The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 549

Haynes’s cold, critical gaze landed squarely on Joshua.

“Stella, so this is why you kept hanging up my calls? Because of him?”

Stella’s tone was calm, almost indifferent. “Whenever there’s a problem, you always look for someone else to blame. Is that the signature style of the O’Brien Group’s CEO?”

Haynes’s reply was icy. “So, you’re saying it’s perfectly reasonable to ignore your own child being kidnapped, just so you can go on a date?”

Joshua smiled politely. “I know it’s not my place to comment on other people’s business, but I’ve always had a hard time watching injustice go unchallenged. So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to clarify something for Ms. Cameron. I’m not her date. She accidentally bumped into me yesterday and offered to take me to a doctor. That’s all. Before you start pointing fingers and making accusations, maybe you should try asking what actually happened…”

He paused, then looked Haynes up and down. “Excuse me, sir, are you her husband?”

His explanation was meant to be helpful, but to Haynes, it felt like a slap in the face.

Stella’s voice was flat. “Ex-husband.”

Joshua’s eyes lit up in understanding. “Ah, ex-husband. Well, if you’re her ex, maybe you’re a little too invested. You’re divorced now—who she chooses to see is none of your concern.”

Haynes’s eyes flashed cold. “Stella, Keen’s life is still hanging in the balance. Are you really going to stand here and argue with me?”

Stella fell silent.

She reached for the backseat door, ready to climb in, but Joshua got there first, slipping into the seat with a quick, easy motion.

Stella hesitated for a split second.

Joshua flashed her a warm, good-natured smile. “Thanks.”

Stella parted her lips as if to say something, but in the end, held her tongue.

Haynes’s jaw clenched, his handsome features clouded by irritation. But with Keen’s kidnapping weighing on him, he had no time to waste.

He shot Stella a cold glance. “Sit up front.”

Stella didn’t want to argue. She closed the back door and slipped into the passenger seat.