The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 42

Neville flashed a wry smile. "Mr. O'Brien, when Star got cornered earlier, you weren't here to save her. Are you trying to steal my thunder now?"

Haynes' eyes darkened, lost for words.

Standing nearby, Rachel piped up in Haynes' defense. "Haynie just got here. He didn't mean to leave Ms. Cameron hanging."

Neville's lips curled. "When the reporters swarmed Ms. Pearce, Mr. O'Brien reprimanded them quickly. Yet, when they slandered Star with all sorts of rumors, there wasn't a peep out of him in her defense."

Rachel cut in impatiently, "Ms. Cameron has already admitted to some of those claims herself. They're facts now, not rumors. If you don't believe it, Mr. Connolly, why not ask her yourself?"

Neville didn't even glance at Rachel, his focus fixed on Haynes. "Mr. O'Brien, is that what you think, too?"

Haynes' eyes were deep, his gaze lingering on Stella. "Are you coming down or not?"

It seemed Neville's words were falling on deaf ears. Talking to Haynes was like talking to a brick wall. Stella spoke softly, "Mr. Connolly, can you please take me to the hospital first?"

"At

a cool breeze followed

foot.

Stella, leaning back in

of bizarre images. Rachel's malicious grin appeared, and then Haynes and Keen pushed

start. Her breath came in quick gasps, and a light sheen

calm voice broke the silence

accepted them, murmuring,

she turned to see a tall, familiar figure. She froze, blinking in surprise, then

noticed the chill in her expression and let out a humorless laugh. "Disappointed not to see who you

was cold. "Not seeing who I want isn't the problem.

I'd rather avoid is what's

apologize, I'll clear the air and say it

Apologize?