The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes's tone turned icy. "That's ridiculous. Why would I even have a girlfriend?"

As he spoke, he looked up, catching Stella's reflection in the rearview mirror.

Stella, however, was listening intently to Marvin, seemingly oblivious to Neville's teasing.

Neville smirked, shooting Haynes a knowing look. "Well, if you're not seeing anyone, then whose lipstick is this? Belongs to a lady friend, maybe?"

"Neville." Haynes's voice dropped several degrees colder. "If you keep running your mouth, you can get out and walk."

Neville just laughed, unbothered. "Alright, alright, I'll drop it."

Just then, Haynes's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, frowned, and declined the call without hesitation.

Five minutes later, the phone rang again. This time, he silenced it without even looking.

Ten minutes passed in uneasy quiet before the screen lit up once more.

Neville finally spoke up. "Mr. O'Brien, aren't you going to answer your phone?" Haynes shot him a withering glare. "I'm driving. Not a good time."

"I could answer it for you, if you want," Neville offered, sounding almost helpful. Haynes's reply was glacial. "That won't be necessary."

feigning concern. "What if it's urgent? Wouldn't want

none of your business.

just smiled, unfazed, and let the matter

Keen's smartwatch began

Before he could say anything, Keen had

"Rachel?"

"Keen, are you with your

Haynes behind the wheel and nodded

you two

to the amusement

pleased. "Which one?

caught off

he could refuse, Rachel jumped in.

swing by to pick

when Neville let out a

you say that lipstick

recognizing Neville's voice "Keen, besides your dad, who else

"Mom,