The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 290

The two women were deep in conversation when Stella's phone suddenly rang.

Abby shot her a nervous glance. "You don't think Haynes is up to something again, do you?"

Stella checked the screen—it was Deanna calling.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. If Haynes really couldn't make it, she needed to know right away.

As soon as Stella picked up, Deanna's icy voice came through the line.

"Stella, Keen has a fever. You need to come back to the house and take care of him. Now."

Deanna's tone was as imperious as ever, every word laced with command.

Stella's reply was cool and even. "If he's sick, call a doctor. I'm not a nurse—there's no point calling me."

Deanna was stunned, her voice rising with anger.

"You're his mother, and that's your response? How can you be so heartless?"

Stella's tone didn't waver. "Haynes and I are about to finalize our divorce. Keen belongs with the O'Brien family now. In the future, don't call me for this sort of thing."

She paused, then added, "Of course, if you don't want custody, just say the word. I'll come pick him up myself."

"Divorce?" Deanna's voice shot up an octave. "You're actually getting divorced?"

"That's right." Stella glanced at the time. "Haynes should be here in about five minutes."

Instead of any sadness or regret about her son's broken marriage, Deanna felt nothing but relief. She'd disliked Stella from the very start.