I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Besides, he and Lauren had grown up together, and she had given him two beautiful children. If he went out of his way to make it up to her, Rhea should be able to understand.

“Don’t cry. Your makeup will get ruined.”

Lauren gave a gentle smile before saying, “Carter, I knew you were the best.”

D

At the cocktail party, there were plenty of representatives from outside companies. Ever since Colburn’s pharmaceutical sector was revived, they had been keeping a close eye on it.

Carter’s Jamison Group held the top spot across the southern tri–state area. As long as he didn’t enter Draventh, he was undeniably one of the few major players.

But if he wanted to break into Draventh, he still fell short. That was why he was in serious need of investors to help him expand his reach.

Just then, a few attendees walked by.

The host, Benson Lindsey, stepped up. “Mr. Snider, Mr. Ravelle, this is Mr. Carter Jamison, CEO of Jamison Group. He landed three top–tier hospital contracts in just a few months.”

The two men he introduced were magnetic, turning heads everywhere they went.

According to Benson’s introduction, the man on the left was George Snider, owner of one of the country’s largest medical equipment export companies.

At 29, he was the heir to his family’s business. He carried an exceptional presence, poised and sharp. His own company was nearly twice the size of Jamison Group.

Standing next to him was Nathan Ravelle, the heir to Draventh’s most powerful family and the chairman of the city’s top venture capital firm.

He was also Rhea’s older brother.

When Nathan heard Carter’s name, he looked up and fixed his gaze on him.

He had seen Carter in photos of Rhea’s life sent by his people. Now that he was seeing the man in person, he had to admit that the guy looked decent.

But who was the woman beside him?

Carter’s demeanor didn’t falter. Calm and poised, he extended a hand and said, “Mr. Snider, Mr. Ravelle, it’s an honor.”

George nodded. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Jamison.”

Nathan gave him a firm handshake as he watched closely. “I heard your company recently went public. Congratulations.”

Carter offered a modest smile. “It’s nothing compared to what you and Mr. Snider have achieved.”

“Oh, that’s not true. Your life seems much happier than mine.” Nathan’s expression turned pointed. “You have a good wife and two adorable kids.”

Chapter 7

+25 BONUS

George stood off to the side, looking like a spectator. He knew that Nathan was studying his brother–in–law.

Then, Nathan deliberately turned to Lauren and asked, “This must be your wife, Mrs. Jamison, right?”

Lauren’s face flushed. She looked at Carter with uncertainty.

Carter hadn’t intended to mention it, but he hadn’t expected Nathan to ask so directly.

Worried that Nathan might think it was disrespectful to attend an event like this without bringing his wife, Carter had no choice but to reply, “Yes.”

Upon hearing that, Lauren quickly stepped forward and said, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Ravelle, Mr. Snider.”

She had no idea that the moment Carter gave that answer, Nathan’s expression changed completely. He simply replied with a hum of acknowledgment.

Without saying another word, Nathan turned and walked off with George.

However, Carter didn’t think much of it. He simply assumed that if Nathan was saying this much and showing such interest in Jamison Group, it probably meant that he had already set his sights on it.

When the cocktail party came to an end, Benson happily saw George and Nathan off.

Suddenly, George said, “After further review, Snider Group has decided not to move forward with Jamison Group.” Nathan chimed in immediately, “Take them off the list of investment prospects.”

His beloved sister had married Carter at such a young age and taken on the role of stepmother to his children.

Not only did Carter fail to appreciate her, but he even brought another woman to such an important event and had the nerve to introduce her as his wife.

Benson’s smile froze as he asked, “May I ask why?”

Suppressing his anger, Nathan replied, “Integrity matters in business. Mr. Jamison brought another woman to this event and claimed that she was his wife.

“A person with that kind of character is not someone I trust with my money. Mr. Snider doesn’t believe that a leader like that is someone he can build a successful partnership with either.”