I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 238

Chapter 238

+25 BONUS

Lauren stood under the weight of countless stares, yet her face showed no trace of embarrassment. She raised her chin and walked toward Rhea.

But from a little over three feet away, Rhea’s gaze made her stop in her tracks.

“Rhea, it’s good to see you here. I was hoping to apologize to you. I wasn’t expecting you to come to our house yesterday, so things were a bit rushed. I didn’t play the part of a proper host. I hope you don’t take it to heart. Feel free to drop by whenever you’re available next time. Carter and I would be happy to have you.”

Her words…

Marcus‘ face immediately darkened.

Carter noticed what Lauren was trying to imply. His voice was edged with warning as he called out,

Lauren.”

Her words were spoken in front of everyone purely to embarrass Rhea, implying that she had shown up uninvited, tearing away her last shred of dignity.

There was no way Lauren would ever let Rhea become the lady of Jamison Manor again.

If she had to go down, she would drag Rhea with her.

Rhea’s dress swayed with the breeze as she met Lauren’s gaze. “You’re wrong.”

“What?” Lauren froze.

“My marriage to Carter isn’t a secret anymore. Even if we’re preparing to divorce, until it’s finalized, I’m still his legal spouse. That gives me half the rights to the property he bought, so I’m not a guest at Jamison Manor.”

Rhea stepped forward and looked down at Lauren from above. “But I’ve always wondered, what role do you see yourself as in that house?”

The business owners who had been struggling to piece together the situation finally caught on.

They realized that Lauren was a homewrecker who had forced her way into the picture. Carter wasn’t even divorced yet, and she was already shamelessly living in his house,

That spoke volumes about her character.

In an instant, several people subtly shifted closer to Nathan.

Marcus‘ expression grew darker by the second.

Chapter 238

+25 BONUS

Lauren realized that she had just shot herself in the foot. Her lashes trembled, but she forced on a mask of composure and turned to Carter. “I’ll head home and look after the kids. You go on ahead.”

She thought that the woman was truly shameless.

“Wait,” Rhea suddenly said.

Lauren stopped in her tracks and turned around. “Yes?”

The breeze tugged at Rhea’s hair as she glanced at Lauren from the corner of her eye. “Ms. Thayer, do us both a favor and stop acting like we’re close. What happens between Carter and me is my business. Besides, what you consider a treasure is nothing special to me.”

Everyone knew who Rhea was hinting at, and they couldn’t help but glance in Carter’s direction.

It was a direct blow to his pride.

“Why aren’t you leaving yet?” he snapped at Lauren.

Humiliated, Lauren turned on her heel and stormed off.

“Nathan, let’s head inside,” Rhea said calmly.

The others quickly followed the Ravelle siblings into the building, but Marcus stayed put.

Carter called out, “Mr. Cain, we should go in too.”

“Carter.”

Carter looked up. “Yes?”

Marcus stood with one hand in his pocket. “If you can’t keep your woman in line, don’t parade her in front of everyone.”

Carter had already told Lauren to leave, yet she insisted on throwing in those parting words. Not only did she make a fool of herself, but she also ended up indirectly exposing her relationship with Carter.

What else could that be but stupidity?

Jealousy really was a poison.

Carter knew that he had messed up and didn’t bother to make excuses. “It won’t happen again.”

Fuming, Marcus strode into the venue ahead of him.

Inside, nearly every major company in Draventh was represented, encompassing a wide range of industries.

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Chapter 238

+25 BONUS

The purpose of this gathering was to host Jack Deleon, the head of a foreign company.

Jack just happened to be the partner Carter and Marcus had been trying hard to secure.

“Mr. Snider!” Jack greeted George warmly with a firm handshake. “It’s been so long since our last meeting!”