Chapter 64
Harriet gawked at Rhett, scooting over to the side and quietly stood up to distance herself.
Women’s intuition was spot on to tell if a guy’s up to no good in a heartbeat. And Rhett, at least for now, didn’t seem to have a mean bone in his body.
Nearby, a few managers exchanged shocked glances. Just who the heck was Kristin?
Mr. Bryce personally delivered breakfast to her, and now Rhett swung by to sweet–talk her.
Everyone was on edge, racking their brains on how to handle Kristin with kid gloves from now
- on.
“Mr. FitzGerald… everyone’s watching.” York said, looking like a deer in the headlights. Here. was the big boss, the heir to the FitzGerald Group, bending over backward to placate a woman. in a place buzzing with prying eyes.
Seeing Rhett reach out, Kristin almost lifted her hand on impulse.
But halfway through, she pulled back, instinctively keeping her distance and slowly edged away. “Sorry…”
She apologized to the managers with her shoulders hunched and then to Rhett. “Sorry.”
“Come with me,” Rhett said, grabbing Kristin’s wrist, wanting to whisk her away.
The burn on the back of her hand was nearly healed, but there was a round burn mark near her lower eyelid that was hard to miss.
Everyone at the club could guess it was a cigarette burn.
Kristin’s face was too pristine, so the scar stood out like a sore thumb.
“What happened to your face?” Rhett asked.
Kristin squirmed, trying to break free from his grip. Being the center of attention scared her.
Seeing that Kristin stayed silent, Rhett didn’t pry further and took out some burn ointment from his car, handing it to her.
Kristin was stunned for a second, looking at the ointment and then back at Rhett.
He had burn ointment in his car, all because of her hand…
Shaking her head, Kristin derisively looked down, mocking herself for being so presumptuous.
As if.
“Aren’t you worried about scarring?” Rhett asked casually, not the best at small talk but trying to get her to lower her guard, but Kristin was wound up tight.
She shook her head and offered Rhett a smile that was a part of self–mockery.
Why would she be afraid of scars? She was already a mess, with nothing left inside but rot and
11:41
pus under the skin.
“Come back to Silvergrove City with me. I didn’t think this through,” Rhett admitted, a rare show of contrition. Kristin had taught him a lesson.
He’d always been on a pedestal, never putting himself in others‘ shoes.
Kristin shook her head again. She couldn’t go back. James had delivered breakfast once, and now she was in the eye of the storm. Going back was like walking into a trap.
Rhett was capable, but he couldn’t protect her forever. And she had nothing to offer in exchange for his help.
James, at least, was Summer’s biological father. No matter what, she was tied to him.
“Kristin, you’re not dumb,” Rhett said, giving her time to think.
She knew what James was after. During the trial five years ago, when she was imprisoned, James just watched from the sidelines.
Even Rhett knew someone like Kristin would keep her nose clean in prison, so why no chance of parole? Even Harriet got out six months early.
“The Chamber of Commerce dinner is in a week. I’ll be in Crescendo Town until the 3rd of next month. You’ve got time to decide,” Rhett said as he handed her his business card. “Think it
over.”
Kristin trembled her fingers holding the card.
It was an olive branch from Rhett, but she didn’t know how to grab it.
Rhett was a businessman and wouldn’t offer kindness for anything. Whether it’s James or Rhett, she had a dirty,deal to choose from.
“Mr. FitzGerald, here to poach my woman again?” James stepped out of a black sedan, his voice heavy with implication.
“It’s just competition,” Rhett replied coolly.
“If I’m not mistaken, Kristin was once your brother’s fiancée,” James said, pulling Kristin into his embrace and taunting her with a smile.
“As you
you said, it was the past,” Rhett retorted, his voice deep.
“Aren’t you worried about dirty rumors smearing your reputation in Silvergrove City over the years?” James was warning Rhett that Kristin was tied to too much baggage and didn’t mess with her.
Kristin hung her head, but she caught the underlying message.
She was the dirty one.
“It’s the rumors and people’s hearts that are filthy,” Rhett said meaningfully, then got into his
car.
Chapter 64
“Mr. FitzGerald, I Insist on hosting a dinner tonight as a courtesy,” James offered politely.
“Your offer is generous, but you might want to pay more heed to the women in your circle. Be careful not to let your love nest alight.” York chimed in, shooting Kristin a glance before hurrying to drive Rhett away.
They had to cut this short. With the way things
punches might start flying any minute now, were heating up between the two tycoons,
James darkened his face, his grip on Kristin’s shoulder tightening. “From now on, no meeting
him.”
Kristin lowered her head in pain, staying silent.
James plucked Rhett’s business card from Kristin, his voice cool. “Do you think I can’t protect you by myself?”
Kristin didn’t respond.
James tossed the card away, clearly displeased.
Bill standing to the side, quickly spoke up. “Mr. Bryce, Miss Linda is here causing trouble for Miss Kristin.”
James paused mid–step and glanced back at Kristin. “Why didn’t you give me a ring?”
Kristin kept silent.
James knew all too well that Kristin didn’t trust him and was constantly on her guard.
“Kristin, I’m the only one who can have your back, you get me?” James lifted her chin with his hand, his fingers gently caressing her cheek.
He wanted Kristin to be totally reliant on him, but it was clear that was going to take some more time and tactics.
Kristin looked down and murmured softly, “Always?”
How long was always? Wasn’t it just a deadline he’s set on his terms?
It could end anytime at any moment.
“If Mr. FitzGerald isn’t in the mood to play ball, then let’s head home.” James said, no longer interested in hobnobbing with the farts from the business. He escorted Kristin to the car.
“What do you fancy for dinner? I can have something delivered,” James asked softly.
Kristin huddled by the car door, pondering for a moment. “Let’s cook ourselves. There’s stuff in the fridge.”
James thought about the breakfast this morning, which had been pretty decent.
“When did you learn to cook?” James was curious.
Kristin of the past didn’t have this domestic vibe, more like a goddess too remote for this world.
11:41
Chap 64
“Before I went to the slammer, there was a year…” Kristin’s voice was hoarse.
That year was worse than death.
She’d rather be behind bars than dare to stay out in the open.
James watched Kristin and after a long pause, he asked, “Before the trial, I asked if you’d stick with me, and you said no. Regretting it now?”
In James‘ view, five years were wasted, edges worn down, and pride swallowed. After all that. wasn’t it the same outcome in the end?
