The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 14

Maisie rubbed her eyes, trying to ensure she wasn't seeing things.

Noticing Maisie's unusual behavior, Keen couldn't help but ask, "Maisie, what's up?"

Maisie cautiously handed her phone to Haynes. "Sir, this..."

Haynes glanced down and saw Stella had left the group chat. His expression darkened further.

The next moment, Haynes' phone rang.

Rachel's tearful voice came through the line. "Haynie, what do we do? Ms. Cameron seems upset..."

Haynes suddenly thought of Stella. He rarely saw Stella cry. The only time was when Stella pushed Rachel into the pool, causing her to end up in the ICU, and refused to admit her mistake.

As punishment, he took Keen to the O'Brien Mansion and told Stella she'd never see Keen again if she didn't apologize.

At the time, Keen was having a flare-up of his condition, running a high fever. Stella chased them to the mansion, but Haynes wouldn't allow anyone to let her in.

Nightfall brought a violent storm.

Preoccupied with breaking Keen's raging fever, the household forgot the woman left shivering at their gates.

Only when the steward intervened — his conscience overriding orders — did Haynes recall his abandoned wife.

They brought her in, rainwater streaming from her trembling form.

And for the first time, he witnessed her weep — silent tears cutting through the downpour's roar.

Rachel's sobbing voice interrupted his thoughts.

"I saw Ms. Cameron leave the group chat. Haynie, let's drop it. If Ms. Cameron doesn't want to make these dishes, let's not trouble her..."