I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Good fortune wasn’t all that important to children.

However, businesspeople often took geomancy seriously, and Carter was no exception. When it came to Arielle and Adrian, he couldn’t afford not to.

Carter wasn’t as attentive as a woman nor as expressive as other fathers. But that didn’t mean that he didn’t love his kids.

His love was just quiet. He was the kind of man who believed that he had fulfilled his duty as a father as long as he provided a suitable environment for his children to grow up

1. in.

“Alright,” Carter said.

Lately, things really hadn’t been going smoothly.

Lauren smiled. “I’ve actually heard that some kids act out or get moody because of the geomancy in the house. I happen to know a geomancer who’s really good. Do you want me to call him?”

Carter, still looking exhausted, replied, “Yes, please. Thank you.”

At noon, Alisha came to report, “Mr. Jamison, Ms. Arielle won’t eat.”

Carter had just finished with his work in his study. Frowning, he made his way to the dining room.

Since Arielle was sick, Alisha had been taking great care of her. The latter had even tried to feed the young girl by

hand.

However, Arielle refused to let Alisha feed her.

Lauren offered to try instead, but Adrian stepped in and stopped her from getting close.

“What now?” Carter asked, clearly out of patience.

Arielle’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Dad, can you feed me?”

“You’re six years old. Do you still need someone to feed you?”

“When I got sick before, Mom always did.” Arielle lowered her head, looking hurt.

At the mention of Rhea, Carter’s frustration flared even more. She still hadn’t returned. But even so, his pride wouldn’t let him be the one to reach out.

Once Carter sat, Arielle asked, “Dad, can you video call Mom? I miss her.”

Carter had strictly told Alisha yesterday not to call Rhea, so Alisha didn’t dare do anything.

Lauren stepped in. “Sweetie, anything Rhea can do, I can do too. She’s busy with work right now and spending time with some friends. Let’s not bother her, okay?”

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Chapter 45

Her words hinted that Rhea had chosen her social life over them.

Arielle frowned. “Even if Mom’s busy, she still cares about me.

Carter didn’t want to call Rhea. He picked up the spoon and held it out to Arielle. “Let’s eat first.”

+25 BONUS

Arielle pressed her lips together. Her ponytail was crooked, and her forehead was still wrapped in bandages, making her look small and fragile.

“Are you eating or not?” Carter finally snapped.

“No,” Arielle said, her voice sharp with defiance. She wanted to see Rhea.

“Then stay hungry,” Carter said coldly. “Rhea’s the one who spoiled you like this. Not everyone’s going to coddle you all the time.”

“I want Mom!” Arielle yelled. “If she were here, I wouldn’t be like this!”

“She’s not your mom!”

That was the first thing Rhea heard when she walked in.

Carter’s firm and unwavering tone made her heart skip a beat when she heard that.

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