The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 121

"It kills me to watch Marvin get coddled while Keen's left wanting," Rachel said, her voice edged with barely restrained anger. "Keen deserves every bit as much -why Ms. Cameron dotes on the very boy bullying Keen, I'll never understand."

Keen clenched his fists subconsciously. It was infuriating that his mom seemed to side with everyone but him.

Rachel turned to the waiter standing nearby, "Could you please bring us what they're having at that table?"

"Of course," the waiter replied with a smile before heading off.

Soon, their table was laid with a spread identical to the one in front of Stella. It was an array fit for kids, mostly sweets and desserts.

There were milkshakes, cream-filled cakes, and even hot chocolate.

Rachel couldn't help but comment, "I've heard this place is famous for its desserts, Ms. Cameron sure knows how to pick 'em."

Keen grumbled, "We've been here a bunch of times, and she never orders any for me. She doesn't even let me have a taste!"

"They're all dairy-based. She's just

eyebrow and cast a surprised glance at Haynes. It was rare for

me you'd only have a little bit. You have to keep your

but he nodded

stayed true to her word, allowing Keen only a fleeting sip of the milkshake before reclaiming it. Though a shadow of longing lingered in his eyes, he quietly turned to his bland meal. Beneath the surface, however, bitterness coiled tighter in his chest-each bite a reminder of Stella's

her pregnancy, he

through the meal, Haynes' phone rang. He saw it was

stepping away from the

her meds," Callie said. "She's been having terrible headaches...

sighed, "Mom is family, but does it justify everything?

you know Mom's never been fond of Stella. This time she blew up because

having a tough time, and Stella hasn't been there for

off, "You're

had been sharp, but Deanna's reaction seemed