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."

Rachel let out a

could react, a tall figure stepped in, catching Rachel before

"Rachel, are you okay?"

looked back at the newcomer with wide, teary eyes like she was the most wronged person in the world. "Haynes, I'm fine. Ms. Cameron didn't mean it. Please don't be mad

and he finally noticed

voice turning cold. "Stella,

to say things like, "It wasn't me,"

always insisting she

cold shoulder. He wouldn't answer her calls or reply to her messages. He treated her like she was invisible, wouldn't say a

isolated. In the end, she would have to lower her head and

out a bitter laugh. "Why should I listen to you? Who do you

thinking he heard her