I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 455

Chapter 455

Carter was in rough shape.

Rhea’s engagement party yesterday had been live–streamed in full, and he had watched the entire thing

Kate sat across from him, watching coldly as he drank glass after glass of wine,

Carter spoke as if he had finally found someone to vent to, “I never gave her a decent wedding… Not even an engagement party… I never realized that she could be this stunning.”

The more he watched Rhea’s life now, the more guilt consumed him.

Scenes from the past replayed in his mind like a flurry of sharp knives, randomly stabbing at his

heart.

His eyes reddened. He fought back tears and managed a bitter smile, “I pushed her away with my own hands…”

“She’s vain and shallow. What does that have to do with you? Her love was cheap. If she really loved you like she claimed, why would she leave? She thought that she had been young and naive. She realized that she could indulge herself and be worshiped by everyone, but being with you made her look foolish, so she left. That’s it.”

Kate’s words were venomous, and her gaze was icy. “She barely had any real contact with George. How could they suddenly be a couple and get engaged? Either she never loved you, or she had already betrayed you long ago. So why are you getting upset over someone who doesn’t even love herself?”

Looking at Carter, she felt nothing but hatred. He had been abandoned, yet here he was, still hung up

on Rhea.

Kate couldn’t understand what was so good about Rhea. She was just a woman who once degraded herself and now traded her beauty for affection.

In Kate’s eyes, Rhea didn’t love George at all. She believed that Rhea loved vanity, hated Carter, and couldn’t stand seeing Kate with George, so she took him for herself.

In Kate’s mind, Rhea had betrayed their friendship first.

Rhea knew that Kate liked George, so she stole him first. After all, there was no better eligible bachelor than George in Draventh.

Ever since they were young, Rhea had always outshone her. Whether in academics, appearance, or friendships, Rhea was always at the forefront.

Kate’s mindset had long since been twisted by countless sleepless, desperate nights. Her mind

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jumped from thought to thought with no control.

Carter looked at her and shook his head slowly. “No… Rhea and I got married in a whirlwind, but she loved me. She loved my children and our home. Everyone could tell how much she loved me!”

Even now, he was still defending Rhea? What did Rhea even have to deserve this? Her family background and looks?

Kate’s chest ached with rage.

She didn’t bother trying to reason with a drunk man. “I’m starting work tomorrow. Once I get settled, I’ll contact you.”

The only reason she had stayed in touch with Carter was that he was Rhea’s ex–husband. And she believed that Rhea being criticized by her ex would be the ultimate disgrace.

Cynthia already disliked Rhea enough. Kate would only make sure to go further.

So what if Rhea and George were engaged? There was always the option to call it off.

Rhea had ruined her life, and there was no way Kate would let her live in peace.

After leaving Jamison Manor, Kate met with Eden Olson, the deputy CEO of Solaris Ventures.

“Ms. Pearson,” Eden greeted.

Damian had sent him to meet Kate in advance to brief her on her work and its nature.

“I’m not sure if you’ve worked in this field before, but don’t worry. The company has assigned a manager to guide you. Your project director is also new, so there’s no need to worry about any bullying.”

Kate listened carefully and realized that they were giving her top–tier treatment–an excellent salary, flexible hours, and freedom.

“Thank you, Mr. Olson.”

“You’re welcome.”

After parting ways, Kate thought it over and decided to call Sawyer.

Although they weren’t close, Connor had meant for them to be married. For the sake of the future, Kate was willing to try talking to Sawyer.

Besides, Damian, the CEO she was about to start working for, was a friend of Sawyer’s. She needed to send some messages to her new colleagues.

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The call rang for a long time. Just as Kate was about to hang up, Sawyer finally picked up.

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