I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

The moment George said that, the employees of Jamison Group froze.

Mrs. Jamison? Lauren was no Mrs. Jamison.

Lauren’s expression stiffened with awkwardness.

Just then, the project team for the psychiatric facility arrived, along with a few local dignitaries. They were here to have dinner with George.

“Oh, Mr. Snider. You’re here already?” Jaden asked.

George shifted slightly and replied, “I just arrived. It’s such a coincidence. I bumped into Mr. Jamison.”

Carter was a well–known figure. After all, Jamison Group ranked first in the medical field across the entire southern tri–state area.

He definitely had the influence.

However, they had only exchanged a few brief greetings that day and didn’t get the chance to talk in depth. And judging by the situation, there might not be a chance for that.

Carter quickly shook Jaden’s hand. “Mr. Dillon.”

Jaden returned the smile politely.

To everyone’s surprise, George suddenly made introductions. “And this is Mrs. Jamison.”

Carter’s expression changed instantly. He wondered if Rhea had never told George that she was his wife.

He had always assumed that Rhea only knew George because she had used her title as Mrs. Jamison.

Lauren’s expression grew increasingly uneasy. She didn’t dare to reply.

Indeed, she wanted to be Mrs. Jamison, but not like this. She wanted it to be rightful and legitimate.

The people who just showed up were all prominent figures in Draventh. One of them was Isaac Walsh, the director

of the psychiatric facility, who would oversee the inspections of the medical equipment.

Isaac gave a friendly smile. “Mr. Jamison, you brought your wife along? You two must be really close.”

“Oh, so she’s your wife? I thought she was your secretary earlier today,” someone else said.

Lauren turned her face to the side, too afraid to say a single word.

Carter had a bad feeling and quickly tried to explain, “She’s actually-”

“Is she not your wife?” George cut in.

At that moment, Carter suddenly felt the overpowering presence of the man in front of him. He was suddenly reminded of what had happened back in Colburn.

Right now, whether he admitted it or not, he was screwed either way. If he said that Lauren wasn’t his wife, then he would essentially be admitting to lying in Colburn.

To avoid pissing George off, Carter decided to go along with it.

Even if George and Rhea knew each other, he didn’t think it mattered. After all, Rhea was just a consultant. He

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Chapter 40

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didn’t think that George would risk offending the entire medical equipment industry of the southern tri–state area over her.

At that thought, Carter pressed his lips together before saying, “Yes, she’s my-

The door suddenly opened.

11

The large crowd at the door took aback Louie. He quickly greeted them, “Mr. Snider, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Walsh.”

He immediately picked up on the situation.

He glanced at Carter, then purposely asked, “Mr. Jamison, you’re still here?”

Jaden asked, “Are you two having dinner together?”

“No,” Louie replied, smiling. “Mr. Jamison just came to see Ms. Ravelle. He was hoping that she could wrap up work early and head home to take care of his kids.”

Jaden looked puzzled. “He wants Ms. Ravelle to take care of his kids?”

He couldn’t understand it.

The partnership with Scott Group was already a done deal, so showing concern was merely a matter of courtesy.

After that day’s round of meetings, everyone was particularly impressed with Rhea.

Although she was young, she was highly professional, sharp–eyed, and quick–witted. She was definitely someone worth getting to know.

With a trace of confusion, Louie asked, “Mr. Dillon, you didn’t know? My bad. I forgot to introduce you.

“Ms. Ravelle is actually Mr. Jamison’s wife. She has been busy looking after her stepchildren over the past few years. But now that she’s here for a business trip, Mr. Jamison’s a little worried and wants her home soon.”

Jaden instinctively turned to look at Lauren. “Then… who’s this?”

After all, they had just seen Carter about to admit that the woman next to him was his wife.