I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 367

Chapter 367

Marcus pressed his lips together.

Kate murmured to herself, “She’ll probably end up as the biggest laughingstock in Draventh, won’t she?”

+25 BONUS

Something in her tone unsettled him. He hurried to calm her. “You should get some rest. There’s still time before the trial. Maybe we can find another way to help your parents.”

Kate leaned back against the couch. “I’m hungry, Marcus.”

After eating that meal by herself, she had thrown it all up.

“Let me stay here for a while,” she added.

Marcus agreed. “Sure. I’ll order food from a restaurant.”

The next day, heavy snow blanketed the city.

Carter arrived with the children at Kate’s invitation.

The moment they walked in, Arielle spotted Kate and immediately smiled. “Ms. Pearson!”

They had met before, so both Arielle and Adrian recognized her instantly.

Kate wore a white sweater and black pants, her hair loose around her shoulders. She looked gentle in every way. The children were especially drawn to her.

“I’ll go see Mr. Cain,” Carter said from the doorway.

Without turning, Kate led the young siblings inside. “Mr. Jamison, you’re invited to dinner. Please make sure to be back on time.

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Carter’s face darkened. “I know.”

Inside, Kate had laid out a table full of food for the children.

“Ms. Pearson, isn’t my mom coming?” Arielle asked.

Propping her chin on her hand, Kate smiled. “It’s almost the New Year. She’s busy planning a trip with her boyfriend. Do you two want to go along?”

Arielle’s eyes sparkled. “Yes! I want to see Mom. Even from afar would be enough.”

“Ask your dad to take you, then.”

Kate poured Arielle a glass of milk. “Arielle, I haven’t spent much time with your mom before. How was she doing at Colburn? Can you tell me what happened there?”

Arielle spoke without hesitation, telling stories of all the things Rhea had done with them. Her face and eyes lit up with pure joy.

Kate fiddled with her phone, then brushed a hand over Arielle’s cheek. “I remember you meeting your mom’s new boyfriend, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Kate lowered her gaze. “That was while she and your dad were fighting, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. She was really sad then.”

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Chapter 367

“And when you first met him, he told you that he was your mom’s brother?”

Arielle thought for a moment. “Yes.”

Adrian, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. “Ms. Pearson, I’m thirsty.”

Kate said, “I’ll get you some water. Your leg is still healing, so you should avoid drinking too much milk.”

“Thank you, Ms. Pearson,” Adrian replied politely.

Once she stepped away, he frowned and whispered to Arielle. “Why is she asking so many questions about Mom?”

“She’s Mom’s best friend,” Arielle said.

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Adrian’s smile faded. “While I was at home recovering, I saw some news on my digital tablet. People are saying that Ms. Pearson and Mom are at odds, and that Ms. Pearson might have done something bad to her.”

Arielle’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes!” Adrian took a moment to think. “We had better not reveal too much.”

Arielle’s mind worked fast.

Kate had hurt Rhea and was now asking about her so intently. She was sure that Kate didn’t have good intentions.

Just then, Kate returned with a glass of water and handed it to Adrian. “Here you go.”

After sitting down, she turned her attention back to Arielle. “I remember that Mr. Snider even stayed at Rhea’s villa in Colburn once. You two have been there too, haven’t you?”

The siblings blinked, then answered in unison, “We forgot.”

Forgot?

Kate frowned.