I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Lauren could feel the change in Carter’s attitude. It left her feeling uneasy, but she didn’t panic.

After taking a steady breath, she plastered her smile back on. “Carter, I only just arrived in Draventh. I don’t know anyone here yet, so I overthink things, worried that I’ll mess something up. That’s why sometimes I end up doing the opposite of what I mean. But I’ll adjust quickly. I’ll handle things at home. You don’t need to worry.”

“Good.” Carter then signaled a bodyguard to help him upstairs to change.

The moment he disappeared, Lauren’s smile slipped.

She knew that Carter probably didn’t have any feelings for her anymore. Nevertheless, it didn’t

matter to her.

To her, what mattered was reputation and status. She wanted the title of Mrs. Jamison.

An hour later, when the guests arrived, Lauren was first surprised, then delighted. “It’s you guys? Come on in.”

She was dressed so extravagantly that anyone who didn’t know better would think that Carter was

some top tycoon.

Lauren had gone a little overboard with her accessories. She was wearing earrings, a necklace, and bracelets all at once. It wasn’t tacky, but it was apparent that she was trying to flaunt.

Lauren had thought that the guests would be Draventh’s business owners and their wives, but to her surprise, it was Peter, Aiden, and one of Peter’s cousins.

Her enthusiasm dropped in an instant.

Peter knew Lauren well enough to catch it immediately.

“You look disappointed,” he said bluntly.

Lauren froze, then chuckled. “What are you talking about? I’m thrilled you’re here. I hardly know anyone in Draventh. Let’s move to the dining room. Dinner’s ready.”

“There’s one more guest.”

Just then, Carter descended the stairs with Arielle and Adrian by his side. He settled into his wheelchair in the living room.

Puzzled, Lauren asked, “From Draventh?”

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Chapter 228

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Carter nodded. “Yes.”

Arielle’s and Adrian’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and their faces were full of eager anticipation.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” Lauren volunteered.

If Carter wouldn’t allow her to publicly claim that she was his fiancee, she figured that she could at least act like the lady of the house in front of their Draventh guest.

After opening the door, Lauren quickly stepped outside. But before she could make it down the front steps, she froze in place.

“Rhea?” Her brows pinched. “Why are you…

Night had already fallen. Draventh, being located in the north, grew cool in autumn.

Rhea’s long hair hung loosely over her shoulders. She wore a white sweater with black trousers. Her heels clicked against the floor in a steady rhythm.

Her makeup was polished yet understated. She didn’t so much as glance at Lauren before walking straight inside.

“Mrs. Jamison?” Devan was surprised.

“Mom!” Arielle and Adrian bolted forward.

Rhea set down the gifts she had brought, crouched, and wrapped them into her arms. “Did you miss me?”

“Of course we did!” they chorused.

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