I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

“You’ve worked hard today. You should take a break.”

Carter rubbed his temples and asked, “Did you check on the kids?”

Lauren froze. “I–I didn’t have time yet. I’ll call them now.”

She had been too focused on trying to relive old memories with Carter during this business trip that she completely forgot about the kids back home.

Carter reminded her, “You need to video call them to know how they’re really doing. And it’s late. They’re probably already asleep.”

Lauren bowed her head. “You’re right. I’ll remember next time.”

Her submissiveness softened him a little.

But when he thought of Rhea, he frowned again. She had actually asked for a divorce, and she seemed serious.

After six years of marriage, she wanted to walk away just like that? Was marriage a joke to her?

“What’s wrong, Carter?” Lauren asked softly.

“Nothing.”

Carter turned his attention to the project brief. “What do you think about this?”

Lauren replied, “I’m not really business–savvy, so I don’t have much of an opinion. But whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

Carter currently preferred women who were graceful and gentle. So, she had to play the part. But this time, her response and reaction didn’t please him at all. 1

He suddenly remembered his early startup days, when he would often hit a tough decision, and Rhea would offer advice. And she was always right. More than once, he had avoided costly mistakes thanks to her insights.

He simply assumed that Rhea was just thoughtful, never considering that it might actually be a gift.

A gift that, at the very least, Lauren didn’t have.

Without realizing it, Carter murmured, “Rhea’s always had a sharp mind for business.”

A faint unease crept into Lauren’s chest. What she feared most was Carter falling for Rhea

She didn’t mind if he loved Rhea for her beauty or grace, but not for her strengths, because that was something that couldn’t be replaced.

Lauren quickly said, “Eat something, Carter. I’ll brush up on this stuff later, too. As your secretary, I should try to share your burden.”

Truthfully, bringing Lauren along was really just a move to keep her from visiting the kids alone and possibly getting into a conflict with Rhea. Carter never actually expected Lauren to be of any real help.

After all, in his eyes, she was gentle and fragile. The kind of person who needed protection.

“Go get some rest.”

Lauren lowered her head. “I–I have trouble sleeping in new places. Could I maybe… sleep on the couch in your

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Chapter 35

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room?”

Carter looked at her. He and Lauren were just co–parents, and he knew that she had trouble adjusting to new environments as well.

However, other staff members were also on this trip. If they saw her leaving his room in the morning, it could easily lead to misunderstandings.

“I’ll stay with

with you

until you fall asleep. Then I’ll head back,” Carter said.

Realizing that she had just been turned down, Lauren asked softly, “Carter, do you still blame me for leaving you without anything all those years ago?”

T

Carter was tired. “No. Don’t overthink it.”

He walked her back to her room.

Lauren then grabbed her sleepwear and went into the bathroom.

Carter stood at the window for a long time.

Back when he used to travel for work, Rhea would always call at night to check in, and they would talk about the kids. But this time, there was nothing.

It seemed that Rhea had changed.

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