The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 36

"Murderers deserve the death penalty!"

The group of girls was in a frenzy, their eyes blazing with hostility, faces twisted with rage. They looked like they wanted to tear Stella apart as if she were their arch-nemesis.

To someone looking in from the outside, it might have appeared as though Stella had done something unforgivable to them.

Stella surveyed their expressions and quickly deduced those girls were likely Rachel's fans. Although she wasn't a frequent internet user, Stella had recently learned that Rachel had amassed a massive following online.

It was only the previous day that Stella discovered Rachel had millions of devoted fans, drawn to her delicate beauty, talent with the violin, and inspiring determination to live life to the fullest despite her terminal illness. In six months, Rachel had become as well-known as a B-list celebrity.

Rachel's rise to fame wasn't by mere chance. Someone was orchestrating it behind the scenes. That someone was Haynes.

Rachel had signed with a media company under the O'Brien Group's wing. Haynes hadn't bothered to dispel the rumors about him and Rachel, explaining to Stella that it was all part of a plan to boost Rachel's profile.

As Haynes explained, Rachel's final wish was to become a star, and with so little time left, they couldn't wait for her to slowly build a fanbase. Spreading gossip was the quickest way to make her famous overnight.

Despite her reservations, Stella had to bite her tongue and accept the situation. She hadn't realized how quickly Rachel's supporters had multiplied until then.

Seeing the hostile crowd, Stella quickly handed Marvin to Hans, the driver. "Hans, take Marvin and go."

Hans understood the danger. The mob's anger was directed at Stella, and lingering could put Marvin at risk. He nodded and picked Marvin up. "Come on, little man. We need to leave."

But Marvin squirmed, refusing to leave. "No, Stella's in danger. I can't leave her here."

Stella's heart warmed at his words. Her husband and son treated her like an enemy, yet this boy, whom she'd only known for two days, stood by her side unwaveringly.