I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Chapter 70

First, Lauren replaced the clothes Rhea had bought for the kids. Next, she would teach them new skills. Over time, the children would naturally grow closer to her.

But Lauren had clearly forgotten one significant thing–the children were already six years old.

They could think for themselves, and they had their habits and routines. By forcing things like this, she was only making things worse.

“Adrian, you can rest. I’ll do it,” Arielle said.

“It’s okay, Arielle,” Adrian replied.

Rhea had always said that siblings should look out for each other.

“Keep practicing,” Lauren said. “When you’re done chopping, Scarlett will teach you how to cook. We’ll start with scrambled eggs. It’s the easiest.”

Once the kids finally finished chopping the green onions, Scarlett put a pan on the stove and motioned for Arielle to add the oil.

Arielle stood shakily on the stool. Her eyes were wide with fear as she stared at the dancing flames.

When the oil sizzled, Scarlett instructed, “Put the green onions in.”

Arielle grabbed a handful of chopped green onions and tossed them into the pan.

The moisture clinging to them hit the hot surface with a sharp sizzle, and the oil exploded violently.

Hot oil splattered and hit Arielle’s hand. She cried out in pain and fell backward off the stool. Her head slammed against the tiled floor with a loud thud.

“Ms. Arielle!” Alisha, who had been watching the entire time, immediately rushed over.

However, Scarlett blocked her. “What are you screaming for? It’s just a little oil burn. Ms. Thayer went through the same when she learned to cook. What’s the big deal?”

Alisha’s heart ached, and she snapped back, “She’s only six!”

Scarlett replied coldly, “Children in the countryside are already cooking full meals for their parents by six.”

“You…” Alisha was furious. “You can’t treat kids like this! Ms. Arielle’s forehead injury hasn’t even healed yet. You can’t mistreat her like that!”

“Watch your words. Ms. Thayer is their birth mother. How is this called mistreatment? You’re really out of line, Alisha. Pack your things and leave,” Scarlett made the decision.

Lauren didn’t even look at Alisha. Her silence was approval.

Devan, hearing the noise, rushed in and felt utterly drained. Ever since Lauren returned, this house hadn’t had a single day of peace.

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Chapter 70

+25 BONUS

He quickly scooped Arielle up. “Ms. Arielle?”

However, something was wrong. Despite the heavy fall, Arielle didn’t cry, but her eyes were extremely red.

“Mr. Witt, I feel dizzy…” Arielle murmured faintly.

Devan panicked and exclaimed, “Quick! Get a car ready!”

Sensing something amiss, Lauren frowned and asked, “What’s going on?”

Alisha, shaking with rage, turned and shouted, “You tell me! Ms. Arielle’s been on the ground, and you didn’t even move a finger!”

She ran after Devan and headed to the hospital with them.

Lauren’s expression turned sour. “Scarlett…”

Scarlett reassured her, “Kids get bumps and bruises. It’s normal. But they need to unlearn their old ways, or they’ll never forget their stepmother.‘

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After all, Lauren’s real goal was to use the kids as a means to latch onto Carter again.

At the hospital, the doctor was speechless upon seeing Arielle. “Her forehead still hasn’t healed, and now she’s hurt the back of her head too?”

Scarlett let out a dramatic sigh. “Children are just so mischievous sometimes.”

Both Devan and Alisha gave her sharp looks.

“Arielle?”

Carter had rushed from the office the moment he got the news. With Rhea gone, he had no choice but to handle everything himself.

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