I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

After saying that, Lauren watched the kids closely.

Normally, when she said things like that, they would give her an icy look or even walk away from her.

But now, with so many people around, if they did that, everyone would surely say that they hadn’t been properly taught. And since Rhea was the one who raised them, she couldn’t escape the blame.

A few seconds later, to Lauren’s surprise, Arielle smiled sweetly and said, “Okay. Dad and Mom worked hard to raise us. We’ll definitely study hard.”

Adrian nodded solemnly. “Yeah.”

Her words made Lauren’s smile twitch.

To her, those words were hard to hear. But to outsiders, the two children sounded thoughtful and absolutely endearing.

A lady who once knew Rhea spoke up. “As parents, all we could ever hope for was the day our children would grow up to be understanding. It looks like Mrs. Jamison’s years of care have truly paid off.”

“Exactly! Compared to my own kids, these two are angels.”

Their words were like invisible slaps, darkening Lauren’s face even further. She, the birth mother, had no presence at this moment.

But what surprised her most was that the two children didn’t seem to resist her that day.

She had hoped to use the party as an opportunity to make Carter question Rhea’s parenting. But now, it backfired. All the praise was falling on Rhea.

Just then, Peter, who was invited, suddenly said, “Arielle, Adrian, the ones who brought you into this world are your birth mom and dad. Without them, you wouldn’t be here today.”

To him, Rhea was just mooching off Lauren’s efforts.

These kids were wonderful. If Lauren hadn’t given birth to them, would Rhea have ever had the chance to call them hers?

But a few of the women present, who had been stepmothers themselves, were immediately put off by those words.

Among them, Elsie Clarke was the most direct. “Mr. Henderson, I remember your father married your mother when she already had a son. So by your logic, all the effort your father put in as a stepfather over the years was for nothing, right?”

Peter’s mother had remarried before having him and his sister, and his father had raised that stepson with immense care.

Peter’s face darkened at once.

Elsie was the first person who recognized Lauren at the celebration party last time. She was also a stepmother, but she had a great relationship with her stepson.

Being in the same position herself, she couldn’t stand hearing anyone speak poorly of Rhea.

She didn’t see what the big deal was about being a biological mother. After all, they just gave birth but didn’t raise the child.

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Chapter 30

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“Mrs. Jamison, we really envy you. You raised these kids so well. They’re so thoughtful and sweet. You’ll surely have a happy life ahead.”

Rhea smiled. “I hope so.”

Elsie linked arms with her. “I’m sure Lauren has ulterior motives. Be careful. Don’t let her benefit from your efforts.”

Rhea hadn’t known her well before, but now she realized Elsie had a kind heart.

“Being a stepmother isn’t easy,” Elsie went on. Her husband was a high–ranking official at Colburn, so people dared not contradict her.

“When they’re not your own kids, you can’t scold or punish them. Do a good job, and it’s just your duty. Do something wrong, and people will accuse you of being heartless. It’s a no–win situation. If your husband understands you, great. If not, it’ll just break your heart. Fortunately, my stepson treats me well. I’m really grateful.”

She crouched to the kids‘ level and said, “You two have to study hard and grow up into amazing people to make your mom proud.”

Arielle and Adrian nodded. “We will, Mrs. Miller!”

“How adorable!”

Lauren’s face turned even darker.

Carter, meanwhile, was lost in thought. Elsie’s words echoed in his ears. Being a stepmother indeed wasn’t easy.

When it came to how Rhea treated the kids, he really couldn’t fault her.

As a stepmother, she was certainly up to the task. But it was her unwillingness to tolerate Lauren that had led to the recent unpleasantness.

It seemed like he needed to talk to her seriously.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Carter said, “Thank you all for coming to celebrate our children’s birthday. Please, everyone, take a seat.”

The backyard was spacious enough for several tables.

At the main table, the birthday twins wore their party hats. Carter and Lauren stood on either side of them.

Smiling, Lauren said, “Let’s take a family photo.”

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