The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Neville's voice was deep and steady.

"Don't worry. I'll send people to help right away."

Haynes, standing nearby, watched Stella's anxious movements. His brow furrowed, but in the end, he said nothing to stop her.

Without hesitation, Stella dialed Mr. Burton.

The moment he heard her, Mr. Burton's tone grew serious. He immediately arranged for people to join the search.

As for Lauretta and her group, Stella didn't bother calling. Their influence didn't extend to Neo-Vespera, and when it came to matters involving Keen, they'd be powerless to help.

After making her rounds of calls, Stella's face showed no sign of relief.

From the rearview mirror, Haynes shot a glance at Joshua, his voice cool and detached.

"You're sure it's safe for him to come along?"

Stella caught the implication in Haynes' words and replied calmly, "It's fine. He doesn't even have a phone right now."

Even if Joshua had approached her with an ulterior motive, there was no way for him to tip anyone off at the moment.

She wasn't naive; she was cautious around him, just not entirely on guard. Haynes drove in silence, bringing Stella to the O'Brien family estate.

Inside the O'Brien mansion's living room, Deanna and Callie paced restlessly, worry etched on their faces. Foreman stood off to the side, making call after call.

Stella followed Haynes into the house.

The instant Foreman saw her, his eyes lit with surprise. It had been a while since he'd last seen Stella.

"Ms. Cameron," Foreman greeted, his voice unexpectedly hoarse.

Stella paused, then gave him a polite nod.

"Mr. Richards."

Deanna's expression darkened the moment she laid eyes on Stella. Ever since learning Stella knew Mr. Burton, Deanna had felt pangs of regret though she wouldn't admit it.

Still, she knew there was nomit it.

repairing their relationship. Not even Kéen could bridge the distance between them.

The better things went for someone she disliked, the worse Deanna felt. She hated to admit it, but she was jealous of Stella.noveldrama

"What is she doing here?!" Deanna snapped, her glare icy. She pointed at the door, her voice rising. "You're not welcome here. Get out!"

Stella's eyes went cold. Without a word, she turned on her heel.

Haynes instinctively reached for her wrist. "Where are you going?"

Stella shot back, her tone frosty, "Didn't you hear? I was told to leave-so I'm leaving."

Haynes frowned and looked at Deanna.

"Mom, can you not make things worse right now?"

Deanna stared at him in disbelief. "You think I'm making things worse?"

Haynes' voice was low and edged with ice.

“Keen's been kidnapped. As his mother, she deserves to know."

Deanna scoffed. "What good does that do? Is she going to save Keen herself?"

Stella gave a soft, biting laugh. "And what about you, Deanna? Are you going to save him?"

"You" Deanna was left speechless.

Haynes cut in, cutting the tension. "Enough. This isn't the time to argue. We need to focus on Keen."

Deanna looked like she wanted to argue, but Callie tugged on her arm, trying to pull her back. She thought her mother must have lost her mind. With Stella's powerful connections, it was crazy to keep picking a fight with her. Was Deanna just looking for trouble?

Seeing the standoff, Foreman finally spoke up.

"Keen's been kidnapped. It's natural

for

O'Brien to be on edge-she

do what she said. Ms

Cameron, don't take it to don't take it to heart.”

He paused, then turned to Haynes.

"Haynes, Mrs. O'Brien is getting on in years, and she's worried sick about Keen.

Maybe she should go upstairs and rest for a bit."