I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 426

Chapter 426

Elena’s sincerity struck Rhea hard. She was almost humbled by it because she couldn’t make that kind of promise to George.

Rhea stayed quiet for a moment, perhaps out of instinctive protection for a woman showing such honesty. “Nathan… He’s a bit difficult. But from what I know about him, if he didn’t like you, you

wouldn’t even be able to reach him at all.”

Elena blinked.

Seeing the confusion on her face, Rhea couldn’t help but smile. “You just need to be bold and straightforward with him. Let him make the choice. If he says no, well, that’s just fate. But if he hesitates even a little, you disappear.”

“Disappear?”

“He won’t take the initiative when it comes to feelings. You’ll have to push him.”

Elena understood it completely.

Nathan was the heir of a powerful family in Draventh, after all. It was normal for him to receive respect and praise.

“I trust you, Rhea! Cheers!” Elena said solemnly, clinking her glass with Rhea’s.

And just like that, the two women spent the rest of the night drinking and talking, sharing stories from every corner of their lives.

Elena recounted everything about Lauren and Kate coming to her. Her disgust, disdain, and anger

were evident.

By 3:00 am, Elena left in her family car and headed back to Eryham.

“Ms. Ravelle?” Carmelo approached cautiously.

Rhea wasn’t drunk. She was just a little dazed. “It’s fine. You guys can go to bed.”

Carmelo hesitated, George had already messaged him five times that night.

Rhea looked up. “I’ll contact him. Go rest.”

Only then did Carmelo finally relax and return to his room.

A minute later…

“Hello?” Rhea’s voice carried a crisp, icy edge, like winter cracking over frozen water.

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Chapter 426

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“Rhea.” George’s voice was low and hoarse. “You’re still awake?”

“Weren’t you waiting for me?” she asked.

Their recent interactions had been superficial at best. Both of them felt it, but George especially. It left him feeling uneasy. He feared that Rhea hadn’t fully let go of Carter, which was why he constantly felt the need to check on her.

“I was just worried that you’d stay up too late,” George said.

That was a lie.

“You don’t trust me?” Rhea’s voice carried a trace of amusement. “Worried that I haven’t moved on from Carter? Or that I’d go back to him because of the kids?”

The question hung there, answered only by a long silence.

George didn’t want to lie to her about this, so he said nothing.

Rhea lowered her gaze and poured herself a glass of wine. She stared out at the river and watched the boats roll by. The neon lights didn’t stir even the slightest ripple in her eyes.

“George.”

“Yeah?”

“Since the day I chose to be with you, I’ve been sincere. I’m not using you as a substitute for anyone or as a balm for bad feelings. To me, you’re just you. And I’m very clear about the path I’m taking. I won’t turn back. Even if one day we part ways, I still won’t look back.”

She offered him reassurance, yet at the same time handed him a bomb that could explode at any

moment.

“Rhea.”

“Yeah?” She sipped her wine, her eyes heavy with fatigue and the warmth of tipsiness.

He asked, “Do you like me?”

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