I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Lauren sobbed. “Carter, I’m really exhausted…”

Peter’s voice cut through sharply. “Lauren, how many lies do you need to tell?”

Lauren froze mid–cry, forgetting to shed another tear.

Carter was also taken aback at the sudden appearance of Peter and Aiden.

“When did you get here?” he asked.

Peter’s gaze bore into her. “Unfortunately, we were in the ground–level parking lot, trying to contact you to find out which floor you were on. That’s when we saw Lauren blocking Rhea.”

Lauren’s face went pale for a moment, but she quickly moved toward Peter. She clutched his arm and gave him a silent plea not to speak out.

“Peter, you saw it, right? We grew up together. You have to vouch for me. Otherwise, it could ruin

Carter’s trust in me in the future.”

She was trying to guilt him into protecting her, reminding him that if he valued his friendship with Carter, he shouldn’t speak recklessly.

But Peter had no patience for her manipulative act.

He yanked his arm free, furious. “Carter, she blocked Rhea from entering. She even told her to stop clinging to you and stay away from your family. She went so far as to kneel and play the victim, yet didn’t even mention that Adrian needed urgent care!”

Carter’s expression instantly darkened at those words.

Aiden’s silence spoke volumes. He was in full agreement.

Carter fixed Lauren with a stare. “Explain yourself.”

“You’re lying!” Lauren berated Peter. “Why do you always help Rhea slander me? Is it because you want them together, so you keep targeting me? I love my kids. I could never do that!”

“You know what you did,” Aiden said coldly.

Carter took a deep breath, holding it for a long moment. “Peter, help me to the car.”

He had to apologize to Rhea and bring David back. He could deal with Lauren later.

“Carter!” Lauren suddenly called out. “Why won’t you trust me? Who gave you those children? Who quietly left while bearing the burden of cancer alone, not wanting to hold you back? If Rhea really cared about saving Adrian, would she have left?

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Chapter 273

+25 BONUS

“She was just putting on a show for you, then shifting all the blame onto me. I’ve never directly clashed with her, but every time she sees me, she goes out of her way to oppose you. Is she really good to you?”

Carter’s resolve wavered, but Adrian’s injury left no time for doubt.

“Get in the car,” he said without looking back.

Lauren stood alone, her eyes red and swollen. As she watched them leave, her heart ached.

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