I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Carter didn’t respond. But the more Louie thought about Carter having a wife from such a powerful family, the more bitter he felt.

Back when they were younger, Carter had always stood out among the rich kids, and he and Lauren had been inseparable.

He overshadowed Louie in every possible way. But after a financial crisis took down Jamison Group, Louie finally had his moment.

Now, though, he was starting to realize that Carter might actually have no idea who Rhea really was. After all, would he still be parading around with his ex if he did?

L

Louie didn’t care what caused the rift between Carter and Rhea, as that was none of his business. All he knew was that Carter was about to crash hard.

For one brief moment, Louie actually pitied him. To marry into a family that powerful and still be this blind? How deliciously ironic.

Louie’s smirk deepened. “Well, Mr. Jamison, I should get going.”

If the day ever came when Rhea turned on Carter, Louie would be more than happy to help her.

Meanwhile, Carter stood frozen, feeling like something in Louie’s words was off. However, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

He chalked it up to another one of Louie’s passive–aggressive digs.

Back in the lounge, as soon as Carter returned, Chloe grabbed his hand warmly. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You’ve found Lauren a job and even arranged a place for me to live. If only you had become my grandson–in–law back then, that would have been wonderful.”

A shadow of regret flickered in Carter’s eyes. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Thayer Senior.”

Lauren sighed. “Grandma, please don’t say that. I’m already grateful for everything.”

Her way of being so easily content made Carter feel oddly uncomfortable.

So he reassured Chloe, “Don’t worry. As long as Lauren’s working with me, I’ll make sure she’s treated well.”

Chloe nodded eagerly. “That’s good to hear. She’s been through so much. You two used to be perfect together. But now…”

Just then, Arielle gently reminded, “Mrs. Thayer Senior, my dad is already married.”

The three adults froze.

None of them had expected the six–year–old to speak up. But then again, six was plenty old to understand many things.

Chloe quickly smiled. “I know. I just feel bad for your mom. Giving birth to you two was no walk in the park.” Arielle didn’t answer. She turned to Carter instead. “Dad, I’m not feeling well. Can we go home now?”

Adrian added, “Mom’s going to miss us.”

Chapter 22

+25 BONUS

Chloe nudged Lauren forward. “Oh, silly kids. She’s your real mom.”

Arielle pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Adrian muttered, “She’s not.”

“How can you…”

Chloe started to nag, “Carter, not to be harsh, but even if you’re married now, you should’ve looked into what kind of person you were marrying. These poor kids are always sick.

“I heard that they’ve been ill twice this week. That means someone is not paying enough attention. I guess a stepmother just won’t love them the way their real mom would.”

Lauren looked troubled. “Rhea’s a good person. But she’s never had kids of her own, so maybe she just doesn’t fully understand what being a mother feels like.”

Carter stayed silent for a long moment before saying, “Mrs. Thayer Senior, it’s true that Rhea hasn’t given birth, but she’s taken good care of the kids.”

“I heard from Lauren that Arielle got sick because of your wife. How can you call that good care? It’s all just for show. Once someone like that gets pushed to their limit, they won’t care what happens to the kids.” Chloe spoke with the tone of someone who had seen it all.

Carter frowned when he heard that. Chloe’s words seemed to remind him of something. After all, Arielle did get sick because Rhea stormed out and left the house.

– She was always the first to say she loved the kids. But the second she got upset, she left them behind. He believed

that was the difference between a stepmother and a birth mother.