I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 355

Chapter 355

Soon, others outside the lounge began to gather.

+25 BONUS

Cynthia had just stepped into the room when she saw Kate emerge after changing clothes. Her outfit was fine, but her hair was wet and messy, leaving her looking disheveled.

Cynthia approached her with concern. “Kate, what happened?”

Nadia frowned. “Ms. Ravelle just splashed wine on her.”

By now, quite a few people had gathered outside the lounge. Upon hearing that, they immediately exchanged glances.

Evie felt bad for Kate. “Rhea, I know you’re George’s girlfriend now. I can understand if it bothers you that he has discussed marriage with Kate before. But this is going too far. Why don’t you apologize to her?”

Those outside were taken aback.

They wondered if Rhea was really that jealous. They couldn’t believe that she had let years of friendship with Kate crumble because of one man. It was no wonder Cynthia didn’t like her and favored Kate so much.

Noticing that something was off, Liora hurried over. “What… What’s going on?”

Ruby followed, along with other ladies.

Inside the lounge, Rhea looked at Kate, a smile playing on her face.

Kate stayed silent, playing the perfect victim.

Who would have thought that Rhea would resort to something like this?

Rhea said, “I never realized that someone who betrays her best friend, fills her friend’s ex–husband’s head with nonsense, and tries to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend could still expect an apology.”

Kate’s head snapped up toward Rhea when she heard that, her eyes glistening red–not just from emotion but from surprise.

The Pearson family came from a scholarly background, always valuing propriety and decorum. The Ravelles, perched at the very peak of high society, were even more concerned with appearances.

Thus, Kate had assumed that Rhea wouldn’t reveal this publicly.

“W–What?” Evie was stunned. “Who are you talking about?”

“Her.” Rhea’s gaze locked on Kate. “She went to my ex–husband and told him that I can’t get over him. She even claimed that I was only with George for my family’s sake and that I didn’t love him. Even worse, to drive a wedge between me and George, she told Mrs. Snider that I’m only with George to use him as a shield against my ex.”

Rhea’s tone never wavered. “Kate, if you want a man, go after him. Which family tutor taught you to use such pathetic methods?

Silence fell both inside and outside the lounge.

Kate’s face flushed redder than ever.

Rhea’s words hung in the air for a full 30 seconds before anyone reacted.

Evie immediately retorted, “There’s no way! I know Kate. She would never do something like that!”

Ruby stepped forward, her gaze icy, and stood protectively in front of Rhea. Her words were calm but cutting, laced with scorn.

“Our whole family has heard and witnessed what Kate did. You Pearsons pride yourselves on your scholarly roots, yet you failed

1/2

Chapter 355

+25 BONUS

to properly guide your daughter. How else would she stoop to such disgraceful behavior? It’s bad enough that you refuse to reflect on your own faults, but you’re actually demanding an apology from Rhea?”

Ruby had been strong–willed and fiery since childhood, but after becoming Mrs. Ravelle, she was forced to maintain appearances. Only then did she gradually rein herself in.

The appearances that powerful families maintained might seem as solid as iron, but in front of a mother, they could crumble to nothing.

The Ravelles didn’t care about appearances. What they cared about was fairness and happiness for their children and grandchildren.

At that moment, the surrounding guests cast all kinds of glances at Kate. None of them was favorable.

Cynthia’s expression was particularly solemn.

Evie, still trying to process it, looked at Kate in disbelief. As if seeking confirmation, she asked, “Kate, did you really do that?”

As long as Kate denied it, Evie would fight to defend Kate’s name with everything she had, even if it meant going against the Ravelle family.