I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 435

Chapter 435

“Mr. Snider, this is a small token for you and Mrs. Snider. I hope it brightens your days,” Rhea said, presenting a precious emerald and a box of premium teas.

Steven replied, “There’s no need for such formality. Soon we’ll all be one family. Cynthia… is eating in the main dining room. Don’t worry about her. You young people chat among yourselves.”

“Mrs. Snider is in the dining room?” Rhea asked. “I should go say hello.”

George was about to refuse. But when he saw her gaze, he didn’t stop her.

Over at the main dining room, it was quiet and deserted.

Seeing Rhea approach, Cynthia set down her cutlery. She remained seated, and her smile was faint. ” Ms. Ravelle.”

Rhea’s skin was fair and flawless. Her entire presence was far more radiant than it had been before. That slight smile alone could captivate people.

Kate sat there, watching Rhea like an outsider.

“Mrs. Snider,” Rhea greeted politely. “Kate, you’re here too?”

Smiling, Kate nodded. “Yeah. Mrs. Snider asked me to stay for dinner. Would you like to join us?”

She spoke as if she were the hostess.

Ignoring her question, Rhea said, “Mrs. Snider, I heard you haven’t been feeling well recently, and I haven’t found a proper chance to visit. Fortunately, Kate is patient and gentle. She can keep you company and lift your spirits.”

Rhea then turned to George. “You should consider Kate as a sister. Even as a son, you’re not as

attentive as she is.”

A sister? Kate frowned.

But George actually said, “If you think it’s appropriate, I can check with Mr. Pearson.”

He seemed ready to follow Rhea’s lead.

Rhea smiled sweetly and looked back at Kate. “If you haven’t eaten enough, come join us.”

Kate avoided her gaze. “No, thanks. I’ll stay here with Mrs. Snider.”

Rhea’s smile deepened. “Based on our birthdays, you’re a month and a half younger than me. Having

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a sister like you taking care of Mrs. Snider makes me feel reassured.”

She had effectively arranged a familial relationship between Kate and George.

It was a dilemma for Kate. Neither speaking up nor staying silent seemed right. Yet, she remained composed. “I will take good care of Mrs. Snider for you.”

Rhea was the future daughter–in–law, yet she had someone else take care of Cynthia. What would outsiders think?

Unexpectedly, Rhea said boldly, “Thank you for that.”

She actually accepted the offer without hesitation.

She then smiled faintly at Cynthia and turned to the small dining room. George followed her.

The maids busied themselves with entertaining guests, leaving only one maid in the main dining room. Steven had also gone to the small dining room.

The table was filled with a lavish feast, from roasted lamb to fresh seafood.

The young ladies gathered together, chatting freely about everything.

Steven took a quick bite and left to give the young people space. Then, he went to handle the arrangements for seeking Rhea’s family’s blessings and contacted other direct relatives of the Snider family.

Asking for the Ravelles‘ blessings was a big affair. It needed to be done properly to reflect the Snider family’s regard for Rhea.

Only half a wall separated the main dining room from the small dining room. Just a slight turn of the

head allowed a view of the other side.

Kate’s seat gave her a perfect view of Rhea and George.

“Will you peel this for me?” Rhea asked, pointing at a shrimp.

George smiled, put on disposable gloves, and peeled it for her.

Liora teased, “Oh my, the power of true love is boundless! George has never done something like this!

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Ignoring her teasing, George peeled a small plate of shrimp and then went to the kitchen to pour a cup of warm water for Rhea before setting it beside her.

When Kate looked over, she noticed George touching the back of Rhea’s hand. “Why is your hand so cold?”

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Rhea raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling. She whispered, “Maybe it’s because I’ve been thinking about you so much that my blood’s not flowing.”

She was obviously joking, but George’s throat still tightened at her words.

Their whispered conversation made Kate’s eyes prickle with heat.