Chapter 177


    Kristin had everything set for Rhett’s busy schedule Tomorrow. After coordinating with all the relevant


    departments over the phone and organizing the paperwork, she stepped out of her office, feeling the


    weight of responsibility on her shoulders.


    As she distributed the departmental documents, she entered Neal’s office with a sense of foreboding,


    “Mr. Neals


    Neal was reclining in his chair, chatting away on the phone in a sleazy tone that reeked of boastfulness.


    He was swaggering to histest fling about getting her a plush job and a fat paycheck.


    Noticing Kristin’s arrival, Neal hung up with a smug grin, thinking he had sealed the deal, “What’s the


    word from Mr. FitzGerald?”


    Kristin struggled to maintain herposure. “Neal, I’m sorry.” She sighed deeply, “Mr. FitzGerald says


    he can meet all your requests except one. You want a waitress from the hotel’s staff to be the new VP’s


    secretary, and that’s not going to fly.”


    “And the issue with Talbot, he doesn’t meet our background check standards.”


    Neal’s expression soured at the blow to his ego, “I’m just asking for a couple of reliable people, and Mr.


    FitzGerald can’t agree to that?”


    He knew this was a game of wits with Rhett, each move potentially crucial.


    Neal assumed Rhett was testing him. After all, he had consented to a major department merger, yet


    balked at appointing two individuals.


    Tell Mr. FitzGerald that I stand by these two for their work ethic. I’ve already made promises to them. If


    he doesn’t agree, it’s my reputation on the line,” Neal said with a frown, sending Kristin back as his


    messenger.


    “Mr. Neal,” Kristin hesitated, then nodded and left.


    Back in her office, she said nothing, waited ten minutes, and then set out again.


    In the office, York was discussing a project with Rhett, but his attention kept drifting to Kristin as she


    came


    and went.


    “What are you gawking at?” Rhett tapped York’s head with a folder.


    “Mr. FitzGerald, can we rely on Kristin? She’s in and out, and I’m worried she’s promised you more


    than she can deliver. Should I give her a hand?” York’s chivalry kicked in, fearing Kristin might be in


    over her head and


    upset.


    “Do you really think you’re up to it?” Rhett leaned back in his chair, his tone ominous, “Make sure you


    handle everything I’ve assigned you by tonight.”


    “Mr. FitzGerald, they’re just small fry. Taking them down is a piece of cake,” York boasted confidently.


    “Fine, just prepare for Neal’s resignation,” Rhett said with unwavering confidence.


    York was bewildered. Was Mr. FitzGerald also losing it? Why such faith in Kristin?


    Leaving the office confused, York worried about Kristining up empty–handed and disappointing


    Rhett.


    Ten minutester, Kristin returned looking slightly shaken. She took a deep breath before entering


    Rhett’s office, giving him an “okay” sign.


    Rhett frowned and said, “Come here.”


    Kristin approached, her palms sweaty with nerves, “Mr. FitzGerald…” she murmured.


    1/3


    11:36


    Did he hurt you? Rhett’s expression darkened menacingly


    Kristin shook her head Neal wouldn’t dare hurt her, and he had just disgusted her.


    Why are you scared?” Rhett took her hand, seeing the marks her nails had made, and lightly smacked


    her palin, Lesson learned?”


    The air tensed for a moment, and Kristin’s face flushed red. It was a simple gesture, yeting from


    Rhett, it was strangely alluring,


    Kristin averted her gaze, her heartbeat racing.


    Rhett was too maic to look at directly.


    “I’m not afraid,” Kristin said with pride and determination. She wasn’t scared, just repulsed by Neal.


    “Yeah, you’re not scared, Rhett agreed.


    “Ding.”


    Rhett’sputer signaled an iing message.


    Still holding Kristin’s wrist, he checked his email.


    It was a message from Lisa, “Mr. FitzGerald. Neal suddenly submitted his resignation, clearly in a huff.


    What should I do? I’ve already rejected it twice, but he keeps sending it, insisting that I forward it to


    you.”


    Rhett leaned back, a smirk ying on his lips, “Can’t wait, can he?”


    He wondered if he should praise Neal for his efficiency.


    Pulling Kristin into his embrace, Rhett gestured to Neal’s resignation on the screen, his voicezy,


    “Kristin, are you my lucky charm?”


    N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    Kristin stiffened, awkwardly perched on Rhett’sp, the intimacy of the moment overwhelming.


    It was as if she was straddling him.


    “Adult life, with its constant scheming, office politics, it’s exhausting,” Rhett murmured, resting his head


    on her shoulder.


    Kristin, initially wanting to stand, let him lean on her as he expressed fatigue.


    “I’ll help you,” she whispered, the softness of her voice packing an unexpected punch in Rhett’s heart.


    No one had ever offered him such a sense of security.


    All his life, he had carried his burdens alone. Now, Kristin was offering to share the load, and it was


    addictive.


    “Why help me? Is it a contract, cooperation? Or is it as partners?” Rhett teased Kristin.


    Kristin looked at him nkly. What role should she y in helping him? “Cooperation?”


    Rhett’s brow furrowed, a grunt of displeasure.


    Kristin fell silent. Inside, she was thrilled. She had value to Rhett.


    And slowly, she was rediscovering her own worth. After the scandal of her true identity had erupted,


    she had been denied everything she once was.


    Once, she was untouchable, a dazzling gem perched high above the rest. But as her fortunes turned,


    she found herself wallowing in misery, so low she was trampled into the mire, mere dust beneath the


    boots of the indifferent.


    2/3


    Is Summer heading over to Garner’s tonight?” Rhett asked with a hint of reluctance.


    “Yep, Garner’s off work Tomorrow,” Kristin replied, a twinge of glee in her voice, secretly hoping


    Summer wouldn’t intrude on Rhett.


    After all, being the son of James, it was always a bit awkward having Summer stay over at Rhett’s


    ce. If Rhett and James ever came to blows, the fallout would be beyond awkward.


    At the kindergarten gate.


    Garner had arrived early to pick up Summer, but as he approached, he spotted the familiar sleek ck


    luxury


    car.


    “Melissa, I’m off the clock,” Garner said, trying to mask his frustration.


    “What, is it a crime to reply to my texts?” Melissa snapped, sliding off her sunsses with a steely


    gaze.


    Garner cleared his throat before replying, “No, I just didn’t see it.”


    “Oh, is that so? I thought maybe replying to me wouldnd you in jail,” Melissa said sarcastically.


    “Melissa, I’ve clocked out,” Garner reminded her again, emphasizing his off–duty status, his personal


    time.


    “How fortunate, I’m off work too,” Melissa dered, cheerfully slipping into what could only be


    described as shameless mode.


    “Summer. Which one’s Summer? I’m his dad.”


    Just as Melissa stepped out of her car, amotion at the kindergarten gate caught her attention. A


    man was loudly proiming himself as Summer’s father.


    Clearly, he was there to stir up trouble.