The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 488

After all, if Haynes ever saw this side of her, every last bit of her carefully crafted image would come crashing down.

As for Jasper…

He was more of a liability than an ally—she’d be lucky if he didn’t mess things up for her.

Stella wasn’t worried about whatever tricks Jasper might try to pull.

Besides, Foreman was keeping an eye on his every move.

Other than Haynes and Jasper, Stella couldn’t think of anyone else who’d lift a finger for Rachel.

And with Neville, Antoney, Lauretta, and the others at her side, she had no reason to fear whatever games Rachel might play.

Still, despite all her rational assurances, an uneasy feeling lingered at the back of her mind—a thin layer of cloud shadowing her thoughts.

Something just felt off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

A chilly wind swept past, making Stella sneeze.

The night air had a sharp, biting cold to it.

She needed to get home, shower, and change her clothes as soon as possible. This was not the time to get sick.

Just as she reached the entrance, about to call for a ride, a sleek black luxury car pulled up in front of her.

The license plate caught her eye—familiar, and just as attention-grabbing as always, with its string of eights.

The door swung open, and a tall, striking figure stepped out.

“Star, are you alright?” Neville hurried over the moment he saw her, soaked through and shivering.

Stella blinked in surprise. “Mr. Connolly? What are you doing here?”

Noticing the pallor in her cheeks, Neville quickly shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

“Marvin mentioned you had a rehearsal tonight. I happened to be nearby and thought I’d drop in.”

Stella had planned to take Marvin back to the Connolly estate after her rehearsal, but the boy had stubbornly refused to go. So Abby was at home with him instead.

Earlier, Marvin had asked where she’d be practicing, saying he wanted to come see her perform. Stella hadn’t thought much of it and simply gave him the address.

She was about to say something else when another figure approached from down the street.

Then she added, “Mr. Connolly, do you happen to know anyone who can fix a phone?”

Neville chuckled. “Water damage? That’s easy. Don’t worry, I’ll have someone repair it for you first thing tomorrow.”

…

That same night, Rachel had just finished her shower when her phone, lying on the table, suddenly rang.

She stared at the screen, recognizing the number instantly—a familiar dread flickering in her eyes.

Him. Again.

This was the person who had faked her medical records so thoroughly that even Haynes hadn’t suspected a thing—a testament to his almost frightening abilities.

He’d helped her with countless problems, ones she would never have dared bring to Haynes.

But she never dared to manipulate him the way she’d used Jasper.

Taking several deep breaths to steady her shaking hands, Rachel finally picked up the phone and hit “answer.”