I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256

+25 BONUS

Lauren quickly changed the subject. “Elena, when is your father coming to Draventh? Carter and I should host him properly, so he won’t worry about you spending time with us.”

Elena drew her gaze back from the kids. “He’ll be here tomorrow.”

“Should we book a hotel and restaurant for dinner?” Lauren offered.

“No need. My dad’s meeting an old friend first. He actually wanted me to go too. Why don’t we all go together? His friend has some influence. You two could use the connection.”

Lauren had hosted her these past two days, after all. Elena hated owing anyone favors, especially for something as trivial as this.

Lauren’s face lit up. “Really? That’s wonderful. Thank you, Elena.”

“No need for thanks.”

The meal dragged on for more than three hours before Elena finally left.

She kept texting Nathan, but he hardly ever replied. He was too aloof. He only replied when she brought up Rhea, as she did now.

Nathan: “I’m busy. Is there something else you want to say?”

Elena: “…So we can only talk about your sister?”

Nathan: “Do we even know each other?”

Elena: “That’s why I’m trying to get to know you now.”

Nathan: “I’m not interested.”

Elena: “Why do you hate me? Is it because I’m ugly?”

After sending that message, she didn’t get a reply from Nathan.

Elena slammed her hands on the armrests in frustration, wondering if she was really that unlikeable. Did this man even have friends at all?

“Hello, Dad?”

“Be there early tomorrow,” Kieran reminded her. “Mr. and Mrs. Hopper just got back from abroad. Don’t you dare be late. It’ll look rude.”

“I know. But can I bring two friends?” Elena asked.

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Chapter 256

“They’re not lunatics, are they?” Kieran didn’t trust most of Elena’s so–called friends.

“They’re successful people.”

“Fine,” Kieran said. “See you tomorrow.”

+25 BONUS

That night, Lauren shared the good news with Carter. For once, he smiled broadly.

Seeing that smile, Lauren felt a rush of pride. “Anyone Mr. Austin personally entertains must be powerful. If we meet them, that’s a connection locked in.”

The Austin family was the most prominent jeweler in Dalea. All the elites showed them respect.

When Carter heard that, he immediately called Marcus.

Marcus thought for a moment. “I’ve got a piece in my collection. Bring it along as a gift for Mr. Austin tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cain.”

“By the way, are you about to finalize the divorce with Rhea?”

Carter’s gaze dropped. “Yeah. Within the next few days.”

“Delay it. Wait until Mr. Hopper leaves. I hear he’s planning to build a supply plant in Dalea and looking for partners. As the Ravelle family’s son–in–law, you’ve got a stronger hand than the Sniders. You might land the deal.”

Carter didn’t mention the incident between Dexter and Lauren.

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