The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 130

"Rachel, there's no need to feel wronged about apologizing," Stella said calmly.

But Rachel ignored Stella and turned her attention to Haynes, desperation in her voice. "Haynie, I didn't, I really didn't push him..."

Haynes was about to say something when Marvin's young voice cut through the tension first.

"Stella, let it go. Don't let this affect your relationship with Ms. Pearce or Mr. O'Brien," Marvin said, his tone wise beyond his years. "I chose to help Keen. No matter how badly I got hurt, it's nobody else's fault."Dad says helping people isn't a transaction," Marvin added, wiping dirt from his scraped palms. "If I get hurt doing it, that's my choice. Doesn't mean they owe me anything."

"Rachel is an adult. It's not common for adults to apologize to kids, is it?"

Coming from an innocent five-year-old, Marvin's words had a sharp irony to them. Everyone in the room, apart from Marvin, was someone deeply connected to Keen. Rachel, especially, always acted like she had Keen's best interests at heart. Yet, as Keen's savior, Marvin was neither thanked nor apologized to by Rachel or Haynes, who seemed to side with her.

It was utterly absurd.

a child. After a brief

that was one thing. But

welled up with tears. "Haynie, I really

interrupted her, "Rachel, Marvin saved Keen's life. For Keen's sake, thanking him or

Rachel intently. "Are you really unwilling to say

she could stop it. The weight of their stares felt eerily

Marvin. This kid... was a

her with wide, innocent eyes and said, "Stella,

between indignation and frustration.

contrite expression. "Marvin, I'm sorry. I was just so worried in the moment that I pushed

understandingly. "I know Ms. Pearce didn't mean