I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Rhea didn’t know who Marcel was, but judging by the way he dressed, she could more or less figure out his profession.

“I’m a Virgo,” she replied calmly. “Why are you asking?”

Lauren’s eyes widened. “So you’re a Virgo?”

Then she turned quickly to Carter. “Carter, that means…”

But Rhea didn’t stay to hear any more. She simply turned and walked into the kitchen.

After giving her instructions, she headed upstairs in silence like a guest in someone else’s house.

Just then, the doorbell rang again.

Lauren, being closest to the door, opened it. “Grandma?”

A caregiver wheeled Chloe in. She looked concerned. “Well? Mr. Coleman, what did you find?”

Chloe was the one who had introduced Marcel to Lauren.

Marcel replied, “Mrs. Thayer Senior, this home is disturbed. If you want peace, anyone or anything with incompatible energy in here must be removed. I’ve identified three individuals who shouldn’t stay. Objects are easier to clear out, so those can wait.”

Although Chloe was Lauren’s maternal grandmother, she was still addressed as “Mrs. Thayer Senior” since Lauren’s parents shared the Thayer surname.

Chloe’s expression turned serious. “Carter, better safe than sorry. This concerns your kids and career. I remember your parents were firm believers in geomancy when they were alive, and so were Lauren’s parents.”

Devan glanced at Chloe. He wondered why the Thayer family had still gone bankrupt if they had truly believed in geomancy and even consulted geomancers.

Chloe wheeled herself closer. “Mr. Coleman, who are the three people?”

“These two,” Marcel said, pointing to Devan and Alisha. “And one other young woman.” 1

Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “And what kind of person would be good for Carter’s home and career?”

Marcel mumbled something under his breath as he calculated. “Someone with the same horoscope would be ideal.”

Lauren leaned in beside Carter. “Carter, you don’t need to worry too much. Honestly, I think hard work matters more than all this. If we just keep pushing forward, none of this should matter.”

“That’s not quite right,” Marcel interjected. “Geomancy is the foundation of a family. If left unchecked, it can lead to illness, misfortune, and ultimately bring ruin. History is full of once–wealthy families falling apart overnight.”

Lauren frowned. “That’s true. Carter…”

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Chapter 48

+25 BONUS

Carter suddenly looked at Marcel. “So the only solution is to avoid contact? Is there no other way?”

Marcel hesitated. “Well…”

Carter continued, “Divorce isn’t an option. I won’t agree to it.”

Lauren’s chest tightened. That quiet certainty in his voice made her bite down hard on her lip.

He actually didn’t want a divorce.

Even after how cold and distant Rhea had been toward him, he still didn’t want to let her go. She wondered if Carter had actually fallen in love with Rhea.

Lauren hesitated before saying, “Carter, you can’t let feelings get in the way of what’s best for the children or your career. You have to prioritize what truly matters. The kids keep getting sick and hurt. As their mother, I’m worried sick too.”

She said it that way, hoping that Carter would say the words she had been dying to hear. She wanted him to say, I don’t love Rhea.”

But instead, Carter stood up, his gaze turning cold. “She’s my wife. If believing in geomancy means kicking her out, then I’d rather not believe it at all.”

Sensing his shift in attitude, Marcel quickly added, “If you don’t want to take that route, there is a second option. You could bring someone into your daily life who shares your horoscope. Their energy can help stabilize yours and balance things out.” 1

Same horoscope?

Chloe suddenly seemed to remember something. “Lauren, your birthday’s in the same month as Carter’s. You two share the same horoscope. You should stay close to him. Helping him will help the children.”

Lauren pressed her lips together. “Grandma, of course I will. But it always seems like I’m the reason Carter and Rhea clash. I just…”

Marcel jumped in immediately. “Mr. Jamison, that’s a clear case of incompatibility. If the Virgo in question had a more tolerant nature, there wouldn’t be so much conflict and tension.”

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