The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 142

"You're Keen's mother, so I'd rather not take extreme measures. But push me, and I won't care about our history anymore."

Stella watched as Haynes' face darkened, but rather than seeming scared or upset, she simply smiled.

"You see, just mentioning Rachel gets you all riled up, doesn't it? Haynes, you can't have your cake and eat it too."

"If you don't want a divorce, fine. But from now on, you can't see or contact Rachel ever again, even if..."

She paused, her red lips parting slightly, "Even if she dies, you can't be there."

Haynes' dark eyes narrowed, a cold fury swirling within them.

"Stella, do you really have to fight me on this?"

Stella's tone was calm, "I guess Mr. O'Brien isn't willing to agree. In that case, we'll see how it goes."

She stepped around him and walked away.

This time, Haynes didn't stop her.

...

Stella stopped concerning herself with Keen's hospital visit, and Haynes didn't call her anymore either.

About a week later, when Marvin got home from school, he told Stella, "Stella, Keen came to school today. Mr. O'Brien and that mean lady brought him."

Stella paused momentarily in her cooking.

She used to suggest picking Keen up together—little surprises. Haynes always shut her down with the same line: "Not now. You go."

Stella looked down at him, "What kind of talent show?"

"The teacher said it's for kids and parents to perform together, like playing piano, singing, or dancing." Marvin looked at her with big, hopeful eyes. "I didn't participate last time, and there weren't any points for the parent-child activities. If I don't join this time..."

Marvin hung his head and continued, "Pretty sure I'll be dead last in the rankings this term."

This fancy kindergarten wasn't like regular ones where kids just played and enjoyed their childhood. These were future heirs to big families, expected to excel from an early age, with a packed curriculum. The kindergarten often held competitions to encourage kids to compete and improve.

Marvin had just transferred not long ago, so missing out before wasn't a big deal. But if he skipped again, he'd likely fall to the bottom. No kid wants to be last.

Stella looked at Marvin, his head hung low, and gently patted his head, her voice soft.

"In that case, let's go and participate."