Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Rhett carried a hint of wistfulness as he brought Kristin to this seaside retreat, chosen. specifically for its peaceful beaches and breathtaking vistas. It was the perfect getaway for Kristin, who always preferred the solitude of nature and the soothing embrace of the

ocean.

He had hoped this trip would help her unwind, but instead, she was immersed in work.

“Mr. FitzGerald, take a look at this venture we’ve just secured in the renewable energy sector,” Kristin said, her eyes sparkling with excitement and her words flowing without a hint of stutter. “ByteSpark Technologies has just put a hundred million into this small company. They’re approaching the B round of trials. If you step in, do you think you could clinch a partnership?”

Rhett floated in the pool, watching her with a mixture of admiration and frustration. He found her dedication beautiful, but right now, he yearned for her to join him for a leisurely swim.

“Mr. FitzGerald, can you do it?” she pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.

He sighed,. “ByteSpark Technologies likes to lead the pack. They’re not fond of sharing the limelight, especially with the FitzGerald Group,” he explained, shaking his head.

Kristin deflated like a balloon, her hopes dashed. Without ByteSpark, they’d have to play the field between the Haywood and Lewis clans. But aligning with either family meant leveraging Rhett’s marital future as a bargaining chip. He could either marry Hertha or choose between Ms. Lewis or Patty. It was a sacrifice that made Kristin’s heart ache for

him.

She sat listlessly by the poolside, lost in thought. Once, she had imagined Rhett’s life as one of privilege, born with a silver spoon and predestined for success. Now, she saw a man whose freedom was restricted, his marriage a currency for negotiation.

Rhett caught the change in her eyes and chuckled wryly. She was being sentimental, and he found it rather endearing.

“What’s on asked, tossing her tablet aside and pulling her into the pool.

your ind?” he She clung to him in surprise, her grip tightening with nervousness.

“What if… Mr. Holcomb uses the company shares to force you out of the FitzGerald Group? What will you do?” Kristin’s concern was palpable.

“You’ve already done enough by dealing with Lisa and Neal. Leave the rest to me, okay?” Rhett reassured her, cradling her in the water. “Trust me.”

Her heart raced. She trusted Rhett’s abilities, but feared Holcomb’s cunning and the looming threat of sharks like Nicola and Vincent. Rhett had always seemed to stand alone against the machinations of the FitzGerald dynasty.

want to help you… Kristin murmured, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Then stay by my side. Otherwise… It’s just too exhausting,” Rhett confessed, resting his head on her shoulder. For years he had navigated the treacherous waters alone, but Kristin’s arrival had shown him the importance of a companion in life’s journey.

“Shall we swim a couple of laps?” Rhett suggested, pointing to the other end of the pool.

Kristin hadn’t swum in a while and felt a bit stiff. She stretched her arms and looked at Rhett with anticipation. “If I do, is there a reward?”

Rhett smiled at her growing openness. “What reward would you like?” he asked, pulling her close.

“Could we go to the amusement park?” Kristin asked nervously, thinking of Summer’s wish.

She had wanted to ask Rhett to accompany her to Summer’s school for parents‘ day, an event that required both parents to attend. Having no father and a mother in prison, Summer had never experienced that. Kristin felt indebted to Summer and wanted to make it up to him, but it wasn’t Rhett’s responsibility.

A pang of guilt struck Rhett; he had been so focused on winning Kristin’s affection, he had overlooked the little one’s needs. “Of course, I’ll make it happen,” he promised.

Overcome with gratitude, Kristin hugged Rhett, then hesitated, unsure if it was appropriate. Rhett held her firmly, his voice playful yet firm. “Don’t start something you

can’t finish.”

Kristin’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and with a graceful twist of her body, she dove into the swimming pool, slicing through the water towards the far end.

When she reached the wall, she executed a smooth somersault turn, emerging from the water with the elegance of a little mermaid.

Rhett lounged by the poolside, casting a nonchalant glance at his phone.

Holcomb had been blowing up his phone with calls he couldn’t be bothered to answer, and it was starting to irk him.

“I made it over here!” Kristin surfaced with a bubbly exuberance.

Rhett reached out, pulling Kristin toward him, and planted a kiss on her that left her head spinning. Her heart raced, and she instinctively sought refuge in Rhett’s embrace.

“Don’t worry… the hotel’s on lockdown. It’s just the butler and a few staff around, and I’ve sent them away. They won’t bother us,” Rhett murmured, his voice weaving a spell of

reassurance.

Kristin’s bashfulne

was overwhelming, yet her body betrayed her, yearning to cling closer to Rhett with an honesty that her mind couldn’t match.

12:41

At that moment, the sudden vibration of Kristin’s phone shattered the rising tide of dopamine between them.

it’s. It’s my brother,” Kristin stammered, reaching for her phone, but Rhett was reluctant to let her go.

She recognized the special ringtone she had set for Garner, so she knew it was him.

Hearing it was Garner, Rhett begrudgingly released her.

Kristin glanced at the screen. “Kristin, when are you coming back?”

Garner sounded uneasy from the other end of the line.

“Garner, is something wrong?” Kristin’s voice was tinged with anxiety.

“No, I didn’t pick up Summer today, Melissa… my boss did. I’m at the precinct, Mom… she’s been released.”

Kristin’s heart skipped a beat. She… was out of prison.

Deep down, Kristin harbored some resentment towards her mother, knowing she had made sacrifices so Kristin could live.

Still, she was uncertain about how to face her.

“Don’t rush… I just wanted to let you know,” Garner quickly interjected. “If you don’t want to see her, I can find a place for her to stay.”

“It’s not like that…” Kristin shook her head, her voice hoarse.

“I’ve picked her up. Mom says… she wants to see you,” Garner admitted, his voice laced with difficulty.

Okay Kristin anreed a part of her longing to meet this so–called mother