I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 161

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At that moment, Carter suddenly realized something. The wealthy wives in Colburn all seemed to acknowledge only Rhea.

When Elsie returned to her seat, Carter leaned closer to Lauren. “You should also reach out to those women when you have time.”

After all, the wives‘ circles could directly influence the husbands‘ networks.

Lauren immediately nodded. “Don’t worry, Carter. I’ll make sure to get close to them.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she straightened her back even more.

The room suddenly stirred with noise. A group of people entered through the doors.

“Mr. Snider.”

“Mr. Snider.”

At the center of the crowd was a tall man who drew every gaze without effort. With one hand in his pocket, he carried a sharp, steady presence.

His eyes were like sharp, menacing blades that no one dared meet head–on. But the moment his gaze fell on Rhea, the corners of his eyes crinkled.

George approached her and lowered his gaze. “You just got here?”

Rhea nodded.

He then casually took the seat beside her and asked, “Did you see something you like?”

She did, though she hadn’t decided whether to bid.

“I’m just here to look around,” Rhea replied.

They were seated close, so their voices were kept low. Even someone a row away wouldn’t catch a single word of their conversation. Still, everyone could see how familiar they were.

Sharon had seen George before, and at first glance, she found him strikingly handsome.

With his background, refined demeanor, and outstanding ability, he was the very definition of an exceptional man.

But how did such a man end up knowing a woman like Rhea? What did she have that warranted his attention?

Sharon stood abruptly, eager to be noticed. “Mr. Snider?”

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Chapter 161

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George didn’t bother to turn around. He only angled his profile slightly, offering no reply.

Sharon smiled sweetly and continued, “I’m Sharon, daughter of the Moss family. We’ve met once

before.”

Only then did George glance at her, as if out of courtesy.

A few seconds ticked by before he smiled. “Have we? I don’t remember.”

He didn’t remember?

Sharon’s face flushed with embarrassment. She sat down in silence. Her gaze bored into Rhea’s back, filled with envy and rage.

She didn’t know how someone like that could possibly catch George’s eye. In contrast, Sharon didn’t feel like she was lacking anywhere.

She had the right background, good looks, a wealthy family, and years of studying abroad. Her

credentials were flawless.

It had to be because men were always drawn to women like Rhea, who only pretended to be fragile to

trigger their urge to protect her.

The auction finally began.

The auctioneer handled the room with ease, moving through bids and final calls like a seasoned

performer.

Rhea barely glanced at the first few items–until the necklace she had her eye on appeared. Its beauty, along with the story behind it, was enough to capture the attention of all the women present.

George tilted his head toward her. “Do you like it?”

Her eyes flickered in surprise. She hadn’t given anything away, so how did he know?

George chuckled, as though he could read her thoughts. “Ever since you were young, whenever you saw something you liked, you wouldn’t say a single word, but you’d start tracing circles with your finger.”

As he had said, her right hand, which was resting on her knee, had her index finger absently drawing loops against her thumb.

It was a small habit of hers, a tell that she had her eyes on something and was waiting for the right

moment.

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