I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 557

Kate didn't stay at the hospital very long. She left after just over an hour.

Outside the hospital, Kate hesitated for a moment before tossing the pastry box into a nearby trash bin.

Standing by her car, she wiped her hands with a wet wipe.

The only people living here, besides the doctors and nurses, were patients. Who would dare eat something made by a mental patient?

A faint look of disgust crossed her eyes.

When Cynthia had called her that day, Kate hadn't been eager to come.

She had already moved on from George. Her relationship with Sawyer was also growing, and their engagement was imminent.

Cynthia no longer served much purpose to her; this visit was more of a bother than anything else.

She only came begrudgingly because she knew that as long as Cynthia remained a barrier, Rhea wouldn't be happy.

But the promise to get Cynthia out of the hospital was sincere.

Since Cynthia was mentally troubled, once she returned, things would only get worse for Rhea.

Smiling, Kate entered the car.

As the car drove away, two figures emerged from behind a tree.

"Go get the janitor," Sylvia instructed.

Mikayla nodded.

…

At noon, Sylvia led Cynthia to the cafeteria. "Mrs. Snider, let's go get lunch."

"Look at this. These aren't the pastries they sell in our cafeteria. The box is so pretty, and it's never even been opened. Who threw it away? What a waste of food."

"Right? These patients really can't control themselves."

As they passed by, Sylvia paused. "Can I see that?"

The janitor handed over the pastry box he had retrieved from the trash.

"Sylvia, don't be upset. Next time Kate comes, I'll ask her myself," Cynthia said.

Sylvia looked puzzled. "She'll come again?"

Cynthia hesitated. "I suppose. But she's getting engaged soon, so probably not in the near future."

"Engaged? Aren't you going to celebrate it with her?"

"I'd like to," Cynthia said. "I have an invitation, but I can't leave here."

Sylvia offered. "If you want, I can take you out. An engagement is a happy occasion. Going to give your best wishes would surely make Ms. Pearson thrilled."

"Really?" Cynthia's eyes lit up with excitement. "Sylvia, you're so kind. Thank you! If you're free, you can come with me too."

Sylvia's gaze flickered. "Can I? Ms. Pearson's engagement party must be crowded. I haven't been to such a lively event in ages."

"Of course you can come," Cynthia said. "It'll definitely be full. People in our circles always show up out of courtesy. Maybe you'll even get to see my ungrateful son and his hopeless fiancee."

By the end, she was practically grinding her teeth with fury.