The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 7

Rachel's voice was light, and her expression was gentle, the picture of an innocent and charming woman. In contrast, she made Stella seem harsh, cold, and distant.

But Stella detected the challenge and mockery hidden in Rachel's words.

She looked up to catch the glint of triumph Rachel hadn't hidden from her eyes.

"Why is it so uncommon for Haynes to come home?" Stella shot back. "It's because you, Ms. Pearce, have taken up all his free time. Are you pretending not to know what's really happening?"

Rachel looked shocked as she grabbed Stella's hand and rushed to explain. "Ms. Cameron, please, that's not what I meant."

But Stella cut her off before she could finish. "If you're not playing dumb, it's just a lack of self-awareness, isn't it?"

Stella withdrew her hand and said, "Ms. Pearce, people who are oblivious to themselves are truly unbearable."

"Ah!" Rachel let out a sudden gasp and stumbled backward.

Before Stella could react, a tall figure stepped in, catching Rachel before she fell.

"Rachel, are you okay?"

Rachel looked back at the newcomer with wide, teary eyes like she was the most wronged person in the world. "Haynes, I'm fine. Ms. Cameron didn't mean it. Please don't be mad at her, okay?"

Haynes' gaze flickered, and he finally noticed Stella standing nearby.