I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Carter said such shameless things without even a hint of shame or a skipped heartbeat . Nathan laughed out of irritation . " Really ? Rhea , who is this woman to you ? Your sister - in - law ? " Rhea's gaze toward Carter now carried undisguised disgust . " I don't know her , " she replied . Everyone was shocked by Rhea's answer . That meant that Carter not only brought a stranger to such an important event , but even his wife wasn't aware of it . " Rhea , we grabbed the wrong invitation , right ? " Carter wanted to use this as an excuse to let Lauren attend the banquet .

As he said that , his gaze at Rhea carried a subtle yet pointed reminder . He was hoping she would go along with what he said . But why should she comply ? Rhea smiled . " Sorry , but my invitation has my name on it . The Donovans just assumed that I would bring my husband , so they added an extra spot . A collective gasp erupted from the crowd . In Draventh , invitations with a printed name were reserved for honored guests of the host family . Everyone was shocked that this woman in black was actually an honored guest of the Donovan family . Carter's face registered genuine shock .

How could this be possible ? Even he hadn't received an invitation as an honored guest . Yet , Rhea somehow had one ? Sensing the gazes of everyone around , Carter slid his invitation to Lauren and walked over to Rhea . " I'll share this invitation with my wife , " he said . Nathan froze . He couldn't believe that this Jamison guy was really this shameless . Lauren , unable to endure the stares , quickly handed the invitation to the receptionist . By all logic , this should have worked , But the manager's voice crackled in the receptionist's earpiece . " Do not allow that woman to check in .

" The receptionist pretended to check the guest list , then wore an apologetic expression . The receptionist flipped through the list , feigning apology . " Sorry , ma'am . Your name isn't on the Donovan family's guest list . " 1 1/2 Chapter 133 +25 BONUS Even with an invitation , she couldn't enter because the Donovan family simply didn't know her . Lauren's cheeks burned . She could not stand it any longer . She turned and started to leave . Carter instinctively moved to follow her . " Mr. Jamison , " Nathan called out . Carter halted abruptly and evenly asked , " Yes , Mr. Ravelle ?

" " Nothing . Just a reminder . Once you leave , you won't be able to attend the Donovan family banquet . " Carter frowned , not understanding why there was such a rule . He could tell that this was a clear warning that he wasn't allowed to go after Lauren . Lauren , who hadn't reached the hotel entrance yet , felt unbearably humiliated . If Carter caught up to her , she could at least keep some of her dignity . But if he didn't ... A second later , the hotel staff shouted , " Ma'am ? " Lauren suddenly " felt dizzy " . She swayed unsteadily and collapsed .

Rhea had seen this act many times before . " Lauren ! " Carter panicked . Nathan's voice remained calm . " Have a few of the doctors staying at the hotel come over . I heard Mr. Jamison's companion isn't in the best of health and once had cancer . Let's have the medical experts check her condition and see how her recovery's going . " The staff was just about to call over the medical experts stationed at the hotel for the Donovan family . They were specifically assigned to attend to the guests . However , the fallen Lauren actually stood up on her own a moment later . " I'm fine , really .

There's no need to trouble the doctors . " Seeing this , Nathan smiled . " It looks like she's not that out of it after all . " Guests who had spent years in such circles were now aware of the situation . Their glances toward Lauren were filled with disdain and contempt .