I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229

Lauren glanced at Carter, wishing he would step in and tell Peter and Aiden that they didn’t need to treat Rhea with such respect.

But he didn’t.

Not only did he remain quiet, but he also continued to watch Rhea. His gaze was no longer cold but carried a flicker of admiration, even a faint smile.

But Rhea wasn’t the same as before. She no longer greeted everyone with a ready smile. Her expression remained distant, except for when she looked at the kids.

That cool elegance was enough to make even Aiden hesitate before speaking.

Still, Rhea showed them some courtesy. Smiling, she asked, “When did you get here?”

Peter let out a breath. “We just arrived. Come on. Take a seat.”

Rhea went over and sat with Arielle and Adrian instead of taking the hostess‘ seat. She settled in the middle, with Arielle on her left and Adrian on her right.

Lauren walked over, smiling, and took the hostess‘ seat right beside Carter.

Peter and Aiden couldn’t help but glance her way when they saw her do this, but Lauren kept her face perfectly calm without moving.

Carter lowered his gaze. “Why don’t you sit with the kids? Help them eat.”

Lauren’s lips quivered, and even her gaze wavered. She hadn’t expected Carter to cut her down like that, especially with Rhea sitting right there.

Lauren held herself back before finally getting up to change seats. “Sure.”

Once seated, she said to Rhea, “You must have missed the kids. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve made more of the dishes you enjoy.”

Rhea didn’t even look her way. Instead, she spoke softly to the two children.

Just then, Arielle said, “Adrian and I asked Dad to invite Mom.”

She wanted to clarify that Rhea didn’t come here uninvited.

Even as young as they were, they could tell that Rhea didn’t like Lauren. And they didn’t either.

“Mom, I’ll pick the fish bones out myself. You should eat too,” Arielle said sweetly.

Rhea brushed her cheek. “Be careful, okay?”

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Chapter 229

“Okay!”

Carter also set a piece of fish onto Adrian’s plate. “I got the bones out for you.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

+25 BONUS

From where Lauren sat, Carter and Rhea, each with a child beside them, looked just like a perfect family of four, with the parents gently picking out fish bones for the kids.

Peter suddenly said, “What a happy life. I have to admit that I’m a little envious now. You have healthy children, a beautiful and gentle wife, and a steady career. It’s wonderful.”

The words seemed aimed straight at Lauren.

Peter’s cousin, Ruben Vance, was only 17. He innocently asked, “Wait, so she’s Carter’s wife?”

Peter swatted the back of his head. “Of course. Who else would she be?”

“I thought…” Ruben trailed off awkwardly.

Lauren smiled. “It doesn’t matter. We’re all friends here. Dig in. Make yourself at home.”

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