I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 558

Kate had thrown a party the night before her engagement. Rhea hadn't planned on attending at all. Even for the engagement itself, she had only intended for Liora to deliver a simple blessing on her behalf as a courtesy.

But she hadn't expected Kate to use Damian to get her invited over. Damian knew Liam, and some respect had to be shown.

Not only that, but Kate—true to her old ways—had invited all her close friends and seated them together at one table.

That night was a gathering for Kate's friends and family, so Sawyer didn't show up.

Connor, acting as the host, attended to every guest with impeccable manners.

Rhea knew that this was the Pearsons' way of trying to reassert their social standing. But she believed that it was nothing more than a desperate, futile struggle.

These days, the bosses and elites would never so much as mention the Pearsons. The only reason they showed up was out of respect for Sawyer.

Yet, Connor seemed oblivious, believing that they were there to honor him.

"You're all here." Kate wore a light pink bodycon dress, looking perfectly put together, with a smile that felt more heartfelt than usual.

As longtime friends, they could tell that she was genuinely happy, which they thought was good news. At least she wasn't fixated on George anymore.

George, of course, didn't show. Not a single member of the Snider family was present.

Rhea sat in her chair, saying little, yet she was undoubtedly the center of everyone's attention.

Her beauty had once sparked Kate's envy.

Later, despite returning to Draventh with a failed marriage due to her reckless actions, she still held her place as the high-and-mighty heiress of the Ravelle family. Kate had envied her even more.

Kate said, "Seeing you all reminds me of our younger days. It brings back so many memories. I hope we can all cherish our lives moving forward."

Carolyn rested her chin in her hand. Her smile looked slightly forced as she replied, "As long as you're happy."

Kate looked down and smiled. "I am happy. I never imagined that I would meet someone like Sawyer. He really listens to me in every way. At first, I thought that since my mom had just passed, we wouldn't need an extravagant ceremony; maybe just a small gathering with our closest friends and family. But he insisted on giving me the most remarkable engagement party possible."

Evelyn sipped her water quietly, thinking that Kate was such a show-off. The latter spoke as if no one else had a decent boyfriend.

This time, Valerie didn't say anything out loud, only speaking softly to Rhea.

Kate continued, "See those flowers? None of those bloom this season. Sawyer had them specially shipped in. Flowers will surround the engagement party tomorrow. If you see any you like, feel free to take them."