Chapter 123

Chapter 123

In the CEO’s office.

Kristin glanced at her tiny desk tucked into the corner, feeling incredibly cramped. “Mr. FitzGerald, maybe I should go work outside. It’s quite nice there.”

After all, a CEO needed his privacy, and her working inside his office just didn’t seem

right.

“What exactly does being a personal assistant entail?” Rhett asked casually, setting down the contract he had been reviewing.

Kristin dropped her gaze to the floor and fell silent, not wanting to provoke his anger.

“Coffee.” Rhett gestured toward his empty cup.

Quickly, Kristin moved to fetch the cup and started preparing a fresh coffee for Rhett.

*Carter won’t give up on Summer’s custody that easily. He’s waiting for you to slip up,” Rhett mentioned nonchalantly, as if reminding her were an afterthought.

At the door, Kristin paused but didn’t respond.

“If you need, York can assist with Summer’s registration,” Rhett muttered, still not looking up.

He’d never admitted that he had a soft spot for Summer. Before meeting Summer, Rhett had considered himself not fond of children.

After encountering Summer, he realized it wasn’t a general disdain for kids. He specifically disliked Eve’s son, Milo.

“Thank you, Mr. FitzGerald, but it’s not necessary,” Kristin refused, shaking her head.

Even if Rhett was willing to help her, she couldn’t accept. If Summer’s registration ended up in Rhett’s name, their illicit relationship would be exposed to the Bryce family.

Besides, her relationship with Rhett was purely transactional. Just as James had said, it was likely that Rhett would eventually marry Hertha.

It was only a matter of three years, perhaps even less before Rhett grew tired of her.

Why bother with the hassle?

Moreover, if Summer were to be legally under Rhett’s care, Summer could claim a portion of his wealth, something the FitzGerald family would never allow.

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Kristin wasn’t stupid and didn’t want to stir trouble for herself or Summer.

Rhett stayed silent, aware of Kristin’s concerns. Their marriage, after all, was a business arrangement, bound to dissolve at any moment.

Stepping out of the office, Kristin went to prepare Rhett’s coffee. Then she saw Holcomb arriving and stepped aside.

Holcomb gave Kristin a quick glance before entering Rhett’s office.

“The Haywood family approached me today,” Holcomb stated bluntly.

“If this isn’t about work, we can talk at home,” Rhett dismissed the topic.

“Vincent is out of the picture. In a few months, Kristin won’t pose a threat to the FitzGerald family anymore. It’s time to let her go,” Holcomb frowned, urging Rhett to cut ties with Kristin, considering her a ticking time bomb. “Your situation with Herthal doesn’t need elaboration. As adults, this is about responsibility. If the Haywood family makes a case out of that incident, will you face a rape charge or marry her?”

Rhett slammed his pen down with frustration. “Since we’re all adults, we both bear responsibility. The hotel room was in my name. Why was Hertha there? Was being drunk an excuse? How did she even get into my room? Do they think I’m a fool?”

If Hertha was as innocent as she seemed, how did she end up in his room?

“So, it’s you who’s at a disadvantage?” Holcomb went pale with anger.

Rhett furrowed his brows. “If the Haywood family insists on pursuing this, it will be me holding them accountable. Marrying her is out of the question.”

“This isn’t up for debate. It’s about our family’s reputation. You might afford to lose. face, but our family cannot! Don’t think you can do whatever you please just because you’ve grown up. This company isn’t solely under your control yet!” Holcomb was irate at Rhett’s defiance.

“Marry her yourself, then,” Rhett retorted, ignoring Holcomb’s outburst.

“You!” Holcomb struggled to breathe, infuriated. “The union between our family and the Haywood family is already set, and the media knows. Make sure Kristin keeps her mouth shut. If she leaks a word, I’ll make her disappear from Silvergrove City,” he

threatened in a low voice.

Rhett looked up sharply. “Are you threatening me?”

“I’m talking about Kristin! As a woman of loose morals with a child out of wedlock, she’s a bomb waiting to go off. I’m looking out for you,” Holcomb banged the table,

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visibly upset.

“Does Nicola have morals? She seduced a married man and had two illegitimate. children. Despite objections, didn’t you marry her? I should learn from you,” Rhett leaned back in his chair and continued, “Kristin is my wife. Insulting her is an insult

Having a child with a worthless man is a fact, and that reflects poorly on James, not Kristin.”

to me. Have you witnessed her so–called loose morale

“You pride yourself on being a highbrow intellectual. Be careful not to lower your standards,” Rhett warned Holcomb, reminding him to think before he spoke.

“Rhett!” Holcomb trembled his hands with fury. “Do you think you’re untouchable with those shares in your grasp? You’re fooling yourself. Legally speaking, half of Lucius‘ shares belong to Vincent. As for your mother’s shares, by rights of inheritance, they’re mine first and foremost. Whether you get a single share or not depends entirely on my mood.”

Holcomb was using the shares to strong–arm Rhett.

“Suit yourself,” Rhett replied, curious to see just how far Holcomb would go.

Would Holcomb dare to give Vincent a piece of his mother’s legacy?

The thought was almost laughable….

“Rhett, you’ve always been a source of pride for me. Don’t let me down. If you play ball and get engaged to Hertha and then, once we’ve dealt with Kristin, you can get married to Hertha, and I’ll drop this whole share business. But if you choose to disobey, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” With a huff, Holcomb turned on his heel

and left.

He had come with the sole purpose of giving Rhett a wake–up call.

Leaning back in his chair, Rhett turned dark.

Holcomb did indeed have the leverage to threaten him. From the standpoint of inheritance, Rhett was not in a favorable position.

His mother’s sudden death had left her will concealed by Holcomb’s malice, never notarized nor claimed in time. The same problem plagued Lucius‘ shares.

So even though Rhett currently held both his grandfather’s and mother’s shares, Holcomb could still contest them if he wished.

Outside, Kristin clutched her now–cold cup of coffee, her heart tightening.

Rhett’s predicament at the FitzGerald Group was more challenging than she had

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imagined.

“The coffee’s gone cold.” Rhett stood in the doorway, smiling at Kristin who was hiding outside.

Tears welled up in Kristin’s eyes as she stepped inside. “Mr. FitzGerald… maybe we should just get a divorce.”

“Do you think I can’t protect you?” Rhett asked.

“No, it’s not that…” Kristin shook her head. She didn’t want to burden Rhett.

For some reason, Holcomb’s threats against Rhett ached her heart.

“Just trust me.” Rhett didn’t elaborate, asking Kristin to have faith in him.

Kristin looked up at him, nodded, and inexplicably felt at peace.

“Kristin! Get out here! Kristin! You lowlife, Kristin, come out!”

The commotion outside grew louder with Ruby’s hysterical shouting.

Kristin froze, unsure of what was happening, tempted to go see.

Rhett lifted his hand and caught Kristin’s collar. “Don’t get involved in the drama. Go write your reflective essay.”