The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 155

Rachel felt a sudden jolt of clarity, like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her head. Her emotions, once a storm, had calmed, and she realized she'd lost her composure.

In the past, if Stella had laid a hand on her, Rachel would have shed a few tears, played the victim, and both Haynes and Keen would have come to her defense. But Marvin's unexpected antics had caught her off guard, and Stella's slaps had stripped away her patience, leading her to act irrationally.

"Oh, my head…" Rachel murmured, clutching her forehead and feigning a sudden realization. "I'm sorry, Haynie, I think I had one of my spells again…"

Stella chuckled softly, "Rachel, you sure have a knack for drama, like a character straight out of a tragedy."

Rachel had regained her composure and chose to ignore Stella's sarcastic jabs, letting a tear quietly escape down her cheek.

"Ms. Cameron, little Marvin, I'm sorry if I scared you back there," she said, her voice soft and contrite.

Neville gave her a knowing look. "Ms. Pearce, you didn't forget what just happened, did you?"

"No," Rachel managed a strained smile. "I remember. Sometimes, it's just hard to control my emotions."

"Really?" Neville raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Besides your usual ailments, there's more? Oh my, apologizing to Marvin might be too much for someone as afflicted as you, Ms. Pearce."

"No, I was in the wrong," Rachel admitted, stepping towards Marvin. "Marvin, sweetheart, I'm sorry. I wasn't feeling well and lost control. Can you forgive me?"

Rachel knew this script well. Sometimes, it was better to admit fault outright rather than make excuses that would only complicate things further, even if it left a bitter taste.

Marvin nodded sagely, "Oh, Ms. Pearce, you were sick? It's okay, I forgive you."

Stella turned to Keen. "And you, Keen?"