I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Silence stretched between them. The lack of response on the other end of the call wiped away Carter’s jealousy.

He knew that it had all been an act. George was just a shield Rhea had put up. But as soon as that thought crossed his mind, he heard George’s answer.

“I will.” His voice was firm without a trace of hesitation or humor.

Rhea hung up immediately and turned to Carter. “Don’t delude yourself into thinking that I must be with you. I was stupid back then. I gave up being an heiress to be a stepmother to your kids. I’ll never make the same mistake again.”

She started to walk away.

But after a few steps, she paused and glanced back. “You’d better behave yourself. Let’s just get through this divorce quietly. I don’t want to use my influence against you for the children’s sake.”

Her eyes bore into him like he was an enemy.

Carter’s chest tightened. Words tumbled out before he could stop them. “Stop fooling yourself, Rhea. Even if you’re with George, do you really think he’d love you? Who’d want a divorced woman, especially one who’s had an abortion?”

Those words struck Rhea’s heart like a dagger.

Carter spoke without thinking in a burst of anger and immediately realized he had gone too far.

He watched her expression shift from shock to hurt, then to final resolve, and finally to cold

detachment

Rhea’s eyes glistened red, yet she smiled faintly and nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been divorced, and I’ve had an abortion. Thank you for reminding me how you mistreated me back then!”

He hadn’t meant it that way. He had only wanted her to be realistic and not lost in fantasy. “I wasn’t mistreating you. I was just—”

“Carter, remember this.” Rhea maintained her smile. “Even if I’m worthless in your eyes, I will still live better than you ever could.”

After she stepped out of the restaurant, her tears finally fell.

She knew that there had never been love between them, but she could never have guessed Carter would say such cruel things.

She wondered why she had given all her genuine love to such a scumbag.

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Chapter 184

+25 BONUS

The autumn wind bit at her cheeks. Dry leaves swirled around her, clinging as if unwilling to leave.

She would make sure to crush Carter, no matter what it took.

Once in the car, she called Louie. “Mr. Scott, Carter has a regular partner, Enstin First Hospital. When you have time, go to Enstin and take over this partnership. You can undercut the price as much as needed. I’ll cover the difference.”

If throwing money could wound Carter, Rhea was all in. Revenge on him meant hitting him from every angle.

Louie didn’t know what was wrong with Rhea, but he could feel the resolute determination in her tone. He replied, “Understood. I’ll head to Enstin tomorrow.”

After hanging up, Rhea called someone in the media. “Hello, this is Rhea Ravelle.”

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