The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 131

"Smack!"

The sharp crack of Deanna's slap reverberated off the walls, Stella's head snapping to the side as an angry red handprint bloomed across her cheek. The room fell dead silent - even the clock seemed to stop ticking as everyone froze, stunned by the violence.

Stella had been caught off guard, completely unprepared for the force of the slap.

Marvin gasped, his voice filled with concern, "Stella!"

Haynes quickly intervened, stepping between them, "Mom, what are you doing?"

Callie rushed over, her tone pleading, "Mom, please calm down. There has to be some misunderstanding."

Only Rachel stood off to the side, a smirk playing on her lips, enjoying the drama.

"Misunderstanding? She's the one who was supposed to be watching Keen! Look where her negligence landed him—in a hospital bed! Stella, let me tell you this—if anything happens to my grandson, I'll make sure you regret it!"

Stella stood there, disheveled and weary from rushing to the hospital, her hair falling messily over her face, obscuring her expression.

Marvin looked at Stella, his worry evident as he reached for her hand. "Stella…"

Her hand was as cold as ice.

"I'm fine," Stella said quietly. She lifted her head, her eyes void of warmth as they met Deanna's furious gaze. A small, unexpected smile formed on her lips.

Everyone was taken aback. Despite the slap, Stella was smiling. Deanna opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Stella raised her hand and slapped Haynes twice with resounding force.

"Smack! Smack!"

Stella's eyes were as cold and clear as a mountain stream. "I'll take responsibility for my actions, but why should I bear the brunt of my husband's mistakes as well?"

"Deanna, have you forgotten that you, too, are a woman when you belittle us so?"

Deanna, infuriated by Stella's defiance, moved to strike again. Stella's voice was cool and steady, "Deanna, if you lay another finger on me, I'll report you for assault."

Deanna laughed bitterly, "Assault? Didn't you just hit Haynes? The police would hold you accountable too!"

Stella's tone was mocking, "You misunderstand, Deanna. Haynes and I are married. Domestic disputes are seen as private matters, not something the police get involved in. Besides..."

Stella fixed Deanna with a steely gaze, "If you can hit me, why shouldn't I hit him? Just because I'm the daughter-in-law of the O'Brien family doesn't mean I have to be a doormat, does it?"