The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"That's right. But not long ago, Mr. O'Brien instructed me to reclaim the property."

He paused, then added, "And your studio as well. Please pack up your things and vacate within the next two hours. If you can't manage it, we'll clear it out for you."

Rachel's face twisted in disbelief. "The house and the studio were gifts from Haynes! Since they were given to me, what right does he have to take them back? When did he become so petty?!"

Benson remained unfazed, his tone almost gentle. "The house and studio were originally intended for Ms. Cameron. When you were diagnosed as terminally ill, they simply let you use them first. Since you're no longer sick... it's only proper for them to be returned."

He smiled at Rachel, polite as ever, but the contempt in his eyes was impossible to miss.

"Ms. Pearce, you know as well as I do your privileges were all because of your illness. Without it, do you really think Mr. O'Brien would go out of his way to grant your wishes? Are you more important than his wife and son?"

Rachel's lips trembled. She couldn't get a word out.

Benson checked his watch and reminded her, still smiling. "Ms. Pearce, you have twenty-five minutes left to pack your things."

Twenty minutes later, Rachel wheeled her suitcase out the front door.

She shot Benson a venomous glare-the mask she'd worn for so long finally slipping, revealing a woman as poisonous as a viper.

you'll all

that a hundred

out your studio. We'll be back in two hours to

her, Rachel checked into

all over the internet,

reasons.

grew as no one

cut ties, some even releasing public statements

disqualified her after accusations surfaced that she'd manipulated her

find a single excuse for

Wo

ol

a few hours,

stream of biting comments, her heart pounding

she didn't lose her

she still had Joshua Gardner. No

the hell is going