The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Jonathan hesitated for several seconds, but his attitude remained unyielding.

"Maybe it's not the person you think it is. You're jumping to conclusions, Ms. Chapman. You always tell me not to make snap judgments before knowing the whole truth-yet isn't that exactly what you're doing now?"

Lauretta nodded. "You're right. I was too hasty. How about this: if your sister's friend turns out not to be Rachel, I'll do you a favor and agree to be her special guest. But if it is Rachel, I don't want either of you bringing this up to me again. Does that sound fair, Mr. Williams?"

Jonathan nodded. "That's fine."

After all, Stella was his own sister. If he had to choose between his sister and some woman on the side, the answer was obvious.

While they spoke, the server arrived with their food.

Lauretta smiled politely. "This meal's on me, but I'll leave you to eat alone, Mr. Williams."

She motioned to the server to pack up the two dishes she'd ordered for herself.

Jonathan frowned. In his eyes, Lauretta's impulsive reaction wasn't how a well- bred heiress ought to behave. But she wasn't his fiancée just yet, so it wasn't his place to say anything. He'd wait until after they were married to bring it up.

As she left the restaurant, Lauretta glanced back at Jonathan, who was still seated inside. A thoughtful look crossed her face.

Haynes must have some real connections to have gotten Jonathan involved. Jonathan wasn't the type to meddle in other people's business without a good reason. There must be some kind of relationship between Jonathan and Haynes. No, Stella ought to know about this-she needed to be prepared, just in case. With that in mind, Lauretta pulled out her phone and called Stella.

...

The next day, Stella had barely stepped into her studio when her phone rang-it was Keen.

Her voice was calm. "Keen, is something wrong?"

"Mom?" Keen's voice was small and anxious. "There's a man who says he's my grandpa. He took me somewhere I don't know. I'm... I'm kind of scared..."

Grandpa? Stella's eyes turned cold. "Where are you right now?"

"...I don't know."

"Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I'm coming to find you right now."

She hung up, her mind racing. She didn't

could Skyler's number a

reach him, but she had

ways of tracking Keen down.

She dialed Haynes. "Haynes, I need you to locate Keen. Right now."

There was a brief pause on the other end. "What's going on with Keen now?"

Stella couldn't hide her frustration. "You're his father, and you don't even know someone took him?"

Haynes replied, "It's the weekend. My mother picked Keen up and took him to the old house he should be with her right now."

Stella let out a cold laugh. "I just got off the phone with Keen. He said someone took him away. Instead of arguing with me, why don't you find out where he actually is?"

"Alright," Haynes said, surprisingly calm. "I'll have someone check right away and

let you know as soon as I find out."

Stella hung up without another word.

About twenty minutes later, Haynes called back.

"Come downstairs. I'll take you to Keen."

Stella didn't waste a second. She hurried downstairs, buckling her seatbelt as soon as she got in the car. The engine roared to life and they sped off.

"Did you find out where Keen is?" she asked.

Haynes drove fast, his expression cool and remote.

He said, with a note of significance, "He said he's with someone claiming to be his grandfather."

Stella stayed silent.

The car was quiet except for Haynes' clear, steady voice. "Stella, aren't you going to say anything?"noveldrama

Her reply was edged with sarcasm. "Say what, exactly?"