I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 108

For six years 108

+25 BONUS

Chapter 108

Lauren’s tone and expression completely terrified the kids.

Acting on pure instinct, Adrian shoved her hard. “You’re a bad person! Stay away from us!”

The push made Lauren stumble back. On reflex, she lifted her hand and smacked Adrian across the back. She lost it and snapped, “Ungrateful little brat! I gave birth to you!”

Adrian was knocked to the floor, but he didn’t cry. He just glared up at her, defiant and silent.

Arielle quickly pulled him into her arms and choked out a scream, “Dad! Dad!”

The moment Lauren heard her call for help, her senses snapped back into place. She crouched in a rush to pacify the kids. “Sweeties, I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry…‘

11

But Arielle and Adrian didn’t listen at all. They only grew more terrified as she drew closer.

Alisha rushed over at the sound of the commotion, and the kids ran straight into her arms.

Lauren gritted her teeth. “The kids wouldn’t listen. I just scolded them a little, and they started crying. They’ve really been spoiled.”

Alisha didn’t bother arguing. She picked the kids up and left with them right away.

At Scott Group, Louie wasn’t expecting a visit from Carter.

But after giving it a thought, he figured out why. “What brings you to my office today, Mr. Jamison?”

“Answer one question for me, and I’ll hand over the business of any three facilities you choose

within the tri–state area.”

Carter hadn’t gone home. He had come straight to Scott Group from the postpartum recovery center.

He thought that Rhea had gotten a little too full of herself after making a few business connections. Now, it seemed that she was treating people like dirt and humiliating Lauren like that.

There was no way he would let her keep getting away with it.

Louie smiled. “That’s quite generous of you, Mr. Jamison.”

He figured that this must have something to do with Rhea.

“Ask away,” he said. “If I know the answer, I’ll tell you.”

Carter’s gaze turned dark and menacing. “How long have Rhea and George known each other?”

1/3

Chapter 108

+25 BONUS

Technically, this wasn’t the kind of question he should be asking Louie.

If word got out that Rhea had betrayed him, Louie’s style of doing business meant that the gossip would be spread everywhere by tomorrow.

Louie paused. “I wouldn’t know.”

Naturally, he knew. After all, George had mentioned that Rhea was just like his sister. As for how that happened, he neither knew nor cared to ask.

“I’ll throw in two more hospital partnerships for Scott Group.” Carter stared Louie down. “Just tell me how long they’ve known each other.”

Louie was tempted, but he also knew that there were people he just shouldn’t cross.

“Mr. Jamison, wouldn’t it make more sense to ask your wife directly? I really don’t know.”

Carter sat down, lit a cigarette, and gave a dry laugh. “I heard that your sister’s in talks to marry a member of the richest family in Ritburgh. My parents had quite the connection with them back in the day.”

Louie’s face darkened. “Mr. Jamison, there’s no need to threaten me. I really don’t know. What do you want me to say? Make up a lie just to fool you?”

Carter’s gaze had turned dangerous as he exhaled a puff of smoke. “Fine.”

He stood up and headed for the door.

Louie frowned, then suddenly called after him, “Carter.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify