The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 78

When Callie brought it up, her frustration resurfaced. "Stella probably thinks we’re helpless without the medicine she sends. That’s why she’s acting so aloof!"

Haynes paused before responding, "I get it. I'll ensure she sends the meds to Mom as soon as possible."

"You better hurry. Mom's health won't wait for anyone."

With Haynes' assurance, Callie finally ended the call.

...

After leaving Rachel's hospital room, Stella took Marvin to get his wound cleaned and dressed. Marvin's injury had started to scab over and heal. But his skin was tender, and it looked alarming.

Stella carefully applied the ointment to Marvin's wound, asking him if it hurt.

Marvin shook his head lightly. "Stella, it doesn't hurt anymore. It's only a small scratch."

He paused, "And Keen didn't mean to."

Marvin had started calling him Keen after learning he was Stella’s son. He didn't hold any grudges against Keen for his mean behavior.

Stella paused her actions, turning to Marvin. "You don't blame him?"

Marvin shook his head again. "Since he's your son, Stella, that makes him my friend. I won't blame Keen. Besides, he didn't do it on purpose. He's scared you'll be taken away from him."

Stella couldn't help but feel a bit of irony at that. Keen was afraid of losing his live-in nanny, like a favorite toy suddenly belonging to someone else, triggering his possessiveness.

Then, Marvin added, "Stella, you shouldn't blame Keen, either. He's just under the influence of that nasty woman."

Stella blinked. "Nasty woman?"

Stella considered it for a moment and accepted Neville's offer. "Thank you, Mr. Connolly."

Reaching this point with Haynes, an amicable split seemed unlikely. Considering the O'Brien family's influence, it would be challenging to win a divorce case.

Marvin's eyes lit up at the news. ‘Great! Once Stella divorces, she can be my mom!’

...

The following day, as Stella was about to head out around noon, she received a call from Haynes.

Initially, she didn't want to answer, but she picked up when thinking it might be about the divorce.

When she answered, Haynes' deep, indifferent voice came through. "Mom's headaches are acting up again. You need to bring the medicine over right away."