Chapter 22 Carter didn't respond . But the more Louie thought about Carter having a wife from such a powerful family , the more bitter he felt . Back when they were younger , Carter had always stood out among the rich kids , and he and Lauren had been inseparable . He overshadowed Louie in every possible way . But after a financial crisis took down Jamison Group , Louie finally had his moment . Now , though , he was starting to realize that Carter might actually have no idea who Rhea really was . After all , would he still be parading around with his ex if he did ? L Louie didn't care what caused the rift between Carter and Rhea , as that was none of his business . All he knew was that Carter was about to crash hard . For one brief moment , Louie actually pitied him . To marry into a family that powerful and still be this blind ? How deliciously ironic . Louie's smirk deepened . " Well , Mr. Jamison , I should get going . " If the day ever came when Rhea turned on Carter , Louie would be more than happy to help her . Meanwhile , Carter stood frozen , feeling like something in Louie's words was off . However , he couldn't quite put his finger on it . He chalked it up to another one of Louie's passive - aggressive digs. Back in the lounge , as soon as Carter returned , Chloe grabbed his hand warmly . " Thank you for everything you've done for us . You've found Lauren a job and even arranged a place for me to live . If only you had become my grandson - in - law back then , that would have been wonderful . " A shadow of regret flickered in Carter's eyes . " You're too kind , Mrs. Thayer Senior . " Lauren sighed . " Grandma , please don't say that . I'm already grateful for everything . " Her way of being so easily content made Carter feel oddly uncomfortable . So he reassured Chloe , " Don't worry . As long as Lauren's working with me , I'll make sure she's treated well . " Chloe nodded eagerly . " That's good to hear . She's been through so much . You two used to be perfect together . But now ... " Just then , Arielle gently reminded , " Mrs. Thayer Senior , my dad is already married . " The three adults froze . None of them had expected the six - year - old to speak up . But then again , six was plenty old to understand many things . Chloe quickly smiled . " I know . I just feel bad for your mom . Giving birth to you two was no walk in the park . " Arielle didn't answer . She turned to Carter instead . " Dad , I'm not feeling well . Can we go home now ? " Adrian added , " Mom's going to miss us . " Chapter 22 +25 BONUS Chloe nudged Lauren forward . " Oh , silly kids . She's your real mom . " Arielle pressed her lips together , saying nothing . Adrian muttered , " She's not . " " How can you ... " Chloe started to nag , " Carter , not to be harsh , but even if you're married now , you should've looked into what kind of person you were marrying . These poor kids are always sick . " I heard that they've been ill twice this week . That means someone is not paying enough attention . I guess a stepmother just won't love them the way their real mom would . " Lauren looked troubled . " Rhea's a good person . But she's never had kids of her own , so maybe she just doesn't fully understand what being a mother feels like . " Carter stayed silent for a long moment before saying , " Mrs. Thayer Senior , it's true that Rhea hasn't given birth , but she's taken good care of the kids . " " I heard from Lauren that Arielle got sick because of your wife . How can you call that good care ? It's all just for show . Once someone like that gets pushed to their limit , they won't care what happens to the kids . " Chloe spoke with the tone of someone who had seen it all . Carter frowned when he heard that . Chloe's words seemed to remind him of something . After all , Arielle did get sick because Rhea stormed out and left the house . - She was always the first to say she loved the kids . But the second she got upset , she left them behind . He believed that was the difference between a stepmother and a birth mother .