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!"

the desserts and said calmly, "They're all dairy-based. She's just

and cast a surprised glance at Haynes. It was rare for him to speak in Stella's

promised me you'd only have a little bit. You have

face fell, but he nodded

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 perceived

and his grandma weren't wrong. If his mom had taken better care of herself during her pregnancy, he wouldn't have these health

through the meal, Haynes' phone rang. He saw

answered, stepping away

"She's been having terrible headaches...

family, but does it justify everything? Besides, Stella didn't

This time she blew up because she thought Stella

forget," Callie added, "Keen's been having a tough time, and Stella hasn't

off, "You're dodging the

retort had been sharp, but Deanna's reaction