Chapter 185

Chapter 185

Carter made several calls to bring James back from Silvergrove City

“Is this paternity report about Summer something you personally orchestrated? Carter’s voice held an edge of sternness

James furrowed his brow–his grandfather was in the know? “Yes”

“Surely Kristin doesn’t have the skills to tamper with a DNA test? Carter’s trust wasnt placed in Kristin, but In his grandson,

As for the report provided by the Haywood clan, it was as good as nonexistent to him.

“She doesn’t have the means, James assured, nodding. He was ready to shoulder all the responsibility. fearing the day his grandfather learned that Summer was not a true Bryce, and what he might then do to Kristin.

“Give me a straight answer, boy. Is the child really yours? Carter eyed James

Taking a deep breath, James confessed, “Grandfather, I want Kristin

Carter’s brows tightened. “Kristin’s a sharp girl, and if her background were clean, I’d take a liking to Summer

as well.”

The kindergarten sent daily videos of Summer to Carter, and his sweet calls of “grandpa” had endeared him to Carter. Considering the existence of the paternity report, he was willing to turn a blind eye to any uncertainties about her heritage.

“But never forget out family name, and who Kristin is,” Carter reminded James. He shouldn’t jeopardize the family’s social standing or reputation for one woman.

James remained silent, struggling to find the words.

“Rhett’s dealings with the Haywood family tamished the Bryce family’s name. To let a woman lead you to a point of no return is pure folly Carter said gravely, using Rhett’s example as a warning. Rhett was not his blood, and out of his reach, but James was different.

James was raised under Carter’s watchful eye, and if he disobeyed, Carter would certainly intervene.

“Kristin may be a fine dalliance, but if she comes to affect the Bryce family and our business interests, I will have to take action,” he warned again.

“I’ll fight for Summer’s custody,” James declared, indicating his stance to his grandfather,

He knew this was the real reason Carter had summoned him home: to verify Summer’s identity and then take him under his wing to be raised as a true Bryce.

That was Carter’s ultimate goal.

As for his relationship with Kristin… As long as he had Summer, James wouldn’t make any drastic moves for Kristin’s sake, and Carter could overlook much.

As for a title or official status, James figured… his grandfather wouldn’t be around to meddle for many more years. If Kristin was willing to wait, he could provide her the status she desired after Carter’s passing.

In James‘ opinion, he could offer Kristin far more than any other man could.

“Good,” Carter nodded, smiling as he played a video of Summer solving math problems on his phone. “Just look at him–clearly Bryce genes at work, smart and charming.”

Jemes took deep breath, seeing the genuine affection his grandfather had for Summer

a

He now feared… once the truth came out, Carter might not be able to accept it.

“Grandfather, I’ll bring Summer home soon,” James said glancing at the clock. “You take care

“If your engagement to the Haywood girl is called off, I’ll have to start looking for a new bride for you, Carter reminded James.

“There’s no rush… James began, his brow furrowing.

“Im In a rush. How long do you think I have left?” Carter sighed, longing for the day James would settle down.

James felt a lump in his throat and bowed his head, offering no argument.

Over at Crescendo Town, within the walls of The FitzGerald Group, Kristin had barely stepped into the office when she overheard the buzz of office gossip.

Neal had threatened to resign, hoping to scare Mr. FitzGerald. But when the boss agreed without batting an eye, Neal was caught off guard.

“Did you get the scoop? Neal’s calling a rush meeting in the project department. Things might get pretty wild today. I bet he’s going to rally the troops and lead a protest against the boss.”

Standing by the elevator, Kristin absorbed the company’s chatter.

Neal was making his last stand.

“Kristin.” Behind her was the voice of Vincent.

Kristin tensed up, pretending not to hear as she kept her back to him,

Vincent frowned, following her into the elevator. His cold voice warned the others, “Take the next one.”

The employees exchanged glances and stepped out, knowing better than to intrude.

Kristin tried to exit too, avoiding being alone with Vincent. But he caught her ID badge, pulling her in front of him. “Why are you taking off?”

She stood rigid, silent.

“Kristin… I don’t believe you’ve lost all feeling for me,” Vincent’s voice was deep and troubled,

Kristin remained mute. Her fear had grown; she had become practically mute.

“Kristin, what about all our years together…” Vincent’s voice broke as he pulled her into an embrace.

Kristin’s eyes reddened as she struggled to push him away. “Let… go of me…“.

Vincent clung to her, his voice choked with emotion. “Kris… I regret

t everything.”

Tears filled Kristin’s eyes as she fought to free herself from his grasp.

If regret could undo a crime, then the executioner’s axe would gather dust.

Five years ago, in the courtroom, Vincent was consumed by regret. He couldn’t fathom why Kristen had confessed. “Did you do it to spite me?” he’d always wanted to ask.

He had just been mad at her, trying to rile her up, but never did he expect her to take the fall.

She served five years, a deliberate jab at his conscience…

“Vincent… I don’t love you anymore,” Kristen’s voice was hoarse when she finally spoke.

From the tender age of fourteen, when puppy love had bloomed, to the ripe age of twenty–one when he t sealed her fate behind bars.

Seven years of love had withered away during those five years in prison.

All these years, Vincent had his contacts in the prison torment her, but she had grown numb.

Incapable of love.

Vincent’s arms stiffened, slowly releasing their hold on Kristen.

His eyes shifted from disbelief to rage. “What gives you the right to stop loving me?”

Kristen couldn’t comprehend Vincent’s fury, nor did she care to waste more words on him.

She even felt revolted that she had once loved him.

“Speak up!” Vincent couldn’t stand Kristen’s silence, like punching into a pillow, driving him mad.

“Does Ruby know?” Kristen finally asked, her question pointed.

His questioning her love, did Ruby know about it?

“Even if I still loved you, would you break your engagement with Ruby for me?” Kristen’s words dripped with

sarcasm.

If not, what was the point of his questions? Wasn’t it just cruel?

Vincent paused, looking at her. “You still care, don’t you? You care about me, about what I have with Ruby…. Kristen, you owe Ruby, and I can’t abandon her for you.”

Kristen took a deep breath, almost speechless.

The elevator dinged open.

Rhett was standing there, his expression dark as thunder, having arrived at who knows when. Vincent had been too caught up to press a floor button, and they had remained inside the elevator.

As Rhett stepped.in, the doors sliding shut, he pulled Kristen into his arms. “Vincent, I’ve warned you before; she’s my woman.”