The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 487

Haynes’s gaze flickered as he looked over at Rachel.

She refused to meet his eyes, forcing a brittle smile that barely concealed the turmoil beneath. Her shifting gaze betrayed her true feelings, and Haynes’s expression darkened. That look—she was hiding something. Was there more to this than anyone had let on?

Jasper, still indignant, opened his mouth to say more, but Haynes cut him off. “Enough. They’re both soaked to the bone. Let’s get them home before they catch cold. We can talk about this later.”

Jasper assumed Haynes was worried about Rachel’s well-being. With a cold glare at Stella, he muttered, “You’re finished,” then swept Rachel into his arms and left.

The moment they were gone, Stella turned to leave as well. But Haynes stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “You should change out of those wet clothes before you go,” he said quietly.

“It’s fine,” Stella replied flatly.

“You’ll catch your death walking home like that.”

The familiar concern in his voice took her off guard, stirring memories she’d thought she’d buried. Before Rachel’s return, things between her and Haynes had never been passionate, but there had been a certain quiet respect. He hadn’t always been cold to her; sometimes, he’d even shown a trace of care.

She remembered one rainy afternoon when she’d picked up Keen from school. A downpour had come out of nowhere, and she’d shielded Keen with her own coat, ending up drenched. Haynes had just gotten home from a business trip. When he saw her soaked through, he’d simply said, “Run a hot bath and get changed—you don’t want to catch a chill.”

She’d been moved by his rare concern, her heart fluttering with hope for days.

Now, though, there was nothing left inside her but a hollow sense of irony.

“It’s none of your business,” Stella said coolly.

With that, she brushed past him, intent on leaving.

“Star—” Haynes reached out, unwilling to let her slip away so easily.

She lifted her head, her lips twisting into a wry smile. “Are you hoping I’ll go home and play that recording, Mr. O’Brien?”