I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 133

Carter said such shameless things without even a hint of shame or a skipped heartbeat.

Nathan laughed out of irritation. “Really? Rhea, who is this woman to you? Your sister–in–law?”

Rhea’s gaze toward Carter now carried undisguised disgust. “I don’t know her,” she replied.

Everyone was shocked by Rhea’s answer. That meant that Carter not only brought a stranger to such an important event, but even his wife wasn’t aware of it.

“Rhea, we grabbed the wrong invitation, right?” Carter wanted to use this as an excuse to let Lauren attend the banquet.

As he said that, his gaze at Rhea carried a subtle yet pointed reminder. He was hoping she would go along with what he said.

But why should she comply?

Rhea smiled. “Sorry, but my invitation has my name on it. The Donovans just assumed that I would bring my husband, so they added an extra spot.

A collective gasp erupted from the crowd.

In Draventh, invitations with a printed name were reserved for honored guests of the host family. Everyone was shocked that this woman in black was actually an honored guest of the Donovan family.

Carter’s face registered genuine shock.

How could this be possible? Even he hadn’t received an invitation as an honored guest. Yet, Rhea

somehow had one?

Sensing the gazes of everyone around, Carter slid his invitation to Lauren and walked over to Rhea.” I’ll share this invitation with my wife,” he said.

Nathan froze. He couldn’t believe that this Jamison guy was really this shameless.

Lauren, unable to endure the stares, quickly handed the invitation to the receptionist. By all logic, this should have worked,

But the manager’s voice crackled in the receptionist’s earpiece. “Do not allow that woman to check

in.”

The receptionist pretended to check the guest list, then wore an apologetic expression. The receptionist flipped through the list, feigning apology. “Sorry, ma’am. Your name isn’t on the Donovan family’s guest list.”

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Chapter 133

+25 BONUS

Even with an invitation, she couldn’t enter because the Donovan family simply didn’t know her.

Lauren’s cheeks burned. She could not stand it any longer. She turned and started to leave.

Carter instinctively moved to follow her.

“Mr. Jamison,” Nathan called out.

Carter halted abruptly and evenly asked, “Yes, Mr. Ravelle?”

“Nothing. Just a reminder. Once you leave, you won’t be able to attend the Donovan family banquet.”

Carter frowned, not understanding why there was such a rule. He could tell that this was a clear warning that he wasn’t allowed to go

after Lauren.

Lauren, who hadn’t reached the hotel entrance yet, felt unbearably humiliated. If Carter caught up to her, she could at least keep some of her dignity. But if he didn’t…

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