I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 141 Carter stayed rational even at a moment like this . He knew that he couldn't break the Donovan family's rules . " What's wrong with sitting there ? Men and women have to sit separately , " he said . Lauren clenched her fists . " But ... I don't know anyone over there . It's so awkward . " " Awkward ? A little solitude isn't so bad . " The maid prompted , " Sir , madam , Mrs. Donovan Senior is about to come out . " Her gaze lingered on them . Who were these two ? So clueless about etiquette . " Alright , " Carter said , signaling Lauren to return to her seat .

She walked back to the women's section , constantly glancing over her shoulder . Nearby businessmen chuckled . " She's clearly not cut out to be a wife . " " Exactly . Even if she's a secretary , Mr. Jamison shouldn't have brought someone who is so unaware of rules . " " Mrs. Donovan Senior is here . " All eyes in the garden turned toward her . Luciana Ballard , known as Mrs. Donovan Senior , had snow - white hair , but her energy was unmatched . Her eyes were bright , and her cheeks flushed with life . Luciana's son , Samuel Donovan , held the microphone .

" Thank you all for coming to celebrate my mother's birthday . I am most grateful . " After saying that , he stepped back and bowed to express his gratitude . The guests applauded . The birthday banquet wasn't overly formal . After Samuel's opening speech , 76 ceremonial cannons fired simultaneously in the distance , sending colorful streamers into the air . = Ал Chopter al As the maids pushed food carts through , they noticed that one woman's table had only a single Occupant Stanley immediately went to Valerie Levine , Luciana's granddaughter - in - law . " Mrs.

Donovan , there's a table with only one guest over there . " The number of invited guests had been confirmed in advance , with the seating perfectly arranged to match the guest count . So , there was no way several seats would be left empty . Valerie , responsible for organizing the banquet , looked over . " Who is that ? " " I don't know , " Stanley admitted . Rhea , having just personally wished Luciana a happy birthday , overheard them . She whispered to Valerie , " That's Carter's first love and ex - fiancee . She's the birth mother of my stepchildren .

" Valerie was also one of Rhea's close friends . The seven women had grown up together and were once known as the Draventh Seven . By rank and status , Rhea rightfully held the top position . Whenever there was an issue , the ladies habitually sought her advice , treating her as the center . Although very few outsiders knew that Rhea had married , her friends were fully aware and kept it private . " That's her ? " Valerie was surprised . " I didn't even invite her . " She had sent the invitation to Rhea , worried that she might be in an awkward position .

And she had added two extra guest spots , assuming Rhea would bring her husband . Rhea knew what Valerie was thinking . " Carter came , but he brought her with him . " Valerie immediately stood , her expression sour . " Not just anyone can sit at the Donovan family's table . Move her far away from here . " It was no wonder the maid had told her earlier that Liora and the others looked down on one female guest , She had thought that someone had offended her friends , but she never expected ... Without uttering a single word , Stanley led his people to the women's section .

Lauren had no appetite . Every glance her way felt like ridicule , leaving her on edge . " Excuse me , miss . Your seat needs to be moved . " " Moved ? " Lauren asked , confused .. Before she could respond , Stanley had already relocated her chair to a spot under a tree 60 feet away . 2/3 Chapter 141 Looking around , she was all alone , which made her strikingly conspicuous . The women's section was filled with chatter and laughter . Lauren was sure that they were mocking her . Meanwhile , the male guests watched like spectators .

Having no other context , they guessed that she was someone the Donovans didn't favor . Naturally , no one intervened . Carter's expression darkened . Lauren's humiliation reflected on him as well . He stood and asked , Who's in charge of this banquet ? " " Mrs. Donovan , " a maid replied . When Carter approached , Valerie was reviewing the guest list . " Mrs. Donovan ? " Hearing her title , Valerie looked up . Her eyes narrowed as they landed on Carter . Handsome as he was , his behavior left much to be desired .