Stella offered a slight smile, "If Mr. O'Brien can't even bear to let Ms. Pearce do the most basic tasks, that's a different story."
"If you're worried that Mr. Burton might give Ms. Pearce a hard time, feel free to come by every day. I'm sure Mr. Burton won't mind. In fact, he might even be moved by your dedication and give you your mother's medicine."
Benson couldn't help but glance at Stella a few more times.
Dedication...
It sounded perfectly fine when referring to his wife. But when applied to another woman, it carried an unmistakable irony. His own mother needed his wife to plead for medicine, while he exhausted himself for another woman.
Haynes couldn't miss the sarcasm in Stella's tone. His voice was calm, "There's no need for the passive-aggression. Even if Rachel's illness is cured, I won't be with her."
Stella pretended to understand, commenting, "So legitimacy holds no allure for you, Mr. O'Brien? You favor the excitement of the forbidden, is that correct?"
"Stella!"
Stella hid the disdain in her eyes, "Is there anything else, Mr. O'Brien? If not, please leave. I have a house to tidy up."
Without waiting for Haynes to respond, Stella resumed tidying the room. Haynes stood still for a moment, watching her, before finally turning to leave.
...
Whatever Haynes said to Rachel, it must have worked, as she showed up the next morning.
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