The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 380

“I can’t believe he still has the nerve to strut around like that!”

Stella’s tone was calm. “As long as Haynes is willing to back him up, he’ll always act untouchable.”

Abby chimed in, “Well, I think Haynes’s patience has finally worn thin. When Jasper’s little gang got themselves into trouble, Haynes didn’t lift a finger to help—in fact, he made a point of distancing himself from them.”

A grin spread across Abby’s face as she spoke.

“Serves them right! I’ve never been able to stand those insufferable jerks.”

She’d been at Keen’s birthday party, after all.

She hadn’t witnessed those guys trip Stella, but she had seen them shamelessly harass the pretty waitress.

Utterly disgusting.

Thankfully, Stella wasn’t about to swallow the insult. She quietly gathered evidence and made sure the truth came out.

Otherwise, that injustice would have been unbearable.

Stella, however, didn’t waste much thought on Jasper.

To her, he was nothing more than a clown desperate for attention.

They were in the lounge, getting ready, when someone knocked at the door—it was time to draw for performance order.

Stella had expected Rachel to handle the draw, as usual, but to her surprise, it was Haynes who walked in.

He’d never been one for attending the kids’ events.

Yet this was the second time in a row he’d shown up.

Apparently, Rachel’s influence went deeper than Stella had thought.

At least Keen’s wish must have come true.

He’d always longed for his dad to watch his games and performances, to cheer him on from the audience.

Now, with Rachel around, all his wishes seemed to have been granted.

Stella acted like she hadn’t even noticed Haynes, her gaze cool as she looked away.

“I didn’t?” Stella returned, eyebrow arched. “I told you, remember? And you said they didn’t mean any harm, that I shouldn’t ruin Keen’s party. Did you forget?”

Haynes pressed his lips together. “But afterward, you never told me what actually happened.”

Stella let out a short laugh. “Did you think I didn’t want to? The moment I tried, you got a call that Rachel had fainted.

You dropped everything to rush to her side, and then spent over a month traveling around with her.

I called you, told you your mother had taken Keen.

You brushed it off, said your mom is Keen’s grandmother and wouldn’t hurt him, told me not to worry.

Even after Keen came home, you were still out there sightseeing with Rachel.

So now you want to question me? Don’t you think that’s a little hypocritical, Haynes?”

Stella’s retort brought the memories flooding back for Haynes.

He parted his lips, searching for a defense. “I wasn’t on vacation with Rachel. I was taking her to see doctors. Those stories in the tabloids were just rumors.”