I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

+25 BONUS

Anthony rejected Rhea’s offer, saying, “Thanks, but I’m fine, Ms. Ravelle. I need to hurry back.”

“Drive safe,” Rhea said.

“Alright. Bye, Ms. Ravelle.”

Rhea fiddled with the card that proved her funds before contacting the manager of the auction house. Nathan had told her about him.

“Ms. Ravelle?” The manager’s name was Colin Emerson. He was in his 40s.

“What are the items up for auction this weekend? Would it be convenient for you to show them to me?” Rhea asked.

“Of course. I’ll email them to you,” Colin said.

Rhea turned on her laptop. Five minutes later, she saw the details on the items up for auction. Suddenly, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long while washed over her. It was the sense of freedom of not having to bury herself in the daily grind of household chores or scrolling through online stores for mundane household goods.

There was a time when these treasures were the only things that she would’ve spent time browsing

through.

After looking through everything, Rhea set her sights on one necklace in particular. According to the listing’s description, it had once been a gift to a queen.

The inlaid gems weren’t large, but they sparkled brilliantly and were of great clarity. The necklace

exuded an understated elegance.

That night, at the Jamison residence, Lauren had Scarlett clean up the master bedroom so she could move in. She claimed she needed some postpartum recovery after the miscarriage.

She should’ve been in a steady, good mood, but her anxiety levels kept shooting up as she thought about the photos Rhea had shown her during the day.

Sharon and Peter dropped by to see her. Peter said, “I heard you had a miscarriage, Lauren. Why were you so careless?”

Lauren decided against telling them the truth. She said, “Rhea’s friends force–fed me alcohol the other day. I…” She sighed.

“What?” Sharon’s eyes widened in disbelief.

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Chapter 156

+25 BONUS

Peter was enraged. “Doesn’t this mean that she owes you a life? Didn’t you call the police?”

“Forget it.” Lauren feigned sorrow. “I’ve been through so much hardship over the years and finally beat cancer. Now, I have Carter by my side and our children with us. I don’t want to stir up trouble anymore. All I want is a peaceful life.”

“You’ll only get bullied with your kindness,” Peter said disapprovingly. “The more shit you take from her, the more she’ll walk all over you!”

Carter entered the room just then.

Sharon said, “Perfect timing, Carter. I asked around, and it seems Rhea has been going around telling people that she’s related to the Ravelle family in Draventh. She’s just shamelessly trying to boost her status, isn’t she?”

Peter was astonished. “The Ravelles in Draventh? Doesn’t she know what a powerful family they are? She’s shameless, lying about something like that! Honestly, the longer you live, the more you see! The things she does just because she’s upset that her family background isn’t as good as ours!”

Carter frowned at their words. He knew everyone had their own insecurities, but Rhea’s lie was over

the top.

“Where did you hear that from?” He couldn’t believe that Rhea had become so opportunistic.

“I have a friend whose sister works at Scott Group. She overheard Louie Scott mentioning it when he was on the phone with someone. I’m guessing that’s the lie Rhea fed Louie to fool him!” Sharon looked confident.

It was no wonder. In that instant, Carter understood why Louie had asked him out of the blue whether he knew who Rhea really was.

This explained everything!

Louie had probably only agreed to let Rhea join Scott Group because he believed her lies.

Sharon smiled, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of impending revenge. “The national medical team is coming to Colburn at the end of this month to choose a business partner, right?”

Peter nodded. “Yeah.”

She said smugly, “I heard the chairman of Evercorn Capital will also be present. I’m going to expose Rhea’s lies then and there! When the time comes, everyone will know how she shamelessly tried to latch onto the Ravelle family and play herself off as one of them!”