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—”

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

her foot touched the ground, Haynes swooped in and

surprise. "Haynes, what are you

in a low voice, "Joshua's right-you shouldn't

Joshua, but being carried by Haynes wasn't her plan either. Her expression cooled. "Haynes, put me down.

could finish, Haynes cut in gently, "Don't misunderstand. Your leg comes first. Besides,


scene in front of Joshua, Stella

curve touched Haynes' lips as he glanced at Joshua-a look any man would recognize. It was a challenge, pure and

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

eyes darkened

the woods, where a line of cars waited

car door for Haynes, then pulled open the

shot him a look but slid into the front

Stella remember to ask, "Haynes, how did you

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