I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 224 +25 BONUS Since Rhea left , Adrian and Arielle had never greeted Carter with such enthusiasm . He sensed something amiss . Lauren stood to the side , her eyes narrowing as she stared at them . Arielle met Lauren's gaze , then spoke to Carter . " Dad , a few women came over today , " " I know . " Carter was concerned about the kids . " Did something happen ? " Arielle suddenly pointed at Lauren . " After they left , she threatened me and Adrian . " Threatened ? Lauren's gaze flickered , a hint of tension crossing her face . " Arielle ? " " Don't think about scaring me again !

" Arielle shot back , resolute . Carter glanced at Lauren , then looked down at Arielle . " What kind of threat ? " Arielle replied quickly , " She said that if we liked Mommy Rhea , we should go live with her . She also said that this house belongs to her and that she has all kinds of ways to make us lose our comfortable life now . " Lauren's face visibly paled . " No , that's not true . You're making it- " Adrian interrupted loudly , " She warned us not to tell you ! That scary nanny sided with her , too ! Dad , Arielle and I were really scared today .

" Carter's chest tightened when he heard those words . This wasn't the first time the kids had come to him about this . " Okay , I hear you . Go upstairs and play for now , alright ? " Arielle looked at him . " Dad , will you believe us ? " " Of course , " Carter said firmly . " Now go upstairs . " " Okay . " The siblings held hands and ran upstairs together . Once they were gone , Scarlett quickly explained , " Mr. Jamison , it's not like that . The children were rude in front of the guests today . Ms. Thayer noticed that normal lectures wouldn't work , so she chose this method .

But it's all for their own good . " Lauren added , " Yeah , Carter . We're in Draventh now , not Colburn . Every little thing the kids do can 1/2 Chapter 224 +25 BONUS affect your reputation . " Carter turned to her . " I don't care how you teach them . What I want to know is , did you tell the kids this house is yours and that you have all kinds of ways to make them leave ? " " I never said that ! " Lauren said firmly . " They're my children . I'd never say that to them . " " Alright . " Carter nodded . " They used to tell on you , and I believed you .

One or two times could be a misunderstanding , but they're six now and know right from wrong . Since you insist you didn't say that , I can check the surveillance footage . " Surveillance footage ? Lauren froze . She had completely forgotten about the cameras . After all , she had genuinely believed that the kids wouldn't dare tell Carter . Panicked , she stepped forward . " Carter , checking the surveillance footage means that you don't trust me . You can doubt me if you want , but don't question my intentions as a mother ! I'm their mom ! " " You are , but you weren't there with them .

You know that they resist you , yet you still tried to scare them ? " Carter no longer viewed Lauren as purely gentle and kind . He had seen the signs before . He had just chosen to ignore them because of Rhea . " You ... You really think of me that way ? Am I that malicious in your eyes ? " Lauren looked deeply wounded . Carter grew angry as she still refused to admit it . " It's not me . It's your own actions . " " What did I- " Lauren started to say , trying to defend herself . However , Carter cut her off . " Do you want me to point out how your hand got cut ? " Lauren froze . Her hand ...