I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 353

Chapter 353

Rhea said, “It’s because she likes George. Kate sacrificed our friendship just to get him. She used you as a pawn. You’re humiliated, your pride is gone, and she’s just sitting back, ready to reap the rewards. How could you be so stupid?”

She took two steps back and stood beside George. “Your stupidity just made me realize how right my choices have been. The only way I would ever reconcile with you is if my brain completely stopped working.

“Carter, let’s just part ways. If you refuse, I honestly won’t hesitate to ask my family to drag you through the gutter, leaving you to scramble through life like a worm. When that happens, I’ll take the kids in and raise them. I think George and I would be more than willing to be parents to those adorable children.”

Rhea had said that on purpose. She had no intention of actually doing that. After all, George’s opinion mattered too.

“You…” Carter’s eyes reddened. He finally gave in. “Rhea, I’ve genuinely realized my mistakes. Lauren deceived me from the start! I’ve seen her true colors, and I know that I’ve hurt you. Can you give me a chance to make it right?”

“I give chances to many people,” Rhea said, taking George’s hand as she turned. “But not you.”

Not you…

This time, she didn’t even glance at Arielle and Adrian. She knew that some things had to be cut off completely to leave Carter with no way

forward.

Watching them leave, Carter stood alone, like a dead leaf abandoned in the harshest winter, trembling on the edge of collapse.

A moment later, he collapsed to the ground with a thud.

When he passed out, Arielle and Adrian didn’t feel any fear. They didn’t even cry out to Rhea, who hadn’t gone far yet.

Glen saw what happened and quickly got out of the car to carry Carter in. He then took the family to the hospital.

Carter had been drinking heavily lately and sleeping very little. He only fainted because he got too worked up. It was nothing

serious.

The next day was Abbie’s birthday.

Just before leaving, the Ravelles ‘saw Rhea descending the stairs in a long black coat. Tall boots hugged her legs, and she wore sunglasses and a scarf.

“Let’s go,” she said softly.

Arthur was home this time and went along as well.

Upon learning that Charlie and Lara had arrived at Draventh, Liora had sent them an invitation overnight.

The Ravelles took three cars together to the venue.

“Rhea.” Nathan looked at her. “What’s on your mind?”

Leaning against the seat, Rhea replied, “I’m thinking about how to deal with Kate.”

Kate’s actions weren’t very classy, but in high society, even disputes shouldn’t be made public. Or at least, it shouldn’t become a joke for others to see.

Still, Rhea couldn’t shake the feeling that all this mess was her fault, and she felt sorry for her parents.

Chapter 353

+25 BONUS

At the Marsh residence, elite figures from the business world arrived one after another.

Before the guests entered, security checked everyone to ensure that no one was carrying anything dangerous. Noticing Rhea’s cold demeanor, the female security guard didn’t dare search her. “Please go ahead, Ms. Ravelle.”

“Thank you.”

Only a faint trace of a smile remained on the half of Rhea’s face that was visible.

Liora, as Abbie’s daughter–in–law, was busy attending to the guests and had no time to chat with her friends.

“Rhea, go to the lounge at the back. Valerie and the others are already there.”

Rhea walked straight over. Before entering, she casually grabbed a glass of red wine from the tray a server was carrying.