I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 362

Chapter 362

Elena wasn’t sure if she was remembering correctly, so she asked her driver, “Rhea is Nathan’s sister, right?”

“Yes, Ms. Austin.”

“And in her friend group, there’s someone named Kate?”

The driver replied again, “Yes, Ms. Austin.”

“And the woman involved with Rhea’s ex is named Lauren, right?”

“That’s right, Ms. Austin.”

Elena was rendered speechless. She didn’t know what was going on.

Kate was now with Lauren, and they seemed familiar with each other. What was happening here?

Elena realized she had been far too out of touch with matters in Draventh, so she asked Kieran’s assistant to quickly find out for

her.

Half an hour later, Kate finally got to see Elena, who had arrived fashionably late.

Elena greeted her with a warm smile. “Kate, long time no see.”

Kate welcomed Elena with the grace reserved for esteemed guests. “Please, have a seat. After all these years, you’re still as beautiful as ever.”

Elena had heard this kind of courtesy compliment too many times. She knew her own looks well enough.

Looking at the poised, gentle woman across from her, Elena couldn’t imagine that Kate could actually backstab someone.

However, she kept all her thoughts to herself. Her only curiosity was why Kate spent time with Lauren. Had she really gotten so treacherous behind the scenes?

“I’ve been thinking of picking up sketching again, so I thought of you. I didn’t expect your number to be the same. Eryham’s not far from Draventh. We should keep in touch more.” Kate stood and poured Elena a cup of tea.

Elena lowered her gaze. “I’m not used to tea.”

Kate asked, “What would you like then? Coffee?”

“Just water is fine.”

“Okay.”

Kate called over a waiter to bring plain water.

After hearing about the recent drama in Draventh’s high society, Elena let out a long sigh.

She really didn’t get it. Did she have a face that looked so easy to manipulate? Why did everyone keep scheming to use her?

Elena thought that she came across as sharp and decisive.

After Kate closed the door, Elena glanced at a small mirror and sighed.

“Elena, what’s wrong?”

Elena put the mirror down. “I’m just… troubled.”

1/2

Chapter 362

“Troubled? Do you want to tell me about it? Maybe I can help.” Kate’s voice was gentle.

Elena shook her head. “Maybe not. I heard your family’s in some trouble. I shouldn’t bother you with it.”

+25 BONUS

Kate was stunned for a moment, clearly surprised that Elena would say it so plainly. She lowered her head and let out a soft laugh. “You’re right. I am dealing with some issues right now.”

“I see.”

Kate was shocked by that reply. After all, she had expected to be asked about what had happened.

But Elena didn’t ask that. Instead, she asked, “Hasn’t the food arrived yet? I’m a little hungry.”

However, Kate hadn’t ordered anything. She had assumed that Elena wouldn’t eat at this time, so she only ordered tea. Kate hurriedly got up, saying, “Maybe the kitchen is busy today. I’ll check with them.”

“Thanks. That’s kind of you.” Elena rested her chin on her hand.

After Kate left the private room, Elena pulled out her phone and sent Nathan a text. “Mr. Ravelle, Kate is your sister’s friend, right?”

Nathan replied a minute later, “What about Kate?”

She texted back, “Oh, nothing. I just happened to see her with a woman named Lauren. I’ve heard a bit about what’s been happening in Draventh and thought I must be mistaken.”

Nathan immediately called Elena, but she quickly rejected it.

Just then, Kate returned to the room. “I checked. There are indeed a lot of people today.”

This restaurant had both a tea room and a reception room. Kate had assumed Elena wouldn’t be eating at this hour, so she hadn’t ordered food. She had just gone to place an order and asked the restaurant to rush it.

“I’m just curious how good the food is here at your favorite spot. I’m actually not really that hungry,” Elena said.