The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 528

Her demeanor was lukewarm, as though she were speaking to a stranger—calm, without a hint of emotion.

Haynes felt his throat tighten inexplicably.

“It’s been ages since Keen saw you. Don’t you want to visit him?” he asked.

Stella replied, “I’m still busy here.”

The implication was clear—she was turning him down.

Haynes’ voice grew heavier. “No matter how busy you are, don’t you have even a few minutes to see your child?”

Stella’s lips curved in a faint, noncommittal smile. “I’m not the person he wants to see. Ms. Pearce is here, isn’t she? With her around, that’s enough.”

A faint furrow appeared between Haynes’ brows.

“You’re Keen’s mother. Even if he’s close to Rachel, she can never take your place.”

Stella remained unmoved.

Haynes looked as if he wanted to say more, but Neville approached briskly and stopped by Stella’s side.

Leaning close, he murmured, “Sherman’s awake.”

Stella’s brows shifted almost imperceptibly.

When Sherman had dragged her away earlier, she hadn’t struggled. She’d wanted to deal with this troublemaker before her performance anyway.

She always carried pepper spray in her pocket—she wasn’t afraid of him.

Pretending she couldn’t break free, Stella had let Sherman take her to a storage room. His plan was to lock her inside.

One swift blow with a brick, and she’d knocked him out cold.

She was still debating what to do with the unconscious Sherman when Neville found her. With her performance about to start, she’d left Sherman for Neville to handle.

Stella asked under her breath, “What’s his situation now?”

Neville answered, “He’s Mr. Burton’s grandson. We can’t exactly make him disappear. I locked him up in the storeroom.”

He paused for a moment.