Chapter 93
“Kristin, this is your last warning. Drop the lawsuit and apologize to the Haywood and the FitzGerald families, prontol Otherwise, we won’t let you off the hook,” Mamie said, pointing a threatening finger at Kristin.
Kristin shook her head, retorting. “I owe you guys for twenty years of raising me, not them.”
“Kristin! You’ve grown a backbone now, huh?” Mamie raised her hand to hit Kristin.
“Mrs. Turner, are you aiming for a cellmate experience?” Rhett’s voice was ice–cold from the
doorway.
Clarence was stunned and frowned at Rhett. He wasn’t cozying up to Kristin to take a swing at Vincent. In Clarence’s eyes, Rhett was no saint either.
Giving Kristin a meaningful look, Clarence seemed he wanted to say something, but in the end. he kept mum. “Mom, Dad, let’s bounce.”
Mamie was so mad that she could hardly breathe and turned to Rhett. “What’s your deal, Rhett? Vincent is your brother, and Ruby will be your sister–in–law. You’re all family.”
Rhett cracked a smile, asking. “And how does that relate to assault being illegal?”
Seeing Mamie gearing up to say more, Johnnie tugged at her. “Let’s hit the road. Let the FitzGerald family sort their mess. As long as Ruby’s unharmed, we’re out of here.”
It was clear that it was a FitzGerald family squabble. Was Rhett helping Vincent? Even a fool could tell that was a long shot.
Mamie wasn’t born yesterday. Mad as she was, they all knew Rhett’s capabilities. He’d say ‘cut ties‘ with the Turner family, and that would be that. When Rhett got tough, he didn’t play favorites.
Alone with Rhett in the hospital room, she murmured a soft “thank you,” head bowed.
“Don’t mention it,” Rhett said, standing by the bed.
She had some tricks up her sleeve, getting the news of Nicola’s affair to resurface, a PR nightmare for FitzGerald Group that wouldn’t stay down.
With a deep look at Kristin, Rhett cupped her chin. “Who’s backing you?”
There had to be someone else behind Kristin, apart from him. The FitzGerald Group’s PR couldn’t kill the trending search. Was it James?
Kristin panicked, her gaze darting away. “I have no clue what you’re talking about, Mr. FitzGerald.
“Kristin, I said I’d help you and keep Garner and Summer safe. It’s just a verbal promise. You think that’s good enough?” Rhett felt he had underestimated her. “Did you deliberately get me to leak Vincent’s assault video, then have your people hype up Nicola’s scandal, all to tie your
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Chapter 93
fate to mine?”
Kristin
Utched the corner of her clothes, unconcerned with being misunderstood. She really couldn’t trust anyone’s mere words.
And she did want to tie her interests with Rhett’s. But in his eyes, she was no more significant than a tiny ant, easily crushed underfoot whenever he wished.
“Mr. FitzGerald, don’t worry. I’m not greedy.” Her gaze wavered as she looked up at Rhett.
She wasn’t greedy. All she wanted was safety for Summer and Garner. She’d leave without a second thought if Rhett no longer needed her.
That was exactly why Rhett had singled her out. She was an easy target.
Rhett’s brow furrowed and then relaxed. “Let’s get you discharged.”
Kristin hurriedly got up, frantically packing. “Mr. FitzGerald, you didn’t have to come yourself.”
A taxi ride home would have been just fine.
Rhett said nothing, just waiting for her to finish packing.
Kristin had little to take, so after tidying up the bed, she followed Rhett out of the hospital.
“Mr. FitzGerald, the discharge process is complete, and James‘ assistant came to pick up Kristin, too. I’ve handled him,” York whispered into Rhett’s ear, opening the car door for him.
Rhett gestured for Kristin to get in the car first without a word.
After some hesitation, Kristin climbed into the car, squeezing herself nervously against the door as if she could almost pop through it.
Leaning back in his seat, Rhett almost chuckled at her wariness. “Want me to open the door for you?”
Kristin’s cheeks and ears blushed with embarrassment.
Distracted the whole ride, she didn’t even notice they weren’t on the way to her home.
When they stopped before the city hall, Rhett spoke up. “Get out.“.
Kristin froze, then scrambled out, looking around in shock. “Mr. FitzGerald?”
“You wanted me to marry you, right?” Rhett headed toward the city hall.
Shocked, Kristin’s fingers and legs went numb. “Mr. FitzGerald, that’s not what I meant. I didn’t…”
Rhett stopped and looked back at her. “You can say no.
“There’s no need to go this far, really…” Kristin stammered.
“Or, do you have a better plan and someone else to protect you?” Rhett cut her off.
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Chapter 93
Kristin was at a loss, lowering her head. Rhett’s move had caught her off guard. He was Rhett, after all. How could he have decided to get married on the spot? Even James wasn’t willing to get Involved with her like this.
Knowing it was a temporary alllance, Kristin spoke softly. “You could find someone better. My reputation…”
“Getting married means I can get my hands on what I want faster,” Rhett said without the intention to disguise his motives. “It’s a win–win.”
Kristin trailed behind Rhett, her head down.
Indeed, marrying him was her safety net at the moment. Besides, Rhett had no plans to let the cat out of the bag about their marriage.
The secret marriage was just up Rhett’s alley.
“Why… me?” Kristin asked quietly.
“You said you’re not greedy.” Rhett pointed out, signaling York to take Kristin to handle the paperwork.
“Miss Kristin, please follow me this way.” York called out. “You must understand that Mr. FitzGerald’s decision to tie the knot with you is merely a partnership.”
Kristin’s head remained bowed, and har
hands clenched tightly.
“Miss Kristin, Mr. FitzGerald trusts you and hasn’t made a prenup, but for safety and to cut down on future hassles, I think you need to sign this agreement,” York said, producing the premarital contract.
“Miss Kristin, this marriage will last no longer than three years. During this time, Mr. FitzGerald can call it quits at any moment, and you are free to seek a divorce whenever you wish. Three years from now, for any reason, you should promptly proceed with the divorce,” York explained. pointing to the terms of the agreement.
“As compensation, all expenses for Summer’s upbringing, education, college, graduate studies. or further education abroad until he embarks on her own career will be covered by Mr. FitzGerald,” York continued.
“Furthermore, as long as you stick to the terms of the agreement, whether you end the marriage early or after three years, Mr. FitzGerald will toss in an extra property in Silvergrove City, ten million in cash, and a monthly allowance after the marriage ends.”
York spoke indifferently, thinking Kristin should count her lucky stars and that Mr. FitzGerald was a soft touch when it came to money!
“No… no need. I don’t want the money or any of that.” Kristin looked at York nervously. She wasn’t in it for the dough. She just wanted to protect herself and those she cared for.
Her calculating Rhett was a last resort.
“You’d better play ball and sign. It’s good for you, me, and Mr. FitzGerald. You taking these makes things pasier for everyone.” York said meaningfully.
He didn’t buy that anyone would turn their nose up at wealth. Taking the goodies would save everyone a headache.
Kristin’s fingers stiffened for a moment, but she didn’t continue to argue,
She picked up the pen and signed on the dotted line.
She wouldn’t need three years. She’d be out of there before then.
