I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Carter’s breathing was heavy, and his eyes were bloodshot with anger. “I’m your father! I gave you life, I raised you, and now I’m in trouble. You should help me. Just call Rhea. She doesn’t have to do anything. She just has to show up.”

Frustrated, Adrian snapped, “Then why don’t you find that other woman and have her explain it for

you?”

“You…” Carter instinctively raised his hand.

Arielle immediately shielded Adrian behind her. Although she was scared herself, she was

determined to protect him.

“Mr. Jamison!” Devan rushed over.

“You…” Carter looked at Devan. “Call Rhea. Tell her the kids are sick and that they’re asking for her.”

Devan frowned, thinking that he couldn’t possibly do something like that.

Meanwhile, Arielle quietly slipped into the bathroom and sent a voice message to Rhea on WhatsApp using her smartwatch.

She crouched by the toilet and whispered, “Mom, if anyone tells you that Adrian and I are sick and need you to come, don’t believe them. That’s Dad lying.”

After sending the message, Arielle stepped out of the bathroom.

Devan had no choice but to make the call because Carter was watching his every move.

At the Ravelle residence in Draventh, David and Janae had returned. Rhea was helping Ruby get dinner ready.

She hadn’t slept well at all last night. George’s question consumed her mind.

So far, he hadn’t contacted her, and that alone gave her some sense of relief.

She thought that she might have just misheard things when she was too angry yesterday.

Just then, Rhea’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message. She pulled out her phone and saw that it was a message from Arielle. Without hesitating, she played the voice message.

Arielle’s cautious yet innocent voice filled the room. “Mom, if anyone tells you that Adrian and I are sick and need you to come, don’t believe them. That’s Dad lying.”

Ruby frowned when she heard that. “What’s going on? Is Carter trying to use the kids to trick you

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Chapter 189

+25 BONUS

into going back?”

She thought that the young girl was sensible and kind for taking Rhea’s side.

Rhea almost knew exactly why Carter was doing this.

Photos of him with Lauren, including their intimate moments, had all been leaked. She figured that he was probably panicking and hoping Rhea would return to clear things up.

Just then, Devan’s call came through.

Rhea answered, “Hello, Devan.”

Ruby snatched the phone and put the call on speaker.

Rhea didn’t dare cancel it under Ruby’s watchful gaze. She asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Um… Mrs. Jamison, Ms. Arielle seems sick and keeps wanting to see you. Do you have time to come home?” Devan’s tone was reluctant.

Rhea could guess what was happening. Carter was likely right there beside Devan.

“Really? Let me hear Arielle’s voice,” she said calmly.

On the other end of the line, Carter knew that once Rhea heard the kids‘ voices, she would catch on. He couldn’t wait any longer. So, he decided to just snatch the phone. “It’s me.”

Rhea stayed silent.

“There are many rumors in Colburn attacking Jamison Group. You need to come back as soon as possible and make a public appearance with me and the kids. That will make all these rumors disappear.”

His tone was not only frantic but also carried a hint of command, as if it were Rhea’s duty to help

him out.

Ruby’s gaze instantly hardened. Anger flared up in her eyes.

On the other end of the phone, Carter was waiting for Rhea’s reply. Instead, a deep and furious older female voice cut through the line.

“Carter, who gave you the right to order my daughter around? You’re a man. So, live like one. If you can’t, I’ll generously send someone to deliver you to your funeral.”

Ruby, who had felt sorry for Rhea for years, could no longer contain her frustration and anger.

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