I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95

George asked, “Did you see the buildings around here?”

Rhea nodded. “Yeah. This area has gotten really busy.”

George smiled. “If you ever want to return to Draventh, I’ll give this whole street to you.”

She blinked in confusion.

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Edward chuckled from the front seat of the car and explained, “Ms. Ravelle, this entire street now belongs to Mr. Snider.”

George now owned the entire boulevard of luxury shops.

Did he just say he would give it to her?

Rhea assumed he was joking. “I couldn’t possibly accept something this extravagant.”

“It was meant to be your wedding gift,” he said.

“Wedding gift?”

George explained, “Back when Nathan and I went into business together, we made a bet, and I lost. Based on Nathan’s terms, every shop that opens on this street over the following 15 years will be in your name. The plan was to hand it all over to you on your wedding day.”

However, it was too bad that Rhea never got married in Draventh. She left and never came back.

Rhea’s eyes welled up instantly.

Nathan had once wanted her to walk down the aisle like royalty, and she had let that all slip away.

George gently ruffled her hair. “We’re here.”

“George, you don’t have to walk me in. People might get the wrong idea,” Rhea said.

George stepped out first, then turned back and looked at her. “You’re afraid of rumors?”

If anyone should be worried, it should be George. As the heir to the Snider family, even a whisper about him could send shockwaves.

Rhea, on the other hand, had almost been forgotten. She stepped out of the car and flashed him a bright smile. “What do I have to be afraid of?”

George walked over. “Then get inside. You barely ate anything earlier.”

They entered the restaurant together.

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Chapter 95

No one took their order, but dishes kept coming.

George didn’t eat. He just opened a bottle of wine. He said, “The dishes are all pregnancy–safe. Help yourself.”

The gesture moved Rhea. She finally relaxed and began to eat.

Seeing how much she was enjoying the food, George asked, “Still haven’t made up your mind?”

“I have,” Rhea answered without hesitation. “I’m staying in Colburn. I’m going to rebuild Scott Group and wipe Jamison Group off the map in Colburn.”

She had all the connections and resources. All it would take was reconnecting, and helping Louie rise to the top would be effortless.

George’s gaze darkened. “Do you hate Carter that much?”

Rhea’s expression didn’t change as she replied, “It’s not hate anymore.”

He was just a stranger now. And what happened to a stranger had nothing to do with her.

George let out a quiet laugh. “Good.”

“What?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.”

As Rhea was finishing up her meal, George said, “Don’t’stay in a hotel. No one’s there to look after you. I’ve got extra rooms at my place, and Nathan’s right next door. While we’re out tomorrow, you can invite Kate and the others over to hang out.”

He knew that she wouldn’t want to return to the Ravelle residence.

Rhea wiped the corner of her mouth before asking, “Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Why not?”

She hesitated. “Carolyn said that you were engaged.”

George’s expression turned serious. “Did you see something?”

“No.”

“Then it’s not true. If you didn’t hear it from me, don’t believe it.”

When they arrived at his place, George had Rhea go in first.

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Chapter 95

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Then he stayed by the car and made a call. His voice was low and dangerous as he ordered, “Wipe every rumor about me being engaged. And if any media outlet repeats that, bring the responsible individuals to me. I’ll handle them myself.”

The person on the other end hesitated. “What about Mrs. Snider?”

“I’ll deal with my mom.”

“Yes, Mr. Snider.”

Carter hadn’t even made it back to Colburn when he received a call. In an instant, his eyes were bloodshot with rage.

The people he had left behind reported that Rhea had gone home with George just moments ago. Now that she didn’t have to care for his kids, it seemed as though she were behaving like a free woman. However, they weren’t even divorced yet. She was still his wife and the children’s stepmother. That came with responsibilities she couldn’t just walk away from.

With a dark expression, Carter called Devan. “Call Rhea and have her come home. Tell her the kids are insisting on having her around.”

Chapter 96