The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 528

Her demeanor was lukewarm, as though she were speaking to a stranger-calm, without a hint of emotion.

Haynes felt his throat tighten inexplicably.

"It's been ages since Keen saw you. Don't you want to visit him?" he asked.

Stella replied, “I'm still busy here."

The implication was clear-she was turning him down.

Haynes' voice grew heavier. "No matter how busy you are, don't you have even a few minutes to see your child?"

Stella's lips curved in a faint, noncommittal smile. “I'm not the person he wants to see. Ms. Pearce is here, isn't she? With her around, that's enough."

A faint furrow appeared between Haynes' brows.

"You're Keen's mother. Even if he's close to Rachel, she can never take your place."

Stella remained unmoved.

Haynes looked as if he wanted to say more, but Neville approached briskly and stopped by Stella's side.

Leaning close, he murmured, "Sherman's awake."

Stella's brows shifted almost imperceptibly.

earlier, she hadn't struggled. She'd wanted to deal with this troublemaker before her performance

always carried pepper spray in her pocket-she wasn't afraid of

couldn't break free, Stella had let Sherman take her to

with a brick, and she'd knocked

when Neville found her. With her

asked under her breath, "What's

grandson. We can't exactly make him disappear. I locked him

for

Say I had

shook her head. "The real grudge is between Sherman and me. He won't let

raised an eyebrow. "You two knew

assumed Sherman had just been hitting on Stella because she was pretty, and that she'd knocked him out in a fit

Stella was about to explain when

a polite smile, but his eyes were

think much

to see you. There's

shot Karl a look of her own. Candida had mentioned he was her ex-boyfriend-handsome enough, but a complete

way,

Haynes instinctively started

"Mr. O'Brien, you'll have to stay

Haynes halted mid-step.

follow, but Karl

and measured. "If you need to talk