I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

+25 BONUS At that moment , Carter suddenly realized something . The wealthy wives in Colburn all seemed to acknowledge only Rhea . When Elsie returned to her seat , Carter leaned closer to Lauren . " You should also reach out to those women when you have time . " After all , the wives ' circles could directly influence the husbands ' networks . Lauren immediately nodded . " Don't worry , Carter . I'll make sure to get close to them . " Her cheeks flushed , and she straightened her back even more . The room suddenly stirred with noise . A group of people entered through the doors . " Mr.

Snider . " " Mr. Snider . " At the center of the crowd was a tall man who drew every gaze without effort . With one hand in his pocket , he carried a sharp , steady presence . His eyes were like sharp , menacing blades that no one dared meet head - on . But the moment his gaze fell on Rhea , the corners of his eyes crinkled . George approached her and lowered his gaze . " You just got here ? " Rhea nodded . He then casually took the seat beside her and asked , " Did you see something you like ? " She did , though she hadn't decided whether to bid .

" I'm just here to look around , " Rhea replied . They were seated close , so their voices were kept low . Even someone a row away wouldn't catch a single word of their conversation . Still , everyone could see how familiar they were . Sharon had seen George before , and at first glance , she found him strikingly handsome . With his background , refined demeanor , and outstanding ability , he was the very definition of an exceptional man . But how did such a man end up knowing a woman like Rhea ? What did she have that warranted his attention ? Sharon stood abruptly , eager to be noticed .

" Mr. Snider ? " 1/3 Chapter 161 +25 BONUS George didn't bother to turn around . He only angled his profile slightly , offering no reply . Sharon smiled sweetly and continued, " I'm Sharon , daughter of the Moss family . We've met once before . " Only then did George glance at her , as if out of courtesy . A few seconds ticked by before he smiled . " Have we ? I don't remember . " He didn't remember ? Sharon's face flushed with embarrassment . She sat down in silence . Her gaze bored into Rhea's back , filled with envy and rage .

She didn't know how someone like that could possibly catch George's eye . In contrast , Sharon didn't feel like she was lacking anywhere . She had the right background , good looks , a wealthy family , and years of studying abroad . Her credentials were flawless . It had to be because men were always drawn to women like Rhea , who only pretended to be fragile to trigger their urge to protect her . The auction finally began . The auctioneer handled the room with ease , moving through bids and final calls like a seasoned performer .

Rhea barely glanced at the first few items - until the necklace she had her eye on appeared . Its beauty , along with the story behind it , was enough to capture the attention of all the women present . George tilted his head toward her . " Do you like it ? " Her eyes flickered in surprise . She hadn't given anything away , so how did he know ? George chuckled , as though he could read her thoughts . " Ever since you were young , whenever you saw something you liked , you wouldn't say a single word , but you'd start tracing circles with your finger .

" As he had said , her right hand , which was resting on her knee , had her index finger absently drawing loops against her thumb . It was a small habit of hers , a tell that she had her eyes on something and was waiting for the right moment . Rhea's heart skipped a beat . Even she hadn't realized it herself . 2/3 Chapter 161 The auctioneer called out , " The starting bid is three million dollars . " A voice rose instantly . " Five million dollars ! " " Carter , that necklace is gorgeous . It has such a vintage feel . " Lauren liked it too .

+25 BONUS She didn't bother lowering her voice as she said , " I think I'd die happy if I could walk down the aisle wearing it . " Every woman had a dream of owning jewelry . She might not wear it , but she had to have it . Besides , since their reunion , Lauren had hardly asked Carter for anything extravagant . A necklace would cost at most tens of millions of dollars , which was an insignificant sum to him . Carter lifted his bid paddle . " Eight million dollars . " Lauren's smile bloomed . " Thank you , Carter . " " It's the least I can do . " Their exchange drifted to Rhea's ears .