Chapter 30

Chapter 30

“How long are you planning to hide out?” Sitting beside his desk in the study, Rhett arched an eyebrow and threw the question out there.

Tucked away in a comer, Kristin waited until the coast was clear before cautiously crawling out from behind the curtains.

Kristin meant to return the medicine after applying some ointment to her hand.

“Thank… thank you. She mumbled with her head bowed, a little on edge as she fished out a few crumpled bills from her pocket, the cash she’d earned from collecting bottles and scrap. “About that day… the bread and pastries you brought, thanks. Summer really liked them.” Saying so, Kristin flashed Rhett a smile, an awkward smile.

In Kristin’s eyes. Rhett was a saint compared to the bad ones.

Rhett glanced at the money in Kristin’s hand and spoke up sternly. “Keep it. I’ll hit you up when I’m short of cash.”

Holding the money awkwardly, Kristin quickly bowed her head and stashed it back.

It was a joke, but it brought tears to Kristin’s eyes. It had been ages since she’d felt any

kindness.

It was Rhett, after all. He’d never be short on dough.

“Mr. FitzGerald, goodbye…” Kristin gave a deep bow, intending to put down the burn ointment

and run.

“Take it with you. You’ve used that ointment, so it’s just trash if you leave it here,” Rhett said indifferently.

Each time he offered Kristin something, it seemed impossible for her to refuse.

Rhett could tell Kristin was too sensitive.

Carefully, Kristin reached out and took the burn ointment. “Thank you.”

She opened the door to the study and slipped out quietly.

As she reached the living room, she bumped into Ruby, standing on the stairs.

Kristin remained silent. It was the end of her shift, and she could leave.

“Kristin, coming from the study?” Ruby squinted her eyes, shocked, pressing for an answer.

Kristin stayed quiet.

“Huh… Old habits die hard, huh? Always know which strings to pull, seducing whoever’s in charge, right?” Ruby seemed intent on blowing things out of proportion, relentless in her pursuit.

Kristin ignored her and turned to leave.

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“Stand right there!” Ruby glared at Kristin, fury burning in her eyes. “Kristin, have you ever looked yourself in the mirror? Do you see what a mess you are? Did you know Rhett is a

clean freak? Trying to seduce Rhett, you might not even know how you’ll end up dead!

Kristin hung her head low, saying nothing.

“You’ve overestimated yourself.” Ruby was angry and panicked. She feared Kristin might get Involved with Rhett.

Hearing the commotion from the room, Vincent emerged with a shawl, draping it over Ruby. “What’s going on?”

“Kristin just emerged from your brother’s study! I’ve told you that she is untrustworthy. She’s too bunning, acting all innocent when she’s shrewd. She knows your brother runs the show here and is trying to seduce him,” Ruby purposely provoked Vincent.

Ruby knew Vincent like the back of her hand. Her words turned Vincent’s face as dark as

thunder.

Letting go of Ruby, Vincent towered over Kristin, descending the stairs with a menacing air.

“Explain.” Vincent struggled to keep his emotions in check..

Feeling the danger, Kristin backed away in alarm. “It was… nothing. I just…

*Just what!” Vincent struck Kristin across the face. “Just that you’re shameless, trying to

seduce my brother?”

Kristin’s head spun, and she collapsed to the ground, her vision going dark.

Her fingers were painfully stiff. She couldn’t make a fist, and a sense of utter despair washed

over her.

“Kristin, I thought you would’ve toned it down after five years behind bars, but what a performance! You’re trying to seduce my brother, huh? Do you think he’d touch you? He would feel disgusted just looking at someone like you. You get it?” Vincent found it ironic. All those who tried to seduce Rhett before had met miserable fates.

“I didn’t…” Kristin denied.

Tomorrow, 8:30 AM sharp. Don’t be late, Vincent sneered, gripping Kristin’s collar. “Since you’re so desperate for a man, I’ll make sure you get what you want.”

Kristin looked down, tears spilling over.

Vincent felt defiled. Kristin’s every move seemed like a facade to him. It was such great

acting.

“Vincent.” After hearing the noise, Rhett stepped out, a bit worried.

He was the type who wouldn’t shake even if a mountain crumbled before him. Today was yet another unusual day for him.

Landing his cold gaze on Ruby, Rhett spoke again. “Aren’t you supposed to be ill? You

| Chapter 30

seemed pretty energetic when you were shouting”

Panicked, Ruby tried to explain. After all, this was hett, an untouchable figure she aspired to but could not reach

“Rhett it’s not like that. I just just saw her coming out of your study and feared she might have ulterior motives toward you She has conspired with her mother to steal my life She’s morally loose and filthy,” Ruby hurnedly explained, emphasizing filthy knowing thetrs

severe germaphobia.

Rhett’s brow furrowed “As far as I know, when you got swapped, you two were just infants, a few days old. How did she have the cunning to replace your life then?”

Rhett’s words left Ruby speechless.

Still reeling from the blow, Kristin suddenly looked up at Rhett

With tears threatening to spill over, Kristin’s eyes were filled with a flicker of hope