I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 437

The sting of such a contrast wrapped around Kate completely, making her feel a suffocating pressure.

Ever since she was young, she had always been the one who stood out. Even with Rhea around, she could still hold her own. Friends, familiar elders, and visiting businessmen from afar, as well as those overseas, had all praised her.

She had worked tirelessly, studied hard, and enriched herself, all in the pursuit of earning their admiration. Yet, how could all her efforts be so easily shattered by Rhea?

Kate didn’t think she had ever wronged anyone present.

In the past, they had all called themselves close friends, claiming it was perfectly honorable to pursue their desires. So why, now that she had tried, had everyone drawn a line and distanced themselves from her?

Kate found these people so hypocritical that it made her sick and filled her with disgust.

She rose from her seat. With a calm smile, she picked up her glass and raised it lightly. “Since I’m not welcome here, I’ll take my leave.”

After downing half the wine, she set the glass down and briskly walked out.

Rhea admired Kate’s resilience.

Yet, the more controlled she appeared on the outside, the more it revealed just how dark and twisted

her inner world must be.

“We’ve been blind all these years,” Valerie murmured.

The others silently agreed.

They had never scorned healthy competition.

But what had Kate done? Nothing she did matched proper behavior. Her actions were disgraceful and made anyone associated with her feel ashamed.

“She doesn’t act like a lady from a prominent family at all. Her behavior just keeps getting worse,” Carolyn muttered bluntly.

Elena looked puzzled. “Is the Pearson family extensive?”

The room fell silent again.

In the end, Evelyn answered, “No. The Pearson family barely has a dozen people, counting distant relatives.”

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Chapter 437

+25 BONUS

It wasn’t precisely a well–established family. A mere 20 years of history hardly counted for anything

Otherwise, the Ravelle family, with nearly a century of legacy, would be sitting on the throne.

At that moment, George quietly left the small dining room.

Maverick received instructions and carried them out silently.

Outside, snow continued to drift. Draventh’s winter was far from over. It would last until March or

April, when the ice and snow finally melted, welcoming the brief spring.

“Ms. Pearson, please wait.”

Kate froze and turned.

When she saw Maverick hurrying with a bundle of things, her eyes lit up. She wondered if George had

asked him to come. Would he offer her a word of comfort?

After all, they had grown up together.

Kate’s smile brightened a little. “Mr. Cardenas.”

But when she saw what Maverick was carrying, her smile stiffened.

He returned all the gifts she had brought. “Ms. Pearson, Mrs. Snider has everything here. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated. Please take these back and give them to Mr. Pearson.”

Kate knew that this wasn’t Cynthia’s idea. Cynthia would never reject her like this.

Returning gifts was like a slap in the face.

She didn’t think that this was George’s doing either. No matter what, George wouldn’t go so far as to

humiliate her like this.

Kate tried a different approach. “Is Rhea worried about me?”

Maverick had seen enough of the world of the elite to understand the subtext in her words.

“It is Mr. George’s decision. Mrs. Pearson passed away not long ago, and he understands the expenses your family spent on her treatment. He also thanks you for visiting Mrs. Snider.”