I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 332

Chapter 332

+25 BONUS

At the Ravelle residence, Nathan stayed behind with his parents so the four of them could celebrate Rhea’s revenge over dinner.

“Rhea, care to have a drink with me?” Liam asked, smiling.

“Sure.” Rhea wore a loungewear dress. Her glossy hair fell in gentle waves.

Ruby hadn’t been this happy in a long time. “Nathan, go get one of those bottles I’ve been saving. That one’s stronger but won’t give you a headache, so you can really enjoy drinking it.”

Nathan immediately went to fetch the bottle.

Rhea looked at Liam. “Thanks, Dad.”

If he hadn’t arranged all of this, she probably wouldn’t have gotten rid of Carter so quickly.

Liam asked, “Can you tell me something?”

“What is it?”

“About George…” Liam frowned. “Was it an impulsive act or something more?”

Rhea fell silent. She couldn’t claim that she loved George. After all, they hadn’t been involved on a deeper level.

After a moment of thought, she replied, “I want to try to get to know him better. I won’t rush into anything because of Carter, nor will I give up hope in love and marriage. Besides, you all know him well enough to feel assured.”

During those years with Carter, her parents had worried themselves sick and were even heartbroken and disappointed. If she had to choose a partner again, she wanted someone they could truly approve

1. of.

Liam nodded. “No matter what, I want you to protect yourself. Don’t rush into giving your all to someone. Take your time to think. If it feels right, then give yourself to them wholeheartedly.”

“I got it, Dad.”

Nathan returned with the bottle of wine, and the four of them clinked glasses and drank.

They talked about everything, with Liam occasionally asking Nathan about the company.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was late at night.

Liam, a little tipsy, was guided to his room by Ruby.

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Chapter 332

“Rhea,” he called out.

“Yes, Dad?”

He swayed slightly. “From now on, do whatever you want. I’ll always protect you.”

Rhea’s eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded. “Thank you, Dad.”

“You two, carry on.”

Once Liam and Ruby left, Nathan looked at Rhea. “Are you serious about that?”

“About what?” Rhea was stunned for a moment.

+25 BONUS

Nathan’s gaze turned serious. “Rhea, listen up, you can joke around with anyone, but not with George. If you’re playing with his feelings, he-”

“What are you talking about, Nathan?” Rhea crossed her arms. “I won’t play with his feelings. But if we aren’t meant for each other, no one can help it.

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“Okay, then.” Nathan stood. “Want to keep drinking?”

“I’m going back to my room.”

Rhea had Philip bring a plate of snacks and some wine to the small balcony in her room.

The balcony was enclosed by floor–to–ceiling windows and adorned with potted plants. A round table, plush goose–feather cushions, soft lighting, and a custom speaker Nathan had ordered for her completed the space.

She hadn’t used the speaker in years. When she turned it on, the sound was still clear and ethereal.

Outside, the snow fell steadily.

In the blink of an eye, the year was almost over. Just two months remained until the New Year.

Rhea poured herself a glass of wine, lifted it to the moonlight, and downed it in one go.

This glass was a toast to the steps she had taken to get here.

The moment she set the glass down, her phone buzzed. It was a WhatsApp message from George.

Chapter 333