The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 157

As soon as Stella got into the car, Haynes noticed she was staring off into space, not bothering to buckle her seatbelt. He asked quietly, "What's up?"

Stella didn't respond, her gaze fixed intently on something.

Following her line of sight, Haynes saw the little reserved parking sign right in front of Stella and his eyes darkened slightly.

Suddenly, he leaned over, his tall frame casting a shadow. Stella instinctively backed away, frowning, but Haynes simply reached over to buckle her seatbelt. "Always buckle up," he said in his low, clear voice, close to her ear.

Rachel, sitting in the backseat, watched the scene with a fleeting expression of irritation but quickly forced a smile. "Even in the front seat, you've got to wear your seatbelt, Ms. Cameron. Look how attentive Haynie is."

Stella felt a cynical laugh bubble up inside her.

Haynes was attentive-attentive enough to let another woman's things be

Stella retorted. "Ms. Pearce, your standards are a

part of a good friend, continued

else won't forgive me, they'd make them feel bad for being unsympathetic and petty. Someone who, if I wanted something didn't matter whose it was—would make sure I got it, even if it belonged to

turning a bit strained. Even if

all of this, felt

awful lot

asked, "Why does everyone side with someone just because they act all

act, and honestly, people tend to favor those who matter more to them. Even if they know something's

a pang in his chest. "So, was Mom

of fear at the thought of losing

shouldn't say such things-it sets a bad example