I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 453

Chapter 453

“Miss, please wait!”

With so many guests present that day, security had been beefed up, with extra personnel pulled in from other residences.

The newly assigned security guard looked at Kate. “I’m sorry, miss, but I don’t think you’re on the guest list. You’ll need to register first, and I’ll have to check with Mrs. Snider or Mr. Turner.”

Kate froze mid–step, her expression flickering slightly. “You don’t know me?”

The guard only recognized Angie, who had just stepped out to answer a call.

Every time a banquet was held at the Ravelle residence, Ruby and Philip would prepare a printed list of all invited or confirmed guests, complete with names, phone numbers, and photos.

At high–society events, an invitation from the host wasn’t enough. The invited guests also had to provide identification.

The entrance was also equipped with a security system. Although it wouldn’t beep, a light would flash inside the security booth. This was a precaution to prevent any unnecessary incidents at the

party.

However, the guard didn’t recognize Kate from the guest list.

Angie was stunned. “She’s Rhea’s best friend. Are you new here? You don’t know her, but the other guards should. Go ask.”

The guard in question had indeed been newly assigned, so he came running only after being prompted by the Ravelle residence’s security team.

Having been stopped by an unfamiliar guard, Kate could still maintain a shred of dignity.

He lowered his head slightly in apology. “I’m sorry, miss. Only invited guests may enter tonight. Ms. Kramer, you should head back in.”

Kate stood frozen, feeling embarrassed, yet she fought to keep her discomfort from showing.

Their conversation with the security guard had lasted a moment, so they caught the eyes of the guests near the buffet.

Other wealthy heiresses nearby noticed Kate and immediately started whispering among themselves. Their gazes lingered on her with unmistakable meaning, sharp as if forged in fire, making Kate feel uneasy.

“Forget it,” Kate said to Angie, her smile faint. “If they don’t want me there, I probably shouldn’t go

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Chapter 453

+25 BONUS

1. in. Please bring this gift in for me and pass on my regards to Rhea.”

She left on her own, saving what little dignity she could.

Angie couldn’t help feeling disappointed. Her annoyance at Rhea was growing, Kate struck her as

truly pitiable.

“Alright, then.”

Kate smiled and turned to go.

“Wait a second,” the security guard called out again.

Kate’s brow furrowed ever so lightly. “What now?”

She thought that the security guard was seriously annoying.

“Please hand me the gift first.”

Kate’s gaze flickered. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Everyone else has taken their gifts inside,” Angie said.

The guard held out his hand. “Ms. Kramer, the other guests didn’t give food items. This gift from the lady appears to be, so we’ll need to inspect it first.”

Kate’s fingers tightened around her purse, subtle but firm.

Angie frowned, thinking that the situation was ridiculous. “Seriously? They’ve been best friends since they were young. Doing this makes Rhea look petty.”

“My job is to keep the event safe. Ms. Kramer, you should head back inside.”

“You-”

“Never mind, Ms. Kramer,” Kate said, sounding almost wounded. “You should go ahead. Thank you.

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