Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Bolted from the hospital, Kristin glanced at her watch and made a beeline for the FitzGerald

Mansion.

She couldn’t afford to be late. She desperately needed that ten grand to sort out Summer’s

school situation.

A few strides in, and Kristin’s heart was stabbing her something fierce.

After a pause and leaning against a wall to catch her breath for an eternity, she pushed on.

Before kicking the bucket, she had to find the creep who forced himself on her six years back at a hotel. He was Summer’s biological dad, and Kristin needed him to play ball for a paternity test.

Perched in a black sedan by the hospital, Rhett spotted Kristin hauling ass with a food container and frowned. “Did you dig up what I asked for?”

“Mr. FitzGerald, Kristin volunteered to look after Miss Ruby, eyeing a juicy ten grand a month plus a daycare spot for her kid,” York grumbled, none too keen on Rhett butting in.

“Mr. FitzGerald, that woman’s sharp as a tack. You don’t need to fuss over her.” York glanced at the time. “We should head to the Haywood family now. You promised Mr. Haywood to drop in on Ms. Haywood before hitting the office every day.”

Rhett said nothing but massaged his temples.

“If you’re not into Ms. Haywood, why not snag a well–heeled heiress to get hitched? It’d fulfill Mr. Lucius‘ last wish and get the Haywood family off your back, right?” York played advisor.

For once, Rhett didn’t tell York to zip it but kept kneading his brow. Would Hertha Haywood back off and swallow her pride if he showed up with a lady on his arm?

He’d compensated the Haywood family for everything but marriage. He could make up for it all except that. But the Haywood family was hell–bent on marrying their daughter to him.

His phone buzzed, and Rhett’s face clouded over seeing Holcomb’s name. He let it ring for an age before answering. “Father.”

“Rhett, the Haywood family reached out. What’s the deal with you and Hertha? They’re keen on a union. Give it some thought, eh? Don’t let any bad press about the Fitzgerald family get

out.”

Holcomb could care less about his son than the family’s reputation.

Rhett listened coldly on the call before replying, “I’ll handle it.”

“Rhett, you’re of marrying age. Your younger brother is engaged. How long will you wait?”

“No rush,” Rhett replied, still cool as a cucumber.

“Rhett, I know I haven’t been there for you enough, but you can’t let me down on this.”

Rhett scoffed at the irony “Yeah?

No matter what Holcomb saut hell was the epime were, that

Holcomb knew Rhen held a gridge over tas morts onde, we

all these years?

“Rhett, your mother When Holcomb mentioned his mother, el bug orgy tes phone aside in imitation

“Look into Kristin. Find out who her child’s father is He neared w

Kristin popped into his mind first

If it were a matter of quid pro quo, then let it be d save the hassle t on

“Mr. FitzGerald, you are planning on playing stepdad? York couldn’t hide has shock

“Shut it” Rhell wanted to fire York, but the guy was a distant redative from Sodds ste and Grandpa’s recommendation from way back

“Mr. FitzGerald, everybody in Silvergrove City knows Kristin’s a hot mess. Even sh know who the father is Where do I start?” York muttered, buffled at Pendoge

But then, a woman with no family ties and blacklisted by both the Turner and Field families was easy to control and wouldn’t be future trouble.

“Don’t judge a person by hearsay alone” Going by the gut, Rhett didn’t peg Kristin as that type “I just need a shield, nothing more

“Roger that, Mr. FitzGerald, but I still think it’s a bad call. Her reputation could spell trouble for

you.”

“Zip it.” Rhett fought to keep his cool.

“Got it.” York shut up.

In two minutes flat, York piped up again. “Mr. FitzGerald, you’re only doing this to fend off Ms. Haywood, right? Just make sure she sees it. No need for a public spectacle. Am I right?”

Rhett silently agreed.

York got the hint and started scheming about a confidentiality agreement.

The big shots of Silvergrove City would often be the sugar daddies of up–and–coming stars, models, and even college kids. Rhett had been clean as a whistle for years. It had stirred up some excitement by asking to ‘sponsor someone for the first time.

Kristin was a bit of a stretch for the public eye, but a woman who didn’t trigger Rhett’s health issues might not be the worst. His germaphobia was so bad that any undesired contact could set off his allergies.

As for Kristin, Rhett had never met or dealt with her before, but his body didn’t seem to

its guard up at all.