The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 142

"You're Keen's mother, so I'd rather not take extreme measures. But push me, and I won't care about our history anymore."

Stella watched as Haynes' face darkened, but rather than seeming scared or upset, she simply smiled.

"You see, just mentioning Rachel gets you all riled up, doesn't it? Haynes, you can't have your cake and eat it too."

"If you don't want a divorce, fine. But from now on, you can't see or contact Rachel ever again, even if..."

She paused, her red lips parting slightly, "Even if she dies, you can't be there." Haynes' dark eyes narrowed, a cold fury swirling within them.

"Stella, do you really have to fight me on this?"

Stella's tone was calm, "I guess Mr. O'Brien isn't willing to agree. In that case, we'll see how it goes."

She stepped around him and walked away.

Haynes didn't stop

...

Keen's hospital visit, and

school, he told Stella, "Stella, Keen came to school today. Mr. O'Brien and that

momentarily

up together-little surprises. Haynes always shut her down with the same line: "Not now. You

kindergarten, Haynes hadn't

with Rachel all the

wasn't that he didn't have time; it was that

been picking Marvin up from school,

upset, so she tested the waters

I can just have the driver take me. You've got piano practice and you take care of me, it's too much.

made Stella wish he were