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

ground, Haynes swooped in

in surprise. "Haynes,

answered in a low voice, "Joshua's right-you shouldn't be walking on that

hadn't wanted to burden Joshua, but being carried by Haynes wasn't her plan

Your leg comes first. Besides, we're almost at the exit. Just bear with me for a moment,

a scene in front of Joshua, Stella fell silent rather than risk creating an

glanced at Joshua-a

Haynes 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

eyes darkened

cars waited by

open the car door for Haynes, then pulled open the passenger seat with a bright smile.

the front seat without protest.

road. Only then did Stella remember to