The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 488

After all, if Haynes ever saw this side of her, every last bit of her carefully crafted image would come crashing down.

As for Jasper...

He was more of a liability than an ally-she'd be lucky if he didn't mess things up for her.

Stella wasn't worried about whatever tricks Jasper might try to pull.

Besides, Foreman was keeping an eye on his every move.

Other than Haynes and Jasper, Stella couldn't think of anyone else who'd lift a finger for Rachel.

And with Neville, Antoney, Lauretta, and the others at her side, she had no reason to fear whatever games Rachel might play.

Still, despite all her rational assurances, an uneasy feeling lingered at the back of her mind—a thin layer of cloud shadowing her thoughts.

Something just felt off, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

A chilly wind swept past, making Stella sneeze.

The night air had a sharp, biting cold to it.

She needed to get home, shower, and change her clothes as soon as possible. This was not the time to get sick.

she reached the entrance, about to call for a ride, a sleek black luxury

her eye—familiar, and just as attention-grabbing as always, with its string of

swung open, and a tall, striking figure stepped

Neville hurried over the moment he

surprise. "Mr. Connolly? What are you doing

pallor in her cheeks, Neville quickly shrugged off his coat and draped

tonight. I happened to

the Connolly estate after her rehearsal, but the boy had stubbornly refused to go. So Abby was at home with

had asked where she'd be practicing, saying he wanted to come see her perform. Stella hadn't thought much of it and simply gave him

else when another figure

"Ms. Cameron."

was Benson,

smile. "Ms. Cameron, Mr. O'Brien heard you accidentally fell into the lake. He was worried you might have trouble finding a ride and catch a chill,

had been waiting nearby, originally meant

home. Not long

called him,

got home safely

entourage, Stella had always found Benson decent enough. Whenever she couldn't reach Haynes, it was Benson who did his

one of the few around Haynes who

you, but that won't be necessary," Stella replied politely. "My friend's