The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 471

The moment Haynes spoke, all three women in the room instinctively turned to look at him.

Star.

Haynes almost never used such an intimate nickname for Stella.

Actually, to be precise, he never did.

He always called her by her full name. The closest he’d ever come to familiarity was a clipped “Mrs. O’Brien.”

Now, hearing him say “Star,” not only the others—even Stella herself—felt a chill run up her spine, goosebumps prickling her arms.

Rachel’s smile was already strained, and now it barely held together.

Lauretta, for her part, looked genuinely surprised. Hadn’t Star and Haynes gotten divorced? Why was he suddenly calling her so affectionately?

Trying to smooth things over, Lauretta replied, “Star and I were classmates in college.”

“College?” Haynes’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback. “You… you were classmates in college?”

Lauretta already knew from Abby that Haynes and his circle had always looked down on Stella, constantly making snide remarks about her supposedly only having a middle school education.

She arched a brow, challenging him. “Is there a problem with that?”

For some reason, Rachel seemed uncharacteristically rattled today. She jumped in, “I heard Ms. Cameron only finished middle school. How could you two have been college classmates? Ms. Chapman, are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

Lauretta gave Rachel a bemused look. “I think I would remember whether or not Star and I were classmates. Don’t you, Ms. Pearce? Are you suggesting I don’t know my own past?”

Rachel faltered, caught off guard and speechless.

Haynes pressed on, “Ms. Chapman, which college did you attend together?”

Lauretta’s voice was calm and composed. “You invited me here as a special guest. I would’ve thought you’d at least know a little about me… But it seems you’re just interested in my name and reputation.”