The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 102

"You...!" Deanna's face turned as white as a sheet with anger.

Her lips quivered, just about to unleash a tirade, when suddenly her eyes rolled back, and she fainted dead away.

Callie rushed over in a panic, shouting, "Mom! Mom, are you alright?"

"Someone call 911, Mrs. O'Brien's passed out!"

The room erupted into chaos, everyone scrambling like it was a fire drill.

Stella observed the scene unfolding and quickly slipped out the door without looking back.

...

That afternoon, Stella's phone rang. It was Haynes.

"Mom's awake now. She's out of danger."

Stella's voice was calm, almost detached, "So, Mr. O'Brien, does that mean you'll release my friend now?"

"You made my mom so upset she ended up in the hospital, and you expect me to just let your friend go?"

Stella's tone didn't waver, "You know exactly what happened. I didn't say anything out of line."

Haynes fell silent. He wanted to take his mother's side, but Deanna's harsh words and attitude towards Stella had been uncalled for. It wasn't Stella's fault.

The whole thing blew up because Stella handed her a bottle of pills, trying to help. Instead of gratitude, Deanna exploded in anger.

Callie seemed unsurprised, almost as if she expected it. Was this how his mom normally treated Stella?

Lost in thought, Haynes didn't realize Stella had hung up until he heard the dial tone.

He stared at the phone, thinking deeply.