I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Rhea frowned and asked, “What exactly do I need to explain?”

Carter’s refusal to divorce didn’t bring her any sense of happiness. That was just his possessiveness and male ego speaking. He couldn’t accept divorce because she was the one who brought it up.

How could Carter possibly tolerate being dumped?

Then, he demanded, “What’s going on with you and Louie? And how do you know George? Have you been hiding things from me? Have you been unfaithful? Don’t you think you owe me some answers?”

Lauren stepped out of the car and echoed, “Rhea, you’ve been getting way too close to other men. That’s not right.

T

With a sharp tug, Rhea wrenched her arm free.

First, she was the neglectful stepmother. Now they wanted to accuse her of infidelity?

“I’m not obliged to tell you who I know or speak to. That’s my business. Before you start pointing fingers, maybe take a hard look at yourself first.”

With that, Rhea turned and walked away without looking back. She should have expected anything from someone like Carter.

He never acknowledged his own faults and instead always blamed others.

Thinking that it was a cruel joke, Rhea realized that she had been so blind and foolish all these years. The more she thought about it, the more absurd it seemed.

He had told her that he helped Lauren out of pity, yet he turned around and paraded around with her like Rhea didn’t exist.

He had dragged her dignity through the dirt. So why should she care about his?

It was better to have an acrimonious falling–out with him now. At least then, once they were back in Colburn, she wouldn’t go easy on him.

Rhea returned to the hotel.

At 6:00 pm, Louie called with news. “We got the project! And just as you requested, they agreed to pay a portion upfront.”

The remaining payment would be divided into phases and secured by contract to mitigate the risk of default.

Louie hadn’t expected them to agree. But during the conference earlier, Rhea had sat down alone with Jaden and talked for more than 20 minutes. Louie had no idea what they talked about.

However, Jaden ultimately chose Scott Group over Jamison Group for the Draventh project. It was all thanks to Rhea.

With the right talent and background, some individuals can truly rise to the top. And yet Carter had never valued a wife like that..

Carter was really a joke.

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Chapter 38

“Ms. Ravelle, may I take you to dinner to celebrate our big win and express my gratitude?” Louie asked.

Rhea hadn’t eaten yet. So, she said, “Sure.”

+25 BONUS

After arriving at the restaurant they had agreed on, Rhea took her seat.

Louie said, “I had them open a bottle of wine. Let’s celebrate.”

Even the project team’s director had tagged along, grateful to Rhea for her contribution. After all, he would be walking away

with a sizable bonus.

The three of them enjoyed their dinner and chatted about work. But as luck would have it, a few familiar faces happened to show up at the same restaurant.

The private room’s door was slightly ajar. Someone passed by and saw Rhea.

“Rhea?” It was Lauren.

Standing beside her were Carter and several members of the Jamison Group’s project team.

Carter frowned and asked, “What are you doing here?” His tone was quite accusatory.

This was a restaurant–a public space. Why couldn’t Rhea be here?

Louie spoke up first. “Ms. Ravelle is a hero at Scott Group now. As her boss, of course I have to show my appreciation with a proper meal.”

Carter didn’t dwell on Louie’s words. He simply turned to Rhea and said, “It’s almost 7:00 pm. Why aren’t you on a video call with the kids? Arielle is still sick. She needs someone to care for her.” 1

Everyone around them fell silent.

Before Rhea could speak, Louie smiled and asked, “Mr. Jamison, if I’m not mistaken, Ms. Thayer is the children’s biological mother, isn’t she? So, how can the two of you be out enjoying wine and fine dining, while Ms. Ravelle is expected to do your jobs as parents?” 1

Carter’s face darkened. His voice tightened as he warned, “Mr. Scott, this is my private matter.”