I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 614 Arielle had grown a lot . She now stood level with Lauren's ribcage and was even a touch taller than Adrian . As she watched Lauren approach them , she didn't instinctively back away or move to shield Adrian . It felt strange . Somehow , Lauren didn't seem as terrifying as before . However , Arielle still couldn't bring herself to treat her the same way she treated Rhea . Fortunately , Carter no longer forced her and Adrian to be friendly with Lauren . Once , while Carter was drunk , Arielle had asked , " Dad , you really won't make me and Adrian accept her anymore ?

" " No , " he had said . His eyes had been unfocused , but he'd still reached out to ruffle both her and Adrian's hair . " If you no longer have a mom , that's that . At least you'll still have me . " I'm down on my luck now , and I don't have much money left , but I've still got my two hands . I'll work hard and try to give you two better lives . You don't have to do things you don't want to . All I want is for you two to be safe . " He had had his moments of glory over the past years before hitting rock bottom . He'd also gone through stretches where he'd been a total wreck .

Ultimately , he'd ended up with nothing but his children . Looking back , he was grateful that the kids were still safely by his side . Fame and fortune were all illusions . He just wasn't destined for that life . Carter had long since grown out of that stubborn streak . Now , he drove a regular car to the office each day , collected a monthly paycheck , and grabbed a few drinks with some friends after work . He spent the rest of his time helping the kids with homework , playing games with them , and taking them on trips during school breaks . It was a content life .

Just then , Carter wrapped up his phone call . He looked down to see Adrian staring up at him . " What's wrong ? " He crouched to straighten Adrian's clothes . " Dad , will you make up with her ? " Adrian glanced at Lauren . Carter looked over , too . A second later , he frowned . " Your old man isn't going to fall into the same ditch three times . " Adrian didn't know what to say . Indeed , it would be the third time . " Behold my cotton candy attack ! " Carter's vision suddenly went dark . Then , his face felt hot and sticky . It smelled sweet , too .

Lauren kicked him square in the lower back . " And why didn't those falls kill you ? " She bolted right after that . As she fled , she waved at the dumbstruck siblings . " Your biological mother will come visit you again some other time ! " 1/3 Arielle and Adrian gaped at her . Carter was almost knocked to his knees . He scrambled to his feet , gritting his teeth in anger as he sprinted after her , roaring , " Stop right there if you've got guts ! " The bodyguards waiting in the car saw this and got out to stay with the children .

Arielle said to Adrian , " I don't know why , but I feel like Lauren is better than she used to be . " Lauren was still fierce and quick to bristle , but ... she seemed more open and less hidden somehow . Arielle didn't know what was going on. Adrian nodded in agreement . Kate spent the next week at the ocean - view villa living like a full - time maid . She had only five out of 24 hours for rest . Her lower back ached , her knees were battered , and her hair was a mess . She'd lost all desire to groom or dress up . Each day , Sylvia would watch her as she worked .

Besides that , she'd spend her time reading out loud from the group chat with all of Draventh's heiresses . She would relay to Kate all the things those people said about her . " Kate is both vain and fake ! Her father's absolute scum , too . He's worse than an animal ! " I'm ashamed I ever called her a friend ! " Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter.

With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.