She was known for her knack of stirring up trouble, but this time, she hadn't uttered a word.
Yet, without any rhyme or reason, the blame was thrown her way, and she wasn't about to stand for it.
The room's atmosphere thickened almost instantly.
Rachel, who usually played the peacemaker for Haynes, suddenly switched sides, making the situation awkwardly tense.
It was Marvin's innocent voice that finally broke the silence.
"Mr. O'Brien, you've wronged Stella. Don't you think you owe her an apology?"
Stella glanced down at Marvin, who mischievously winked at her.
This clever boy.
Some things sound different depending on who says them.
If Mr. Burton had said it, it might've seemed biased.
But Marvin was just a kid. Even if he was siding with her, he wouldn't have said anything unless he'd heard it himself.
It was like a slap across Haynes's face.
Haynes's deep-set eyes dimmed, and his Adam's apple bobbed nervously.
After a few seconds, his low, raspy voice broke the silence.
"Sorry, I misunderstood you."
Stella gave him a sidelong glance. "Since Ms. Pearce is in such a delicate condition, you'd better whisk her away before she misses her treatment."
Rachel, not keen on staying any longer, extended her pale hand with a pout. "Haynie, my fingers have so many cuts from those herbs. If this keeps up, I might never play the violin again."
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