Chapter 129
Hertha hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice. “You promised to take responsibility. Mr. Holcomb has agreed to our families‘ merger and it’s all over the news now. Reporters interviewed Mr. Holcomb and he confirmed it.”
To Hertha, it was a done deal. An engagement between her and Rhett would be to everyone’s advantage.
Besides, Rhett had no real reason to refuse. After all, Holcomb had agreed and even
acknowledged it in front of the press, If Rhett were to disagree or deny it, it would be a public slap in the face to Holcomb.
Rhett’s position in the FitzGerald Group was far from secure, teetering on the edge, with his rightful share under threat from Nicola and Vincent. Only a strategic marriage could cement his place and his commercial worth within the group. So unless he was a fool, Rhett would never deny it.
Kristin clutched her laptop a bit tighter. She had seen the news. Holcomb had indeed confirmed the merger with the FitzGerald Group.
The media was all over the event. hyping it up as the wedding of the century. Many claimed the Haywood family had hit the jackpot.
Their eldest daughter was set to marry Rhett, while the younger one was getting hitched to James.
It was clear to everyone online that marrying into the Haywood family was a shrewd move for Rhett’s current predicament.
This was beyond Kristin’s ability to help. All Kristin could do was her job, managing the company’s internal affairs for Rhett.
“Has my father agreed to the merger? Is he planning to divorce and remarry?” Rhett quipped.
Hertha hitched her breath, but she managed a strained smile. “Rhett, stop joking.”
Rhett snorted and boarded the plane..
Kristin followed York, stepping aside to let Hertha walk with Rhett.
In truth, Kristin knew Hertha could offer Rhett benefits far greater than anyone else could.
“This is mine.” York said, taking the laptop bag and gesturing for Kristin to sit inside.
The business–class seats were spacious and quiet. Kristin settled in, glancing out the window. It had been six long years since she’d last been on a plane.
York had barely sat down when Rhett pushed him aside. “You sit over there and keep an eye on Ms. Haywood.”
York was a picture of confusion. Why should he be looking after Ms. Haywood?
12:00
Chapter 129
Internally screaming and blinking furiously. York couldn’t change Rhett’s mind, who had already settled in and closed his eyes.
Kristin, oblivious to the exchange, continued to gaze out the window, while Hertha, seated next to it, struggled to contain her tears, biting her lip and clenching her fists in frustration.
What was Rhett trying to do? Did he reject her so outright?
“Ms. Haywood, if you need anything, just go ahead! Mr. FitzGerald is so concerned about you and got me here to take care of you.” York muttered, his patience burning thin.
Hertha snorted and looked away. With Holcomb’s support, Rhett would marry her. They’d have time to grow closer after the wedding.
She didn’t believe for a second that someone as perfect as Rhett could fall for someone as tarnished as Kristin. In her eyes, he was clearly using another woman as a shield.
Hertha could wait. Patience was her game.
Kristin watched the world outside until the plane took off, unaware that Rhett was seated beside her.
“York, should I arrange a separate room for Ms. Haywood? Or… is she going to share with Mr. FitzGerald?” Kristin asked in a muffled voice, her head lowered.
“What do you think?” Rhett asked without opening his eyes, his brow furrowed.
Startled by his voice, Kristin tried to stand up but was restrained by the seatbelt, which painfully tugged at her. Rhett sighed. “Are you that afraid of me?”
Kristin shrank back toward the window.
“We’re on a plane. Where do you plan on going?” Rhett realized teasing Kristin had become a peculiar source of amusement.
Kristin glanced at Rhett, then surreptitiously at York and Hertha. York sat beside Hertha with a look of silent protest, shooting Kristin a glance.
Taking a deep breath, Kristin cleared her throat. “Mr. FitzGerald, are you going to book a room for Ms. Haywood?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Rhett murmured, closing his eyes to rest.
Kristin didn’t dare speak further. Rhett seemed to be in a low mood.
The flight from Silvergrove City to Harborside Haven was just over three hours. Kristin spent the entire trip wide–eyed, cautiously perched on the edge of her seat, stealing glances at Rhett. He was undeniably handsome in his features, his build and his presence. He didn’t need to utter a word. Even in repose, he exuded a natural authority.
Kristin had once thought Vincent handsome, but he seemed almost boyish next to Rhett.
12:00
Chapter 129
Upon landing, a chauffeur was waiting. Diamond Crest Hotel, part of the FitzGerald Group’s national chain, was the obvious choice for Rhett’s stay.
Randall had caught an earlier flight to Harborside Haven and had everything at the hotel squared away with a driver to pick them up.
“Hello, Mr. FitzGerald and Ms. Haywood,” Randall greeted them with a smile, taking Hertha’s luggage from her hands,
Hertha cast a meaningful glance at Randall, who nodded in acknowledgment.
With a playful smile, Hertha strode over to Rhett and reached out to adjust his tie and suit.
Outside the airport, a swarm of reporters lay in wait. The photos snapped from this angle were undoubtedly suggestive.
Rhett stepped back, his expression darkening.
He couldn’t be bothered to call out Hertha’s little game and was well aware that the press was lurking outside. “Kristin, come here.”
Kristin, still busy with the luggage, scurried over, looking at Rhett with concern. “Mr. FitzGerald, what’s up?”
“Straighten my tie.” Rhett said with a firm voice.
Frozen in place, Hertha maintained her smile. “Kris, I’m sorry. I’ve never fixed a tie for a man nor do I know how to tie a Windsor knot. You’ll have to show me sometime.”
Kristin stiffened her fingers while adjusting Rhett’s tie, catching the insinuation in Hertha’s words.
Hertha was insinuating that Kristin had been with lots of men, hence her expertise.
Without a word, Kristin turned to open the car door for Rhett.
Hertha shot Kristin a knowing smile before taking her seat in the back of the car next to Rhett. Kristin chose to sit in the front, and the atmosphere inside the spacious SUV turned icy. Kristin felt a chill down her spine as though she was being watched with some resentful gaze. “Rhett, the mentor has already checked into the Diamond Crest Hotel, Shall we have Kristin and York handle the luggage while we head over? We’re familiar enough. It’s not a business meeting. There’s no need to bring an assistant. It would just seem awkward.” Hertha suggested with a smile to ditch Kristin.
“I prefer having someone by my side. York can stay behind. Kristin will come with me,” Rhett said, his gaze heavy with intent on Kristin.
Kristin opened her mouth to speak but then closed it without saying a word.
Hertha soured her face, but she couldn’t outright object.
Upon reaching the hotel Rhett stood behind Kristin, his voice low and authoritative. “You seem to have forgotten your role.”
He had brought Kristin along as a butter to fend off the women who threw themselves at him. Why did Kristin prefer to hide away?
Kristin let out a small noise of confusion. Wasn’t Hertha an exception?
Eventually, the Haywood family and the FitzGerald family were bound to unite through marriage.
“I’m allergic to women. Keep her at a distance,” Rhett warned Kristin coldly, not to shirk her
duties.
Kristin looked baffled. Allergic to women? Wasn’t she a woman?
“Rhett. I’ve brought along a couple of bottles of fine wine. You’ll love them.” Hertha said as Randall brought over the wine. “We’ll drink them tonight.”
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