I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Everyone lifted their glasses in a toast.

Rhea smiled brightly and said, “Thank you.”

+25 BONUS

After that, George hardly spoke. He drank in silence. It was the kind that made the room feel heavier.

Nathan finally asked, “What’s with you?”

George stared at the floor.

23 days…

Only 23 days were left until Rhea was officially divorced.

Maybe it was the wine Nathan had brought that was hitting him a little too hard, but George suddenly asked, “If one day I told you something you might not be able to accept, what do you think you would do?”

Nathan swallowed the sip of wine in his mouth. “…Are you in love with me?”

“Hey! Don’t go! I’m just messing with you!” Nathan called after him.

George didn’t turn around. “I’m going to the restroom.”

11

Nathan could tell that George’s mood was awful, worse than he had ever seen.

For someone with self–control as strong as iron, George had downed nearly an entire bottle of wine in just an hour.

Nathan wondered if George was really troubled over a woman. However, he didn’t think it made any sense. What kind of woman could rattle George like this?

Nathan thought it over and still found it unlikely. The two of them were practically inseparable. If George had a woman, there was no way he wouldn’t have heard about it.

Worried, Nathan followed George to the restroom.

Nathan leaned against the wall by the sink, smoking. George came out and turned on the faucet to

wash his hands.

“Seriously, what’s on your mind?” Nathan pressed.

George kept his head down. “Why do you think something is?”

“If there is, just spit it out. Maybe I can help.”

1/3

Chapter 175

George’s eyes met Nathan’s in the mirror. After a long pause, he said, “A woman.”

“A woman?” Nathan almost dropped his cigarette.

So it really was because of a woman?

“What woman? Who? Come on. Tell me!” Nathan pressed closer.

+25 BONUS

Maybe it was the wine, or maybe George was simply finished holding back his feelings. He actually said, “She doesn’t like me.

Nathan nearly cursed. “What kind of arrogant woman thinks she’s too good for you? Tell me who she is!”

George then turned and walked away.

“Hey, don’t just leave it at that!” Nathan chased after him.

“You’ll find out someday,” George said without looking back.

“Fine. Don’t tell me.” Then, Nathan suggested, “Since Rhea’s back, I want to plan a short trip for her. Do you want to come?”

George paused mid–step. “I’m not sure I’ll have the time.”

“I’ll just send you the address. Join us if you have time. It’s at a new estate just outside Draventh.”

“Alright.”

The next morning, Rhea was still at home. She had had a bit too much to drink the night before, but didn’t feel bad.

“Sweetie?” Ruby called from downstairs as Rhea descended the stairs.

“Mom!” Rhea hugged her tightly.

“Come have breakfast,” Ruby said.

Liam hadn’t left yet. When Rhea sat down, he said, “About you and Carter…”

“Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t breathe a word to anyone in Draventh,” Rhea said, thinking that he was worried about gossip.

Liam frowned. “That’s not what I mean. So what if the whole city knows? You’re my daughter. I’d like to see who dares say a single word against you.”

2/3

Chapter 176

+25 BONUS

The men in the Ravelle family carried that kind of weight in Draventh.

Liam was in politics, Arthur was in the military, and Rhea’s third uncle, David Ravelle, was in

medicine.

Arthur’s and David’s wives were just as formidable in their own fields.

The Ravelle family had their hands in nearly every industry, and each of them was exceptionally

capable.

Saying that the Ravelles could shake Draventh with a stomp wasn’t an exaggeration at all.

“Mr. Ravelle Senior,” a maid greeted.

Upon hearing that, Rhea set down her cutlery and hurried to the door. “Grandpa, Grandma!”

“Oh, my dear Rhea!” Rhea’s grandfather, Charlie Ravelle, was over 90 years old. His hair was completely white.

Despite his age, he wasn’t hard of hearing or visually impaired–just a bit loud. Even his sons weren’t as robust as he was.

Rhea beamed, hugging him tight.

“Dad, Mom, why didn’t you tell us you were coming?” Liam asked.