I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 625

Carter thought that Lauren might have saved a million dollars or two at best. But, to his surprise, she had managed to save up to four million dollars.

Lauren, looking uncertain, added, "Or maybe… around five or six million dollars?"

With every word she spoke, Carter's expression grew darker.

Lauren shot him a glare. "What are you looking at?"

Neither of them wanted to bring up those past awkward memories.

She assumed that he was probably thinking about how filthy that money was and how it must've been earned in some disgraceful way.

To her surprise, Carter asked, "If you've got that much money, why haven't you paid me back the few tens of thousands of dollars you owe me?"

That debt had been outstanding for what—over two years now?

Lauren gasped, feeling incredulous. "Oh my God, you still remember that?"

"You never paid me back. Why are you acting so surprised?" Carter questioned.

Indeed, he had never asked her to repay the money he'd lent her for her rent.

But that was only because he had assumed that she was completely broke, so he thought that asking would have been pointless.

For their kids' sake, he hadn't wanted to push Lauren so far that she might end up begging on the streets.

Lauren snapped, frowning, "Fine! You can take it. Happy now? I've only got a little over three thousand dollars left in my bank account. Go ahead. You can have all of it if you want that too!"

Carter slipped the bank card into the pocket of his suit. "I'll keep it. If you need money badly, I'll give you some. But if it's just for daily spending, you can earn it yourself."

"So… what, you're helping me save money now?" Lauren asked, blinking at him in confusion.

"I'm helping my kids save money," he said coolly.

Lauren awkwardly scratched her nose. "Well… about that, maybe you could give me some back first? I kind of need it."

Carter shot her a look of disdain. "What for? Luxury shopping?"

She explained, "Ms. Ravelle's son is having his first birthday party soon. I have to bring a gift, don't I? I can't just show up empty-handed like some cheapskate."

At the mention of that, Carter's eyes darkened. But it wasn't out of jealousy or bitterness. Instead, a tinge of nostalgia welled up in his heart. So much time had passed since then.

After some thought, he said, "I'll pick the gift. You can take it there with you. Just don't mention that it's from me."

It was his way of thanking Rhea and, perhaps, a blessing for that fortunate boy.

Lauren was on IV treatment for the entire day.

By evening, the doctor cleared her for discharge.

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