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."

let out a sudden gasp and

a tall figure stepped in, catching Rachel before she

"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

he finally noticed Stella

turning cold. "Stella,

In the past, Stella would rush to say things like, "It wasn't me," "Let me explain," "I didn't do it,"

always insisting

shoulder. He wouldn't answer 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

the end, she would have to lower her head

should

thinking he heard her wrong. "What did you