I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89

By 3:00 pm, Lauren showed up at Carter’s office with a lunchbox in hand.

Grace saw her but didn’t greet her.

Lauren ambled, but her back remained perfectly straight. She asked, “Ms. Huber, where is Carter? I brought him something to eat.”

Without even looking up, Grace replied, “Mr. Jamison’s in a meeting.”

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Lauren glanced at her, then turned and slowly headed toward the conference room, knocking on the door.

The meeting was still in session.

Lauren walked in with a crutch in one hand and a lunchbox in the other. “Carter, you didn’t eat much earlier. Have some once you’re done.”

Carter was already irritated. Just thinking about divorcing Rhea only added to his frustration.

“We’re in the middle of a meeting. What are you doing here?”

Lauren froze. “I–I didn’t hear anything. I thought—”

Grace suddenly appeared outside the conference room. “I did tell Ms. Thayer you were in a meeting.”

All the executives turned toward Lauren, their gazes filled with clear disapproval.

Lauren looked helplessly at Carter, hoping he would appreciate her thoughtfulness. However, his mind was on

Rhea.

He curtly said, “Leave now.”

Lauren’s cheeks flushed. “Okay. I’ll let you get back to it.”

As she stepped out of the conference room, Grace entered without even glancing at her and shut the door behind her.

Two days passed in a blur.

On the weekend, Carter hadn’t forgotten his meeting with Rhea’s family. His pride wouldn’t let him skip it. He needed to see for himself what kind of people thought he wasn’t good enough.

“Carter, do you think these gifts are enough?”

Lauren was dressed rather lavishly. And by now, she no longer needed a crutch.

Meanwhile, Carter was in a suit. He glanced at the pile of boxes and nodded. “Yeah.”

Chloe said, “Lauren’s just so thoughtful. She spent over two thousand dollars on those gifts and had two full outfits custom–made just for this. Let’s hope that Rhea’s family knows quality when they see it.”

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Chapter 89

Smiling, Lauren said, “It’s just a gesture of gratitude. Hopefully they’ll appreciate it.”

Carter got up and headed for the door. “Let’s go.”

+25 BONUS

Chloe pulled Lauren aside and whispered, “Lauren, you’ve got to try your best. Once they’re divorced, you’ll marry Carter and be the next Mrs. Jamison.”

Lauren smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Grandma.”

On the road to Draventh, Carter felt a mix of frustration, anger, and something more complicated he couldn’t quite name.

“Who do they think they are, expecting me to go see them? Whatever. It’s better to clear the air now, so her family doesn’t go thinking that I mistreated Rhea all these years after the divorce.”

Lauren leaned her head gently on his shoulder. “People from the countryside always dote on the youngest. We brought plenty of gifts, so they won’t be too unreasonable. The fact that you’re going in person already shows more than enough respect.”

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