The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 503

Keen's heart raced as he watched a crowd gather around his mother, voices rising as if they meant to throw her out. He couldn't hold back any longer.

"Mom," he blurted out, "if you just apologize to Rachel about what happened last time, Dad will help you."

A few weeks ago, Rachel had landed in the hospital again after falling into the lake.

When Keen went to visit her, Mr. Wilkinson pulled him aside, saying that his mother had pushed Rachel into the water in front of everyone. Keen had asked his father if it was true, and he hadn't denied it.

Now, seeing his mother surrounded like this, Keen could only assume his father was still angry about the incident-and refusing to help her because of it.

But when Stella looked at him, her gaze was so calm and penetrating that Keen suddenly felt uneasy.

"There's no need," Stella replied quietly.

Her answer made Haynes's dark eyes grow even colder, his handsome features tightening into a scowl.

All she'd need to do was tell the manager she was Keen's mother-explain she was here for her child-and he'd step in, call off the crowd, and resolve everything. But Stella said nothing.

"Star! There you are-I've been looking everywhere-Oh, isn't this Mr. O'Brien?"

A tall, striking man strode over, his sharp gaze flicking over the group. For a moment, something sly flashed in his eyes.

"Evening, everyone. What a coincidence."

among them. The Connollys weren't at the very top of society, but they were solidly among the

clearly recognized Neville and immediately straightened, greeting

just slightly. "What's

low voice. "Someone said this lady slipped into the party without

"She's

his gaze flickered

to check

manager looked momentarily embarrassed, then turned to Stella.

seem bothered.

she didn't have an invitation or

Neville step in for

she wo

able to

up

what.

tbe

could she get? Divorced from Haynes,

she'd have crushed Stella like an ant

Keen, then smiled at Stella. "Star, do you want to catch up with them

shook her head.

would start soon; she had no desire