Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Rhett furrowed his brows. Even if he was slow on the uptake, he got what Kristin was driving at. She was planning to be his human shield, and she wanted him to be her sugar daddy.

But Kristin wasn’t dumb. It’s tough to draw the line once things get romantic between a man and a woman.

He would look out for her, Summer, and Garner since it was a piece of cake within his wheelhouse.

“I’m not lying.” Kristin’s eyes reddened as Rhett remained silent. “Those rumors are not true. I’ve only been with James, not the multitude of men they’re claiming. No one else, just him.”

Rhett’s frown deepened as he glanced at the medical report from Crescendo Central Hospital.

James‘ assistant had taken her for the tests, all screenings for STDs.

Those tests were insulting..

“I wouldn’t touch James‘ girl.” Rhett tossed the report on the table.

Kristin looked down, tears welling up in her eyes.

Was she going to carry that stigma for life because of that one involuntary time?

*No need to play those tricks on me. You’re valuable to me, but not in that way. I’ll protect you and Summer, so forget about those plans,” Rhett spoke up again.

Embarassed, Kristin lapsed into silence. She wanted to use this tactic to tie Rhett down temporarily, but he wasn’t into her.

He even seemed to find her repulsive.

“I’m… I’m sorry.” Kristin’s fingers trembled as she took the report back and stuffed it into her bag.

“Let’s eat,” Rhett said, urging Kristin to eat.

Disheartened, Kristin nibbled on her food and remained silent for the rest of the meal.

“Kristin, I could use a personal assistant. I’ll have York handle the salary package for you. Pull yourself together and go for an interview at HR. Grab this opportunity.” Rhett mentioned as they left the restaurant.

He had her pegged well, strong–willed with much pride.

She’d turn down a handout, but a job was different.

Kristin had once topped the SAT at Silvergrove University, so she was no slouch.

Fresh out of the prison, it was time for her to shape up.

Kristin looked at Rhett with a burning gaze, seemingly moved. “I… I’ll seize the chance. Thank you, Mr. FitzGerald.”

Rhett didn’t respond but had his driver take her home and leave.

Kristin stood there, watching his car fade into the distance, unable to head home for the longest time.

Rhett seemed different from the others. At the very least, he appeared to respect her.

With a bitter smile, Kristin mocked her pathetic pride..

“Are you Kristin?” As Kristin turned to leave, a woman got out of a car parked inside the yard for a while.

The woman was stunning, with pale skin that spoke of a sickly beauty.

“Who are you?” Kristin was on guard.

“I’m Hertha, Adrienne’s older sister.” Hertha’s voice was frail, with a hint of red in her eyes. “Sorry if I scared you. I’m not here to hurt you. Don’t be afraid.”

Kristin wanted to run away, but Hertha wasn’t there to fight.

“I’m sorry. I just found out about what my sister did to you. I’m truly sorry. I want to apologize on her behalf.” Hertha bowed to Kristin, her eyes reddening.

Kristin stepped back, overwhelmed.

“What… what do you want? I won’t retract the case, no out–of–court settlement, I won’t.” Kristin shook her head and was determined not to agree, no matter what they offered.

“You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not here to ask you to drop the case. My parents might have crossed the line,” Hertha whispered soothingly.” I wanted to meet you.”

Hertha wore a white dress that gave her an ethereal aura, like a celestial nymph.

She carefully rolled up her sleeves, revealing both arms covered in a dense patchwork of scars. from cuts and self–harm.

Kristin froze in shock, unable to move.

She was Ms. Haywood, a lady of noble background, but how could she…

“Kristin, I wanted to meet you because we’ve suffered the same. We’re both sick,” Hertha said softly. “I’m sorry. I saw the videos of them bullying you.”

Kristin looked away.

“I’ve been through bullying at school, too, and like you, unwillingly, without knowing who the other person was, I was raped,” Hertha shared her similar haunting experiences.

Kristin was stunned. Of all people, how could Ms. Haywood have suffered like this?

“But recently, my condition improved because I found that the person who dragged me into hell

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Chapter 81

was the man I love the most. It seems it was all worth it.” Hertha said shyly, blushing.

Kristin could see she must love that guy.

“Kristin, I hope you can find your way out like I did, out of the darkness, and try to accept the people who hurt us.” Hertha said with a smile that bloomed like a pure daisy.

Kristin might have thought Hertha was about to glow and save souls with her grace if she were

a theist.

“Huh, accept the people who hurt me? So, I deserved all the pain I’ve endured?” Kristin couldn’t grasp Hertha’s point.

“No, that’s not it, Kristin. Don’t get me wrong. Obsessing over the past is a perpetual injury to yourself.” Hertha explained, shaking her head.

“People mistreat us, but we can see the bright side of the misfortune.” Hertha stepped forward. reaching for Kristin’s hand. “Kristin, try to let go and forgive yourself.”

Kristin felt Hertha was being a bit too kind.

“When life mistreats me, sure, I can choose not to sling it back, but I can’t see the bright side when I’m already sinking in the darkness,” Kristin stepped back. “Ms. Haywood, you should head back. No matter what you say, I’m not dropping the case.“.

“Kristin, there’s a hundred grand in this card. Think of it as a small token of compensation from my sister to you. Can you please take it? Otherwise, I’ll feel guilty as hell.” Hertha looked at Kristin with pleading eyes.

Kristin frowned as she replied, “I don’t want your money. Cash won’t fix the damage Adrienne’s done to me.”

“Kris… I like you. I can empathize. Can we be friends? I’ll talk to my parents. They won’t hassle. you anymore.” Adrienne said with a tearful voice, looking at Kristin pitifully.

Kristin was somewhat baffled by Adrienne’s intentions.

Be friends with her? Was Hertha genuinely this kind–hearted, or was she a few sandwiches. short of a picnic?

“I don’t need…”

“Kris, I was out of line showing up like this today. I probably freaked you out. But don’t rush to reject me. I’ll come around often. I hope we can become best friends. I’ve got your back.” Hertha interrupted Kristin and hugged her with a smile.

Kristin’s body tensed up, feeling that Hertha was too naive.

Friends?

Something told Kristin that Hertha had an ulterior motive.