I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 251

Chapter 251

“Elena, try this.” Lauren pushed one of the specialty dishes toward her.

Elena waved her hand. “There’s no need to be so polite. Help yourselves.”

Marcus was chatting with Carter.

Lauren leaned closer to Elena. “I’m really glad you’re in Draventh. I don’t have a single friend here. We’re around the same age and have similar interests. I’m really happy, Elena. Thank you.”

Elena’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, you’re so sweet. But I’ve heard that Draventh’s been pretty eventful lately.”

Lauren sighed. “You have no idea…”

“What’s wrong?”

The two women spoke in hushed tones.

Lauren lowered her gaze, looking almost fragile. “You know I have a pair of twins, right?”

“I’ve heard,” Elena replied, sipping her wine as her eyes flicked toward the two men at the other

table.

“They aren’t close to me at all. They actively resist me. They even call me a witch behind my back. I’m exhausted. I try to guide them, but they won’t listen.‘

Elena, who had been raised under strict rules herself, was shocked. “Seriously?”

Lauren sighed. “But I can’t really blame them. I’ve been away too long. They’re closer to their

stepmother, and I have little influence over them. Sometimes, I don’t even have a friend to talk to. Seeing you here really brightened my day.”

She raised her glass in a toast.

Elena said, “That stepmother obviously taught the kids what to say. Didn’t you talk to her?”

“I did. But I can’t compare to her.”

A hint of disdain crossed Elena’s face. “Who is she?”

“The daughter of the Ravelle family in Draventh.”

Elena raised a brow.

She had heard of Rhea. More than that, Kieran always used Rhea as an example whenever he thought that Elena wasn’t measuring up.

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Chapter 251

+25 BONUS

In Elena’s mind, Rhea–whom she had never met–was one of those perfect kids from someone else’s family. Rhea had handled business for her father and brother at a young age and even gained widespread fame.

It had inexplicably made Elena dislike Rhea for years.

But that perfect daughter had actually become a stepmother?

Elena was stunned.

Snapping back to reality, she asked, “So what’s your situation with Carter now?”

“We…” Lauren hesitated for a second, then whispered, “We’re trying to make a life together, but Rhea just won’t leave me and the kids alone. If it weren’t for Mr. Cain’s support, it would’ve been

hard for us to settle in Draventh.”

Elena sipped her wine, quietly thinking for a moment.

“Talking to you already makes me feel better.” Lauren smiled. “Here’s to you.”

She drained her glass in one go, looking completely carefree.

But Elena noticed Lauren’s legs crossed under the table. One of them was tracing circles in the air.

Such movements and gestures were habits only women from red–light establishments tended to develop.

“Oh, Rhea’s right over there,” Lauren added, already having spotted Rhea and Kate.

Elena followed Lauren’s gaze and could only make out Rhea’s profile. Her back was straight and her posture flawless as she leaned in slightly to listen to Kate.

Elena’s curiosity was piqued.

Lauren’s words painted Rhea as a cruel stepmother who encouraged her kids to defy her.

Who would suddenly bring up all that the moment they met after years without contact?

Lauren’s intentions were far too obvious.

Elena withdrew her gaze. “The view and the food are great. Let’s just enjoy our drinks and forget about anything unpleasant.”

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