I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 450

Ruby narrowed her eyes and questioned, “You really haven’t mistreated her?”

“Absolutely not!” Nathan raised his hand in assurance.

Ruby put her hands on her hips, pointing at her children. “You two…”

George, who was sitting between the Ravelle siblings, blinked awkwardly.

Ruby paused, then continued, “George, sit next to Liam first.”

George looked at Rhea, then quietly moved his seat.

The Ravelle siblings sat upright at once.

Channeling her matriarchal authority, Ruby said, “Mark my words. If I ever hear either of you disrespect your other half, belittle someone, or behave without any decency, I’ll personally set you straight.”

“Do you hear me?” Ruby suddenly shouted.

Startled, Nathan and Rhea stammered, “Y–Yes, Mom!”

“Now go rest,” Ruby said, waving her hand. “Relatives will start arriving tomorrow. Make sure to get up early.”

The Ravelle family had distant relatives visiting, along with Ruby’s side of the family.

Thinking of those relatives, Nathan and Rhea exchanged glances. They saw mutual helplessness in each other’s eyes.

With so many relatives set to visit in the coming days, even Liam had become unusually quiet, seemingly careful not to provoke Ruby.

George was staying over at the Ravelle residence, but in a separate room. Rhea guided him to the guest room.

George asked, “Your mom seems to be in a bad mood.”

Rhea gently closed the door and led him to sit on the small indoor balcony. “Most of my parents‘ distant relatives aren’t in Draventh. They’re still back home. The more people, the more chatter. Especially my mother’s sisters and cousins. They like to compare everything.”

George nodded in understanding. He knew that he had to make a good impression and avoid embarrassing Ruby.

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Chapter 450

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+25 BONUS

By 9:00 am the following day, a steady flow of guests had begun to fill the Ravelle residence.

Some relatives from Draventh were unable to attend the engagement party, so they arrived early.

Half of the estate grounds were prepared for the occasion, with a large buffet area and more than a dozen elegant tables set up.

Ruby wore a bodycon dress with a shawl draped over her shoulders, and her jewels were lavish yet tasteful. She radiated the poised authority of a distinguished and powerful lady.

She moved gracefully, attending to the wealthy ladies of Draventh.

“Ruby!” a loud, boisterous voice called out.

Ruby’s expression stiffened instantly. She knew that it was her sisters. Her parents had also arrived early, but they were inside, chatting with peers.

“Riley, Kendall, Selene, Sydney,” Ruby addressed them.

“What a grand scene!” Kendall Johnson, Ruby’s second sister, exclaimed. She was dressed ostentatiously like a nouveau riche.

Ruby was busy. “Go in and take a seat. I’m a little busy.”

Guests continued to arrive, including relatives from her own family. Once Ruby caught her breath, she returned to the living room and exchanged a few words with her sisters.

“Ruby, you really are lucky,” Kendall said. “You married well, and Rhea is marrying well, too. After getting a divorce and becoming a stepmother, she’s still marrying into a wealthy family. What incredible luck!”

Ruby’s expression faltered slightly.

“Mrs. Snider.”

All eyes turned toward the voice.

A man with a powerful presence approached calmly. His striking features and immaculate suit made him look every bit the gentleman, drawing sparks of envy from the ladies around.

Ruby beamed. “George, you’re here.”

That morning, George had gone to the company, then returned home to change clothes before rushing here.

Ruby straightened her back. Glowing with pride, she turned around. “Everyone, meet George Snider, Rhea’s fiance and my future son–in–law.”