The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 8

Rachel's voice was light, and her expression was gentle, the picture of an innocent and charming woman. In contrast, she made Stella seem harsh, cold, and distant.

But Stella detected the challenge and mockery hidden in Rachel's words.

She looked up to catch the glint of triumph Rachel hadn't hidden from her eyes.

"Why is it so uncommon for Haynes to come home?" Stella shot back. "It's because you, Ms. Pearce, have taken up all his free time. Are you pretending not to know what's really happening?"

Rachel looked shocked as she grabbed Stella's hand and rushed to explain. "Ms. Cameron, please, that's not what I meant."

But Stella cut her off before she could finish. "If you're not playing dumb, it's just a lack of self-awareness, isn't it?"

Stella withdrew her hand and said, "Ms. Pearce, people who are oblivious to themselves are truly unbearable."

a sudden gasp

figure

"Rachel, are you okay?"

at the newcomer with wide, teary eyes like she was the most wronged person in

flickered, and he finally

voice turning cold.

the past, Stella would rush to say things like, "It wasn't me,"

took her side, always insisting she should

her calls or reply to her messages. He treated her like she was invisible, wouldn't say a word to her, and wouldn't even spare

Keen joined in, leaving her feeling isolated. In the end, she would have

should I listen to you? Who do you

thinking he heard her wrong. "What