I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 141

Chapter 141

Carter stayed rational even at a moment like this. He knew that he couldn’t break the Donovan family’s rules.

“What’s wrong with sitting there? Men and women have to sit separately,” he said.

Lauren clenched her fists. “But… I don’t know anyone over there. It’s so awkward.”

“Awkward? A little solitude isn’t so bad.”

The maid prompted, “Sir, madam, Mrs. Donovan Senior is about to come out.”

Her gaze lingered on them.

Who were these two? So clueless about etiquette.

“Alright,” Carter said, signaling Lauren to return to her seat. She walked back to the women’s section, constantly glancing over her shoulder.

Nearby businessmen chuckled.

“She’s clearly not cut out to be a wife.”

“Exactly. Even if she’s a secretary, Mr. Jamison shouldn’t have brought someone who is so unaware of rules.”

“Mrs. Donovan Senior is here.”

All eyes in the garden turned toward her.

Luciana Ballard, known as Mrs. Donovan Senior, had snow–white hair, but her energy was unmatched. Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks flushed with life.

Luciana’s son, Samuel Donovan, held the microphone. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate my mother’s birthday. I am most grateful.”

After saying that, he stepped back and bowed to express his gratitude.

The guests applauded.

The birthday banquet wasn’t overly formal.

After Samuel’s opening speech, 76 ceremonial cannons fired simultaneously in the distance, sending

colorful streamers into the air.

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As the maids pushed food carts through, they noticed that one woman’s table had only a single Occupant

Stanley immediately went to Valerie Levine, Luciana’s granddaughter–in–law. “Mrs. Donovan, there’s a table with only one guest over there.”

The number of invited guests had been confirmed in advance, with the seating perfectly arranged to match the guest count. So, there was no way several seats would be left empty.

Valerie, responsible for organizing the banquet, looked over. “Who is that?”

“I don’t know,” Stanley admitted.

Rhea, having just personally wished Luciana a happy birthday, overheard them. She whispered to Valerie, “That’s Carter’s first love and ex–fiancee. She’s the birth mother of my stepchildren.”

Valerie was also one of Rhea’s close friends. The seven women had grown up together and were once known as the Draventh Seven.

By rank and status, Rhea rightfully held the top position. Whenever there was an issue, the ladies habitually sought her advice, treating her as the center.

Although very few outsiders knew that Rhea had married, her friends were fully aware and kept it private.

“That’s her?” Valerie was surprised. “I didn’t even invite her.”

She had sent the invitation to Rhea, worried that she might be in an awkward position. And she had added two extra guest spots, assuming Rhea would bring her husband.

Rhea knew what Valerie was thinking. “Carter came, but he brought her with him.”

Valerie immediately stood, her expression sour. “Not just anyone can sit at the Donovan family’s table. Move her far away from here.”

It was no wonder the maid had told her earlier that Liora and the others looked down on one female

guest, She had thought that someone had offended her friends, but she never expected…

Without uttering a single word, Stanley led his people to the women’s section.

Lauren had no appetite. Every glance her way felt like ridicule, leaving her on edge.

“Excuse me, miss. Your seat needs to be moved.”

“Moved?” Lauren asked, confused..

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