I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 82

Inside Rhea’s villa, the doorbell echoed.

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Carolyn checked the security screen before turning around and saying, “Rhea, those people are here.”

Kate raised a brow. “Seriously?

Carolyn replied, “Oh yes. That woman included,”

Rhea had just finished discussing work matters with Louie and was about to introduce him to two associates from Draventh.

“Let them in.”

She no longer cared about Carter. So, seeing him wouldn’t stir a single unnecessary emotion.

When the door opened, Lauren’s first glimpse of the interior sent a sharp pang of envy through her.

“This place is really luxurious,” Lauren remarked, “Rhea, you certainly know how to live well.”

Carolyn didn’t miss a beat. “Those with good fortune should live well. Those without? Well, they make do with wheelchairs.”

The barb landed with precision.

Carter frowned, irritation flashing in his eyes. He thought that Carolyn had absolutely no manners.

Yet, he held back his temper and approached Rhea instead. “Tell your friend to show some respect. Lauren came here out of kindness.”

Rhea’s gaze was icy. “Kindness? Am I obligated to accept everyone’s kindness? And why should she deserve respect from my friends?”

Given Carolyn’s temper, the fact that Lauren was still standing was a testament to her self–restraint.

Not wanting to argue with a pregnant woman, Carter kept his voice level. “Calm down. There’s no need to be so defensive. Lauren’s been through pregnancy before. She thought that her experience might be helpful to you.”

“Yeah, it’s a difficult journey, Rhea. I suggest you listen to your doctor’s advice.”

Carolyn shot her a sidelong glance and mocked, “Your suggestion is the last thing she needs. I’ve got friends at Colburn. I heard all about how you guzzled wine and beer while pregnant.

“No wonder the twins are so frail. Thank God Rhea spent years nursing them back to health.”

Lauren’s face flushed crimson. She wondered who these people were and how they could know so much.

Carter’s gaze turned frosty. “Miss, this is my wife’s home. As a guest, you’d do well to remember basic manners.

Chloe snorted. “Small–town folks really have no class. Carter, thank God you kept the children’s stepmother away from her questionable friends. Otherwise, who knows what bad habits they’d have picked up?”

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Chapter 82

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Small–town folks? No class? Questionable friends?

Carolyn laughed. “You’re absolutely right. Although in our small town, we’ve never seen anyone cling to an ex like a leech or shamelessly invade someone’s home and push the actual lady of the house out.”

In Draventh’s elite circles, there were unspoken rules. The legitimate wife always kept the other women in their place. They would never let a scandal like that spread.

No matter how ugly things were behind closed doors, appearances always had to remain impeccable.

If someone like Carter showed up in Draventh flaunting his first love, people in the industry and social circle would avoid him like the plague.

Over time, those powerful men grew increasingly cautious.

Carolyn’s words were no longer just throwing shade. They were practically calling names. However, she still underestimated Lauren’s tolerance.

Even with her pride nearly in tatters, Lauren continued to smile. “That’s why I’m truly grateful to have Carter’s support. I thought I’d drop by to see Rhea.”

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