I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 525

At Jamison Manor, Arielle and Adrian ran to greet Carter as he returned from his business trip. "Dad!"

But the moment they spotted Lauren behind him, leaning on a crutch, both kids instinctively took two steps back.

Lauren didn't seem offended. She calmly said, "Relax. I'm not here to play mommy. I just need a place to stay while I recover. I'll be gone in a few days."

Arielle and Adrian exchanged skeptical looks.

Carter walked over and pulled them into his arms. "She's just a guest. Don't worry."

The kids had grown a lot. Holding both of them now was a struggle. After a moment, he set them down.

Dinner was already being prepared in the kitchen.

An hour later, the food was ready.

As Carter walked past the living room, he asked Lauren, not very kindly, "Are you eating?"

Lauren didn't even look at him. "No. I'm planning to starve myself to death."

Carter was rendered speechless for a moment. "You can eat, but you'll have to pay for your meals."

"Are you kidding me?" Lauren snapped, whipping around. "Damn you, Carter! Are you really that stingy? I paid you 400 dollars! Did you spend it all feeding the dogs?"

"Watch your mouth. The kids aren't dogs. And that money was payment for staying here, not food. Do you think groceries are free?" he replied evenly, completely unbothered.

Grinding her teeth, Lauren pulled another hundred dollars from her bag. "Happy now?"

She could have just hired a part-time caregiver for less than this.

But no way in hell was she going to give in to Carter. Did he think she couldn't afford to eat here?

At the dining table, Lauren sat expressionless, not sparing the two kids a single glance.

Adrian timidly pushed a piece of steak toward her. "You can have some."

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