I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 388

Chapter 388

The reporters hurried to delete every photo they had just taken. After showing their cameras to the intimidating bodyguards as proof, they bolted down the hall with their gear clutched tight.

Kate walked in at an unhurried pace.

George’s reflection burned clear in her eyes. No matter when she saw him, he was still the man she found most captivating.

But the way he looked at her now was not as gentle as before.

Earlier in the ward, the way he gently cared for Rhea had filled her with envy.

George glanced at Kate out of the corner of his eye. “Instead of worrying about others, you had better spend some time praying.”

“Pray for what?” She arched her brow.

“That this poisoning has nothing to do with you.”

The cold in his voice pressed against her like steel.

However, Kate didn’t flinch. After a quiet beat, she smiled faintly. “In your eyes, am I really so ruthless that I would use children as tools?”

“Aren’t you?”

With that, George walked past her. He deliberately kept his distance, as though walking close to her would bring him bad luck.

Standing in place, Kate let out a soft chuckle. She murmured, “Yes, I really am that kind of person.”

Inside the ward, Lauren avoided Carter’s icy stare, playing the part of the concerned mother at the kids‘ bedside.

The room was crowded, so Rhea ushered her friends out.

“What if Lauren and Carter start something after we’re gone?” Liora fretted.

“I have George,” Rhea replied.

“He’s no good at arguing,” Liora muttered. “Though he’s great in a fight.”

“Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll call you.” Rhea reassured her.

The women finally relented and left, though Kate stayed behind.

When Nathan arrived, a woman followed him through the door.

Elena strolled in casually. The moment her eyes met Lauren’s and Kate’s, both women froze in shock.

They didn’t know why Elena was there.

Kate, however, recovered quickly. Her gaze lingered on Nathan for a beat.

She wondered if Elena knew Nathan. Then what she said to Elena…

Kate stood, pretending as if nothing had happened. “Ms. Austin.”

Elena scanned her up and down, curiosity flickering in her eyes. She wondered why Kate was there. After all, weren’t she and Rhea supposed to be at odds?

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Chapter 388

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When Lauren snapped out of her daze, she turned her back and dabbed at her eyes with fake distress. “Is this how you take care of my kids? Just because you didn’t give birth to them doesn’t mean you can harm them like this. Carter, is this the person you chose to trust?”

She blamed everyone.

Nathan’s gaze was icy as he shot back, “One more word, and I’ll shut you up for good.”

He knew that there was no need to be gentlemanly with someone like that.

“You… Your friend and sister harmed my kids, and now you’re threatening me? Even if you’re protective, there has to be some sense and decency.” Lauren seemed utterly shocked.

Hearing her accuse Nathan, Elena couldn’t stay silent any longer. “If you’re so capable, take care of them yourself. You ignored them entirely, and now you’re putting on this performance for everyone to see. Go audition for a movie if you want to act. Maybe you’ll get the part of a scheming bitch.

“When everything’s fine, you live your life carefree. But when something happens to the kids, you’re here whining and blaming everyone. You only know how to enjoy yourselves for a moment. Once the kids were born, you ran off, so what right do you have to question anyone?”

Elena’s words spilled out quickly. They were as sharp as blades, stripping away every ounce of pretense from Lauren.