barely shoulder–length now.
“Harriet, do you ever come across James from Aurora Tech?” Kristin asked quietly.
As they climbed the stairs to the rental, Harriet cursed at the trash littering the hallway. “These classless jerks, throwing all their nasty junk here, it reeks!”
Glancing back at Kristin, Harriet chuckled. “Who? Our Crescendo Town’s big shot?”
Kristin stayed silent.
“Chance would be a fine thing, on TV, on my phone, in the news, that’s where,” Harriet thought Kristin was just messing around.
A look of disappointment filled Kristin’s eyes. How on earth could she meet James?
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“Our club is the biggest and fanciest in Silvergrove City. I heard Aurora Tech’s got a stake in it. and some top brass from there do fancy a visit. But I have never seen James myself, only in biz
mags.
You wanna meet him… It’s not totally out of the question, but you gotta count on lady
luck.”
Harriet knew a bit about Kristin’s backstory. If It was any other gal, Harriet might have laughed at their pipe dreams, but Kristin was once Ms. Turner, who rubbed elbows with the high and
mighty.
Kristin lit up her eyes for a moment, then she flashed a smile at Harriet. “Thank you, Harriet.”
“We’re all in the same mud pit here, why all the fuss?” Harriet lifted her chin towards the hallway garbage. “See that? That’s where we belong.”
Kristin stared blankly at the filthy and stinking trash without a word.
At the FitzGerald Group in Silvergrove City.
*Mr. FitzGerald, here’s the financial summary for last quarter.” the secretary reported.
“Vincent’s project cost 1.2 billion, what’s the return on investment?” Rhett frowned, clearly displeased.
“Mr. FitzGerald said… we shouldn’t fixate on return on investment just yet.”
The secretary was a bit scared.
Rhett scoffed. “Is he running a charity?”
To Rhett, Vincent was just foolish and clueless.
“So… should we dig into where that money’s gone?” the secretary asked timidly.
After all, Vincent and Rhett were brothers. A thorough investigation might strain their relationship.
“Check it out, but don’t spook the horses,” Rhett huffed. He didn’t trust anyone in the FitzGerald family, including his father Holcomb.
“By the way, Mr. FitzGerald, Mr. Bryce from Aurora Tech said next–month’s Silvergrove Chamber of Commerce dinner will be in Crescendo Town with himself as the host. He’s inviting you to Crescendo Town.” The secretary checked Rhett’s schedule. “Last year’s dinner was here in Silvergrove City, and you were the host. It’s Mr. Bryce’s turn to return the favor.”
“Just a show of strength,” Rhett said nonchalantly. “Make the arrangements.”
The Bryce family and the FitzGerald family had been cooperating and competing behind the scenes for years.
James was smart, but Rhett always felt he was up to no good. Rhett preferred James‘ younger brother, Yates.
The secretary nodded and left the office.
Chapter 51
“We haven’t been able to locate Kristin yet, but the Turner family has shown up here multiple times. In fact, Clarence even went to meet your father,” Slipping into the office, York reported with a slight air of unease.
Clearly, Holcomb had been giving York grief.
Rhett leaned back in his chair, his eyes coldly on York. “I won’t see him.”
“Mr. FitzGerald, cut the stubborn act, will you? You haven’t even got your hands on the shares your grandfather promised you yet. Without tying the knot, you’re just keeping the seat warm. You need to get hitched to call the shots.” York was freaking out. “Vincent and his mom are eyeing those shares like hawks. Rubbing your father is the wrong way right now.”
And all this fuss was over a kid who’s not even part of the picture.
Sure, it’s a bummer that Summer got roughed up, but let’s not lose our heads here. Rhett is a member of the FitzGerald family through and through and he should weigh what mattered
more.
“Until Kristin’s back, I’m not laying eyes on anyone from the Turner family, Vincent included.” Rhett’s voice dropped an octave, and a warning glare shot at York. “One more word, and you can hit the road too.”
