I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 190

Chapter 190

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Carter had neglected Rhea–Ruby’s precious daughter–for years. If they had truly lived well together, maybe Liam and Ruby could have let it go after some time.

But they hadn’t.

Rhea had become a stepmother at such a young age, yet she was treated like this.

Ruby no longer bothered to maintain her composure. She no longer cared about keeping her appearance. “I want you to keep your distance from Rhea. Your children aren’t her responsibility, and neither is your business. That’s all I want to say.”

With that, Ruby ended the call.

Rhea quickly embraced her. “Mom, don’t be mad.”

“How could I not be?” Ruby’s face had turned red from anger.

She was furious at that blind Carter and frustrated with Rhea for not standing up for herself.

Seeing her usually gentle and composed mother raise her voice in anger, Rhea felt a pang of heartache. “It won’t happen again. Please calm down.”

When Nathan came downstairs and saw the state Ruby was in, he asked, “What happened?”

“You won’t believe it.” Ruby gave him a brief rundown.

Nathan’s expression darkened, but then he suddenly smiled. “Mom, what do you think of George?”

“Think of him how?” Ruby sipped her water.

“I’m just asking.”

Ruby was quick to react. “You’re not thinking of setting him up with Rhea, are you?”

“That isn’t something I can set up. You know George. If he doesn’t like her, nothing anyone says will change that.”

Ruby understood his implication and set down her glass. “He… likes Rhea?”

Nathan pressed his lips together. “If I’m reading it right, yes.”

Ruby fell silent, her face betraying no joy.

“Don’t you like him?” Nathan asked.

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Chapter 190

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“Haven’t you heard that Mrs. Pearson wants George to be her son–in–law?”

“George refused.”

“Even so, it’s still complicated. Once they start talking about marriage, it puts Rhea in a difficult position. Rhea and Kate have a close friendship. She has already gone through one failed marriage. I just want her second chance to be happy and free of any pressure,” Ruby said.

She didn’t want Rhea to experience any drama with mothers–in–law, exes, or mistresses again.

Nathan said slowly, “There’s no perfect marriage in this world.”

However, Ruby insisted. “As long as Rhea accepts the man your dad and I choose, she will never suffer again.”

“That will be for the best,” Nathan agreed.

In the study, Liam asked Rhea to bring him a cup of tea.

“Did you upset your mom?” he asked.

“No, she just overheard a phone call.” Rhea sat across from his desk.

She remembered sitting just like this in her teens, learning how to invest from Liam and Nathan.

Liam set down his pen, lifted his cup, and looked at her. “I can block every opportunity for Carter, let him struggle for a few years, then bankrupt him. Do you want me to do that?”

Rhea was surprised. “Dad, you’d actually help me get revenge?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Liam asked. “There are hierarchies in this world. Suppression is inevitable. My strength exists to protect my family. If not for that, why would I have worked so hard all these years? Remember, Rhea, you’re my daughter. You may make mistakes, but I will never allow you to abandon your family.”

To Rhea and Nathan, Liam had always been an unshakable mountain. He could shield them from any storm at any time.

Rhea lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Dad.”