The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1176

Joshua smiled. "It's no trouble at all. I'm Star's bodyguard-protecting her is part of the job."

He glanced over at Haynes. "You've been searching for Star all this time, Mr. O'Brien. You must be exhausted yourself. No need for you to carry her."

He added, his tone light but edged, "After all, you're the CEO-used to a life of comfort. Can't risk you straining yourself. Me, on the other hand? I'm paid to do the heavy lifting. I'm tougher than I look."

Haynes' dark eyes narrowed. Joshua's words weren't just polite banter-they were a jab at his less-than-robust health. But Haynes didn't take the bait. Instead, he turned to Stella.

"Star, Joshua's been looking after you for days now. He's probably worn out. Why not let him get some rest?"

The way Haynes phrased it was clever. If he'd simply suggested carrying Stella himself, she'd have refused without a second thought. But saying Joshua needed a break he knew Stella well enough to guess she couldn't say no.

Sure enough, after a brief hesitation, she nodded. “Joshua, you can put me down now. I've rested enough-I can walk for a bit."

Joshua frowned in concern. "Star, your leg's still injured. You really shouldn't—”

wriggling, determined to get down. Reluctantly, Joshua set her on her feet, worried

moment her foot touched the ground, Haynes swooped in and lifted her into his

"Haynes,

low voice, "Joshua's right-you

by Haynes wasn't her plan either. Her expression cooled. "Haynes,

Your leg comes first. Besides, we're almost at the

make a scene in front of Joshua, Stella fell silent rather than

he glanced at Joshua-a look any man would recognize. It was a challenge, pure and

had every reason to be confident. No matter how much Joshua had earned Stella's trust Haynes had been by her side for five years a part of her life Joshua - could never touch.

darkened

cars waited

quick on the uptake, hurried over to open the car door for Haynes,

him a look but slid into the front seat without protest. Haynes settled into the back with

onto the road. Only then did Stella remember to ask, "Haynes, how did you