The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 148

Stella's gaze flickered between Haynes' stormy expression and Rachel's pinched lips, her mouth curling into a razor-edged smile. “Pity I can't perform miracles—I'd love to demonstrate how easily truth gets rewritten around here.”

"That's alright," Marvin said, tilting his head towards Rachel. "Didn't Stella mention that Ms. Pearce has some sort of magical power like that? Watching her perform is just as entertaining."

With Stella and Marvin bantering back and forth, even five-year-old Keen picked up on the sarcasm. Stella was subtly mocking him and his dad for being naive, for believing everything Rachel said.

Stella knew trying to explain things to them was pointless. They wouldn't believe her anyway, and she didn't want to waste her breath.

"Marvin," she said reassuringly, "don't worry. Aunt Stella promised to go with you to the competition, and I will keep that promise."

Marvin looked up cautiously. "But Keen might get upset..."

"Is that so?" Stella turned to Keen. "Are you upset?"

Keen hadn't expected Stella to address him directly. He thought she was backing down, so he lifted his chin a bit higher, his expression tinged with arrogance. "Yes, I don't want you going to the competition with that troublemaker!"

Stella asked, "Well then, do you want me to go with you instead?"

Marvin's fingers clenched reflexively around Stella's, his knuckles whitening. Stella gently patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Keen hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. His mom's presence would guarantee dead-last humiliation, and he'd promised his preschool buddies victory. The mere thought of their laughter made his stomach twist.

Rachel noticed Keen's conflicted expression and chimed in with a smile. "Ms. Cameron, there's no need to pressure the child. This competition is very important to Keen. If you wish to participate, perhaps next time would be better."