I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 463

Chapter 463

Smiling, Kate said, “Ms. Farley happened to tell me where you live. It’s on the way, so I thought I’d drive you home.”

The subway was crowded and inconvenient, and cabs were expensive.

Annie had long been accustomed to living frugally, but she knew that nothing in life came for free.

Kate continued, “I also wanted to ask what kind of food you like, Ms. Levy. I can have the restaurant prepare it ahead of time for tomorrow, so everything will be ready when we get there.”

The two women headed toward the stairs together.

Annie glanced at her. “I’m busy during the day tomorrow. You don’t have to include me in your outing.”

“It’s just a meal, Ms. Levy. You should join us.” Kate pressed the elevator button ahead of her.

When the doors opened, Kate gestured politely for Annie to step inside first.

Kate’s manners were flawless. There was literally nothing to complain about. But that was exactly what made Annie feel worse.

This was a company, a place to work and earn money efficiently. She couldn’t understand why one

would bother with all these social niceties.

Solaris Ventures was a foreign firm. Most major shareholders were foreigners, and the company culture had never revolved around this kind of etiquette.

Over time, Annie had assimilated too, long forgetting that Dalea was famous for its rigid social etiquette.

Rhea was like that, and so was Kate.

But Rhea was straightforward. She never schemed or dragged things out.

Kate, though, with those smiling eyes, seemed capable of holding countless schemes behind them at once. It was unsettling.

Annie exhaled sharply. “Fine. Send me the address. I’ll be there on time tomorrow.‘

Since she had decided to go, she naturally had to bring a gift. She couldn’t just show up and eat for

free.

“Alright,” Kate replied.

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Chapter 463

+25 BONUS

In the car, Kate chatted with Annie, discussing the customs and cultures of different countries, as well as Dalea’s famous sights.

However, Annie didn’t catch a single word. She wasn’t here for culture. She wondered why Kate wasn’t talking about Dalea’s markets, business trends, or industry insights instead.

Finally, they arrived at her building. Annie got out swiftly. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it, Ms. Levy. See you tomorrow. Have a lovely evening,” Kate said, her smile gentle.

She had always believed that her smile made her very approachable. Whether they were men or women, no one could put their guard up around her.

“You too,” Annie replied and turned toward her apartment complex.

It wasn’t a luxury neighborhood–far from it—but it was affordable. The company offered dorms, but she preferred renting her own place.

Once inside, Annie opened her laptop and immediately video–called her son and husband.

“I’ve looked into it for you.” Kevin looked gentle and polite. His calm tone gave away a man with

plenty of patience.

“Let me see,” Annie replied.

“She’s impressive, though unfortunate in some ways,” Kevin commented.

Annie had asked him to dig up information on Rhea.

After reviewing it, Annie sat in silence for a long time.

Rhea had always excelled academically, yet maintained a very low profile. Every school she attended was prestigious, reserved only for top students.

But shortly after graduation, she secretly married her ex–husband, became a stepmother at a young age, and set aside her talents and brilliance. She lived modestly, dedicating herself entirely to her husband and newborn stepchildren.

She devoted six years to her family, only to be betrayed by her ex–husband and his first love.

Reading the details of Rhea’s past nearly made Annie slam her desk in frustration.

“That bastard!” Annie muttered.

She knew how hard it was to raise one child. Yet, Rhea had done it for two! And just as she had managed, the birth mother returned. How shameless!

“That’s not even the worst part,” Kevin said gently. “There was a full–blown public drama before the

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