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.

let another woman's things be in plain sight right in front

as attentive?" Stella retorted. "Ms. Pearce, your standards

continued chatting with Stella. "So,

I call, no matter what they're doing. Someone who'd automatically have my back if I messed up, and if someone 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 someone else. And if I shed a few tears, looking all helpless, they'd be so heartbroken they'd lose all reason and completely take my side. And one more thing..." Stella turned to Rachel with a slight

strained. Even if she

listening to all of

his mom described sounded an awful lot like Marvin,

Keen asked, "Why does everyone side with someone just

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

his chest. "So, was Mom already starting to favor Marvin?

of losing something important

tone, "Stella, you shouldn't say such things-it sets