The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After the others left, only Jonathan, Aurora, Haynes, and Keen remained in the living room.

Jonathan suddenly spoke up. "Haynes, you asked my sister for help inviting Lauretta as a special guest-was that for Rachel?"

Haynes nodded. "Yes, it was."noveldrama

Jonathan's expression darkened. "Before, you didn't know about our connection to Stella. You came to us for a favor, and I chose to let it go. But now that you're aware of our relationship, let's not bring this up again. I'm not about to help you embarrass my own sister just for the sake of some other woman."

Aurora looked at Haynes in surprise. "Mr. O'Brien, so the person Lauretta agreed to perform for was Rachel?"

Haynes didn't deny it. "I'm sorry. At the time, I had no idea you were related to Stella. I assumed you didn't know each other, so I never brought it up."

Aurora thought it over and realized he was telling the truth. She gave a small nod. "It really was just a misunderstanding. But..."

She paused, her voice turning firm. "My brother is right. If we help you, it would be like turning our backs on Stella. I'm sorry, but I can't do that. If you need anything else in the future-something that doesn't put us at odds with our own family- you can come to me again."

She hadn't expected Haynes and Rachel to try and steal someone from Stella. Aurora wasn't foolish enough to betray her own sister just to do someone a favor.

Haynes was silent for a moment, then said, "There's nothing between Rachel and me, despite what people say. Yes, we were together once, but since the day I married Stella, I've never thought about being with her again. Rachel is terminally ill, and I owe her a lot. That's the only reason I'm trying to help her fulfill her last wishes."

His tone was calm, his handsome face open and sincere. "I can promise you this: since I married Stella, I haven't done anything inappropriate with anyone. My relationship with Rachel is clean-nothing more."

At this, Jonathan's expression softened a little. "Whatever the case, your divorce was because of Rachel. I hope you'll keep your distance from her."

Haynes replied, "Once her concert is over, my debt to her will be paid. I won't help her again."

Jonathan wasn't easily fooled. He caught something in Haynes's words and smiled faintly, a touch of coldness in his eyes. "Haynes, Stella was never your backup plan. And knowing her, I doubt she'd ever take you back."

If Stella wouldn't even return to the Williams family, how could she possibly forgive Haynes?

But Haynes only said, "That's for me to change."

A moment later, Stella emerged from Skyler's study. Whatever

I hadn't gone well-he

expression was tense loet

She walked up to Keen. "Let's go."

Keen followed Stella out of the house.

Haynes nodded to Jonathan and Aurora, then left as well.

But as the three of them approached their cars, a bright, excited voice rang out behind them.

"Haynie! Keen! Did you come here to see me?"

Stella looked up. Rachel had appeared from nowhere, beaming at them.

She said, "Zoey mentioned she saw your

o carwhen she went out for , but I didn't believe bol

t believe you're really here!"

Rachel, clearly delighted, rushed forward and reached for Keen's hand.