I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 91

Rhea said calmly, “Ms. Byrne, you can go back to your work now.”

Amber’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, Ms. Ravelle!”

Just a single word from Rhea, and all that signature–verification hassle vanished.

Lauren clenched her fingers tightly. She turned to Rhea. “It must’ve cost quite a bit to reserve a place here, right?

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Rhea gave her a cool smile. “Doesn’t your husband have the money for it?”

She had heard Carter tell Amber that he was married to Lauren.

The elevator arrived, and only the three of them stepped in.

Inside, Lauren stayed close to Carter, still maintaining that wounded expression as though Rhea had just humiliated her. Her eyes flicked toward him for comfort.

Carter frowned. “Even at this point, you still want to be aggressive?”

Rhea didn’t even look at him as she mocked, “Carter, I just didn’t think that you’d bring someone else to a meeting like this. You really never fail to surprise.”

“I…” Lauren explained, “I just didn’t want Carter to come alone. In case something happened—”

Carter cut her off, saying, “There’s no need to explain.”

Lauren pressed her lips together and quietly took his arm.

They looked every bit like a loving couple. Rhea didn’t want to watch any longer. She stepped out of the elevator the moment the doors opened.

The decorations on the sixth floor completely outclassed any place in Colburn. The gemstone–tiled floor gave off a crisp, elegant sound with every step.

Attendants were spaced out evenly, one every few feet. The moment they saw Rhea, they all bowed in greeting.

“Ms. Ravelle.”

“Ms. Ravelle,”

“Ms. Ravelle,”

There was a time when Carter would always walk in front, and the attendants would greet him in this manner. But now, the roles had flipped. Everyone seemed to show nothing but respect for Rhea.

However, Carter didn’t feel the slightest bit of jealousy. All he felt was exasperation. Exasperated that Rhea cared so much about appearances and went to such lengths just to show off in front of him.

He had been here twice before as a teenager, tagging along with his parents. This wasn’t the kind of place ordinary people could afford. Even then, they had only ever made it as far as the third floor.

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Chapter 91

+25 BONUS

Rhea paused before Room G1111 and glanced back at them. “Are you sure you still want to stand this close?”

Lauren was practically clinging to Carter’s arm.

The attendant at the back had already used a designated cart to quietly wheel their gifts off to the side.

Another cart passed by, and the contents made Lauren frown. The items appeared to be expensive gemstones and high–end jewelry.

In comparison, what they brought…

Carter subtly stepped away from Lauren.

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