The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 551

Haynes was just as exasperated with Deanna's hysterics. "Mom, why don't you head upstairs for now?" he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Before Deanna could protest, Callie O'Brien stepped in and gently but firmly guided her mother up the stairs. "Mom, let my brother handle things here. He's got it under control," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

While Deanna's judgment might be clouded, Callie was well aware of the stakes. Stella Cameron was Keen O'Brien's biological mother and had Mr. Burton backing her up. Even if it was just for Keen's sake, the O'Brien family stood to gain plenty from this situation-assuming her mother didn't pick another fight with Stella.

Once Deanna's footsteps faded above, the living room fell into a welcome silence.

Foreman Richards turned his attention to Joshua, who had been so quiet he was almost invisible-yet there was something about him that made him impossible to ignore. "And this is...?"

Stella barely spared Joshua a glance. "Just a friend," she replied, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Foreman didn't press the matter, sensing Stella had no interest in elaborating. The group began discussing the possible motives behind Keen's abduction when suddenly, Haynes's phone rang, slicing through the tense quiet.

He glanced at the screen-an unknown number. His eyes darkened slightly as he met Stella's gaze, then answered, switching to speaker mode.

"Haynes, your son and your first love are with me." The voice on the line was distorted, mechanical. "If you want them to stay alive, don't even think about calling the police. Otherwise... I won't mind killing one of them to teach you a lesson."

was low and steady. "Fine.

he and Foreman possessed, he was confident they could handle this without

for the hostages, no tricks. Oh, and..." The kidnapper paused, then continued in an offhand tone, "Have

get any ideas. I'm

betrayed no

line went dead

room had heard the

someone to trace

response, he pulled out

eyes went

to set aside any personal grievances for now-Keen's safety came

taken

ve

for leverage, just as she had before-demanding ten million for the medication that could save Rachel's life, or a million to buy out her

she seemed to

mocking smile touched her

shouldn't you be getting the money