I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 142

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Chapter 142

“Mr. Jamison?” Valerie, from a refined family, maintained her courtesy.

Carter found an excuse. “The female guest at that separate table came with me. Could she be seated elsewhere? That way, the Donovan family’s carefully prepared dishes wouldn’t go to waste,”

Valerie politely refused. “It’s fine, Mr. Jamison. Your female companion can enjoy the fine food. You need not worry.”

Carter knew he had been turned down and had no choice but to leave.

“Mrs. Donovan, is this… appropriate?” Stanley asked.

Valerie put away her smile. “She schemed her way here. Shouldn’t we at least let her enjoy the spotlight a little?”

Their precious Rhea must never be bullied! It might have been forgivable elsewhere, but how dare this woman pull such a lowly trick in Draventh!

“Go get ready. I will toast the ladies on behalf of Luciana.”

With that, Valerie left and appeared in the women’s section.

Everyone stood and greeted her respectfully. She toasted each table.

By the time Lauren noticed, Valerie was approaching. Lauren rose but didn’t know how to address

her.

A maid poured her some wine, and Lauren accepted it.

Valerie sized her up in an instant. “I don’t know you, but I’m grateful you came to my grandmother- in–law’s birthday banquet.”

With that, she downed her glass of wine.

Lauren responded, “Wishing Mrs. Donovan Senior a long and happy life.”

She followed suit, finishing her own glass.

Then, the maid immediately poured her a second one.

Lauren was puzzled but couldn’t refuse.

At the main table, Rhea, having toasted Luciana, turned around and noticed the scene.

Liora smiled. “Val is known for her tolerance of alcohol.”

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They were drinking one glass after another. Could Lauren handle it all?

Rhea’s gaze shifted to Carter

Indeed, he took action and walked toward Lauren.

Liora noticed as well. “Let’s go, too,”

As soon as they arrived, Carter shot Rhea an irritated look. “What are you doing?”

Liora blinked in confusion.

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“I know you have many friends,” Carter said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “But is it necessary to pick on one woman like this? If you want to embarrass her, just say so.‘

He assumed that Rhea had orchestrated the women’s mistreatment of Lauren.

Liora, who was used to all sorts of scheming women, was completely stunned. She had never expected Carter to say something like that.

Goodness gracious! This guy was really something else!

Rhea stood in the middle, smiling. “You’re right.”

Carter froze. “What?”

“I do want to embarrass her.”

“You…” Carter was so angry that no words came out.

Rhea continued, “Mr. Jamison, do you have any further questions? If not, return to the men’s section. Wandering around will get you escorted out.”

Being “escorted out” publicly would be utterly humiliating.

Carter had no intention of letting that happen, but Lauren was being bullied. He wondered how Rhea wielded such influence to get these prominent women to back her.

“It’s okay, Carter…” Lauren coughed softly, appearing fragile. “Knowing them is an honor for me. Don’t blame Rhea.”

Typical words spoken by a scheming woman.

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