I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 383

Chapter 383

“Let’s head inside first,” Rhea said.

In the living room, Liora felt a pang of regret. “Rhea, did I cause you any trouble?”

“Not at all,” Rhea replied, her smile faint. “Carter and Kate just wanted to use the kids to mess with George.”

It was an easy guess. But knowing Kate, Rhea couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t that simple.

However, the kids seemed perfectly fine, and Carter hadn’t clung to her. Rhea couldn’t see anything amiss for now.

Liora didn’t stay long. Rhea had her driver take Liora home.

“Mom,” Arielle called.

“Yes? What is it, sweetie?” Rhea responded.

Arielle pressed her lips together and held Adrian’s hand. “Mom, Adrian and I have decided that we won’t call you ‘Mom‘ anymore.”

Rhea’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly approached them. “Why?”

Arielle looked up at her. “We know that you didn’t give birth to us, but you still took care of us like a mother. Now that you and Dad are separated, and you have Mr. Snider, we shouldn’t call you Mom anymore.”

Her thoughtfulness pained Rhea.

She replied, “Didn’t I tell you? No matter what happens between me and your dad, you’ll always be my treasures. I’ve been with you since you were babies. No one can replace the bond between us. Just live our lives. Nothing else concerns us.”

Arielle’s eyes turned red. “But Mom, many people use Adrian and me to hurt you and talk badly about you.”

“Who?” Rhea chuckled and quickly wiped Arielle’s tears.

“Ms. Pearson,” Arielle replied honestly.

Rhea was stunned for a moment. “What did she do?”

“She used us back on the island. She wanted you to argue with Mr. Snider, thinking that we wouldn’t know.”

Adrian added, “When we were at her house, she kept asking about you and Mr. Snider, about whether you lived together and all. It was so annoying.”

Children’s intuition was truly astonishing. Even without any reason to back it up, they could sense that something wasn’t right, and that feeling was impossible to dismiss.

Rhea smiled. “Don’t worry about them. I’m happy that you’re looking out for me.”

Later, Rhea told George what had happened.

Unexpectedly, he immediately came over after work.

Seeing his future son–in–law arrive, Liam was delighted and gestured to the two children. “Go greet him.”

“Hello, Mr. Snider!” Arielle and Adrian said.

George brought many treats, toys, and school supplies for them.

After dinner, he played games with the kids in the tidied–up room.

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Chapter 383

Rhea casually recorded a short video. The scene was warm and harmonious. The two children clearly adored him.

She posted an Instagram story visible only to Kate. “One adult and two little ones. So happy to have you guys.”

When Kate, who was at the hospital, saw that story, she snapped a plastic spoon in her hand.

Didn’t George mind? Why was he playing with those two kids?

“What’s wrong?” Evie frowned.

“Nothing. It was just too brittle,” Kate said slowly, a faint smirk spreading on her lips. “Like a child, so fragile.”

“Rhea, may you always stay so happy!” she thought bitterly to herself.

+25 BONUS

Arielle and Adrian stayed at the Ravelle residence for three days.

They were overjoyed. Every time they saw George, their eyes lit up. They were really well–behaved and sweet.

In the afternoon, just as it was time for a nap, Arielle suddenly said, “Ma’am, my tummy hurts.”

The maid grew concerned. “Your tummy hurts?”

Rhea quickly came over.

As she got closer, she noticed that Arielle’s lips were slightly pale with a hint of purple. Adrian’s were too, though not as dark.

Seeing this, Rhea knew that something was wrong. “Prepare the car! We’re going to the hospital now!”

At Draventh First Hospital, over an hour later, the doctor delivered the results after running a series of tests.

Rhea’s pupils widened. “…Poisoned?”

The doctor asked, “Did they eat anything unusual?”

The accompanying maid hurriedly explained, “Their meals have been completely normal–three times a day, with the occasional snack. Those are all ordinary foods. There’s no way they could be poisoned!”