Chapter 187


    ett seemed to have anticipated Hob’s move, leaning back in his chair with an air of nonchnce


    been running on fumestely, so it’s really something that my old man wants to give me a break. Poor


    Vincent, he’s got his work cut out for him.”


    With a casual smile, Rhett signed his name on the resignation letter that York had brought over.


    “But as for someone who’s resigned, without my signature, getting back in is going to be a whole


    different bali game,” Rhett said, throwing down the gauntlet to Hob.


    Nic knew all too well that after Rhett’s signature, anyone wishing to be rehired would have to go


    through HR’s rigorous vetting process.


    Rhett, so sure of himself, would never allow Neal to return to the fold.


    Even if Neal did, it certainly wouldn’t be in his former position.


    “Rhett, you should really take some time off and rest up. Thepany will run just fine without you,”


    Vincent said, brimming with confidence


    Rhett raised an eyebrow and stood up, adjusting his wristwatch. “I’m out.”


    Kristin and York exchanged anxious nces before hurrying after Rhett “Mr. FitzGerald…”


    “Cancel all my appointments, except for the Influx Enterprise wedding banquet,” Rhett instructed Kristin


    after a nce. “Tell our partners I’vee down with something”


    Kristin took a deep breath. “Mr. FitzGerald. Are you giving Vincent a chance on purpose? What if he…”


    “He’s got to have the chops for it.” Rhett said with a scornfulugh


    “York, you stay and handle the fallout Kristin and I are taking a break” As they entered the elevator,


    Rhett lookedpletely at ease, even a bit smug


    York was confused. “Why does Kristin get time off too?”


    “My personal assistant is supposed to handle my personal life. You’ve got a broader remit, so step up.”


    Rhett blocked York from the elevator and shut the door


    Kristin was flustered, looking anxiously at Rhett “Mr. FitzGerald, are you sure about this?”


    “Everything’s arranged,” Rhett checked the time. “Starting now, you don’t have to worry about a thing.


    Just enjoy the vacation with me


    “Huh?” Kristin was flustered. “The Influx heiress wedding is in


    “We’ll head out early, have some fun.” Rhett had nned everything in advance


    Still in a daze, Kristin followed Rhett out of the elevator.


    It seemed like it wasn’t Nic ying Rhett, but Rhett ying Nic and Vincent


    “Mr. FitzGerald… Did you foresee Mr. Hob giving you time off?” Kristin ventured cautiously.


    Rhett was in high spirits, having dealt with the thorn in his side, Neal, and now looking forward to a


    holiday with Kristin Things couldn’t be better


    “He’s warning me that if I don’t y ball, I’ll be on permanent vacation,” Rhett understood Hob’s


    message. But this was exactly what Rhett wanted


    Kristin hesitated. “Can York handle everything on his own?”


    Rhett frowned, pinning Kristin against the car door. “You’re my personal asaletant, why worry


    …I’m just womed Vincent might collude with our partners while you’re away… Kristin feared Vincent


    might seize everything Rhett had in his absence,


    First, he’d need the ability, Rhett said, opening the car door for Kristin and helping her buckle up.


    “Second, you don’t seem very confident in your man.”


    Kristin clutched the seatbelt nervously, at a loss for words.


    “What’s mine, no one can take…” Rhett leaned on the seat with one hand, smiling as he spoke again.


    “And what can be taken, I don’t care for.”


    Kristin’s gaze was fixed on Rhett, and for a moment, she found it hard to look away.


    “Pack up, we’re flying out today,” Rhett said, starting the car and heading home.


    Kristin realized that Rhett was in a hurry to leave, knowing that any dy might give Hob a reason


    to call him back.


    “Today?” Kristin was shocked. “Summer…”


    “Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything with Summer,” Rhett said, his smile hinting at cunning.


    got it Rhett had this whole thing nned out days ago. Now, she could


    Taking a deep breath, Kristin finally got it truly take it easy.


    If Kristin wasn’t mistaken, within three days, the FitzGerald Group’s top brass and board of directors


    would be in an uproar.


    Rhett had likely left Vincent with a host of problems that were difficult to solve and prone to error. Once


    Vincent stumbled, Hob would realize that, for now, the FitzGerald Group couldn’t do without Rhett.


    Indeed, Rhett hadn’t reached his position by being easy to outmaneuver.


    Kristin had been needlessly worried, even sweating bullets for him just a moment ago.


    After more than seven hours, Kristin had arrived at the resort hotel from Silvergrove City.


    During the journey, Hob had called Rhett numerous times, but Rhett had turned off his phone for


    the flight and only turned it back on afternding.


    “Mr. FitzGerald… I’ll check us in, you can rx in the lounge for a bit,” Kristin said, setting aside the


    luggage, ready toplete the check–in process.


    Rhett pulled Kristin into his embrace, murmuring, “We’re on vacation.”


    Kristin uttered a nervous “oh,” realizing that abroad… perhaps no one would recognize her.


    It was a liberating feeling.


    The hotel staff conversed with Kristin in fluent Spanish, and she responded with natural smiles and


    fluent replies. Rhett watched Kristin, his true blossom, once the belle of Silvergrove City…


    Kristin couldn’t fathom the depths of her own regret. Whenever Rhett considered the ster


    achievements of her past, he felt a crushing tightness in his chest.


    *Kristin, after we get back to Silvergrove City, let’s file an appeal,” Rhett said, taking her hand and


    leading her into the room.


    Kristin paused, momentarily notprehending.


    Rhett looked into her eyes with serious intent. “I have evidence that proves you’re innocent, and


    evidence that someone deliberately kept you from being released these past five years. Let’s file an


    appeal. I’ve


    discussed it with thewyer already til be a long process, but our chances of winning get your


    exoneration, we’ll head to the Department of Education, finish your remaining want to pursue your


    Master’s degree or study abroad, I’m behind you all the way…


    Stunned, Kristin gazed at Rhett, unable to utter a word.


    Regardless of Rhett’s motives, the lengths he’d gone to moved her beyond words.


    With tears in her eyes and a sniffle, she got on her tiptoes and leaned in to give Rhett a kiss.


    Rhett tensed for a moment, then lifted his hand to her head to take control.


    It was rare for Kristin to be so forward, and she kissed Rhett with earnest passion.


    Harriet was bound for Silvergrove City. Recovered and in good health, she had spent days teaching


    Kristin about… adult intimacy tips, instructing her on how to conquer a man in bed.


    Recalling those tips Harriet sent made Kristin’s ears burn with embarrassment.


    Were those even topics one could discuss?


    “It’s cold…” Kristin leaned against the wall, the tiles chilling her and driving her closer into Rhett’s


    embrace.


    Rhett, as if to tease, deliberately trapped her against him.


    With no other recourse, Kristin lifted her arms to hang around his neck.


    “Rhett… She took the initiative and kissed his ear.


    This was one of Harriet’s lessons… She said men’s ears were particrly sensitive.


    “Hmm?” Indeed, Rhett’s voice turned hoarse.


    “Thank you, Kristin breathed hotly, her words teasing at Rhett’s ear.


    Rhett inhaled deeply. “Just remember, no mercyter. Not even if you beg.”


    Kristin was utterly exhausted and hestled into Rhett’s embrace, drifting off into a deep slumber until the


    following morning.


    Time for breakfast, okay? Rhett, already freshened up, sat on the edge of the bed nudging Kristin


    awake.


    Rubbing her eyes, Kristin noticed they were swollen.


    “Good morning, Mr. FitzGerald,” she croaked, her voice raspy from crying herself to sleep the night


    before.


    With her head bowed and eyes brimming with fresh tears, Kristin felt the sting of injustice. How could


    Rhett have been so insensitive?


    “We’ll head to the beachter,” Rhett murmured, giving Kristin’s chin a gentle squeeze and nting a


    kiss on her cheek.


    Why was he so fond of her?


    “Do you know how to swim?” he asked, tousling her hair.


    “Of course!” Kristin’s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    She wasn’t just a swimmer–she had set a little record in diving, she was that good.


    “Awesome,” Rhettmented, rising to sit on the nearby couch, waiting for Kristin to change into her


    swimsuit.


    Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The way Rhett was treating her… it was as if he was coddling


    a


    child.


    And Kristin was starting to realize, with some amazement, that Rhett seemed to be growing fonder of


    her.


    He liked to steal kisses when they were alone, he enjoyed making herugh, he liked holding her hand.


    It was as if they were a couple, madly in love.


    Kristin was taken aback by her own thoughts, leaving her feeling a bit frightened.


    This was just a novelty for Rhett. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself…


    Her heartbeat slowed as she calmed down, got out of bed, freshened up, and slipped into her swimsuit.


    She had chosen a simple tank–style one–piece with a little skirt draped over it. Her porcin skin,


    reminiscent of baster,plemented the white swimsuit, which sculpted her figure to perfection.


    Rhett, who had been looking forward to seeing her in her swimsuit, frowned upon seeing her dressed


    and stood up to drape a bathrobe over her. “I don’t want others ogling you.”


    Stammering, Kristin managed to say: “Then maybe we shouldn’t go.”


    Rhett could tell she really wanted to go.


    “We’ll go diving,” Rhett said, pulling her into his embrace and having her sit on hisp for breakfast.


    “How did you know I could dive?” Kristin asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    “Hmph…” Rhett grunted, offering no reply.


    Of course, he had seen it in those photos and videos that Vincent had kept–a trove of memories that


    made Rhett seethe with jealousy yet yearn to know more about Kristin.


    The beach was part of a private estate, not too crowded but filled with the wealthy and famous.


    filled


    Some were surfing others sunbathing–it was quite the lively scene..


    Hey, are you here by yourself?” Kristin was applying sunscreen under an umbre when someone


    approached her.


    ncing around nervously, she felt uneasy. Rhett was nowhere to be seen.


    When Kristin didn’t respond, the handsome man tried speaking in English, thinking she might not


    understand him.


    Sho gave him a timid nce. The man was tall and good–looking, with a radiant smile. His features


    were eye–catching, dressed in just swim trunks and showing off a physique that could make even


    models Jealous.


    Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.


    However, Kristin still thought Rhett was the most attractive, considering all the women who approached


    him for his number, even when she was by his side.


    “Can I get your number, beautiful?” the man asked, scratching his head shyly.


    Kristin shook her head, about to decline.


    “She’s taken,” Rhett’s deep voice intervened.


    The man paused, looking at Rhett. “What a coincidence.”


    Rhett’s brow furrowed, not finding the situation coincidental at all.


    “Do you know him?” Kristin asked anxiously.


    “Felix Lewis, the second son of the Lewis family, and Hanson’s younger brother,” Rhett introduced


    coldly.


    Kristin nodded in surprise. “No wonder he looked familiar.”


    So this man was from the Lewis family


    “Fancy bumping into you here,” Felix said, more amiable than Rhett or Hanson, trying to strike up a


    conversation.


    Rhett had the look of someone who couldn’t care less.


    “Mr. FitzGerald, a confident guy like you wouldn’t have a problem if I added thedy’s contact, right?”


    Felix wasn’t quite ready to give up.


    From the moment he saw Kristin, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. For some reason, she exuded a


    peculiar allure that captured his attention.


    “I do mind,” Rhett stated, rejecting the idea tly.


    Felix was momentarily taken aback, touching his nose awkwardly. “Alright then…”


    Seeing Rhett’s hostility, Felix decided to back off.


    He nced back at Kristin several times, puzzled by his own reaction.


    He was no stranger to femalepanionship, and although Kristin was truly stunning, she wasn’t his


    usual type. Yet, he felt drawn to her.


    “What are you looking at?”


    Felix bumped into Hanson, who frowned and followed his brother’s gaze.


    Indeed, Rhett and Kristin. Fate seemed to throw them together at the most inconvenient times.


    “Ha, Mr. FitzGerald actually has the leisure to take his lover on a holiday,” Hansonmented with


    clear


    11:49


    disdain


    You seem overly concerned, Rhett replied angrily, it’s always the Lewis‘ ruining his good day.


    Kristin, too, felt intimidated by Hanson and hid behind Rhett.


    “Why so fierce, brother? You’re scaring her,” Felix sald, somewhat displeased.


    cared? Are vco blind, falling for her?” Hanson warned his brother. “If the were timid, she wouldn’t have


    spent five years in jail for extortion.”


    Felix paused, turning to look at Kristin again.


    Kristin hung her head low, her hands sped tightly together.


    She had thought that being abroad, where no one knew her, she could finally stop being afraid….


    But it seemed no matter where she went, there were always people ready to trample on her wounds


    and dignity.


    “Hanson, my upbringing doesn’t allow me to cuss at you, but if I skip the swear words, I’ve got nothing


    to say to you. You better back off.” Rhett didn’t want to waste more time on Hanson.


    “Rhett, remember when Patty headed off to Silvergrove City? What did you promise me then?” Hanson


    was equally steamed.


    This was about standing up for Patty’s honor, after all.


    Rhett had promised to look after Patty, sure, but marrying her? That was never part of the deal.


    “Bro, what are you on about?” Felix frowned, stepping between Rhett and Hanson. “What’s gotten into


    you? This is a public ce, what are you even saying?”


    Hanson ignored Felix. But Felix was relentless. “No way, man. You owe her an apology. She didn’t


    provoke you, and you justsh out like that? That’s out of line.”


    “Felix!” Hanson’s head throbbed at his brother’s nagging.


    “If you


    don’t apologize, I’m calling Mom right now, telling her you’re insulting a woman in public. That’s just


    low.” Felix couldn’t quite exin it, but he feltpelled to stand up for Kristin, his heart tightening


    seeing her teary eyes.


    “Felix, did your diving hobby get your brain waterlogged?” Hanson didn’t want to borate.


    But he did realize he might have gone too far.


    Whether Kristin was faking it or not, the sight of her watery eyes… it did make his breath catch.


    “You better apologize to thedy.” Felix stood his ground.


    Hanson frowned; they were here for a wedding reception, and their mother was around. He dreaded


    Felix stirring the pot with their mom.


    “Kristin, I’m sorry.” Hanson turned back and offered Kristin an apology.


    Rhett didn’t bother with Hanson, just led


    win away.


    Kristin managed a nce at Hanson before quickly averting her gaze.


    Hanson frowned, wondering what it was about this woman that drew him in.


    “Bro, don’t you think she looks a lot like mom?” Felix pped his hands.


    That’s when he realized why he was drawn to Kristin.