The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 442

“Ms. Cameron, would you prefer to leave on your own, or shall I have you escorted out?”

Stella’s expression remained cool and detached. “Haynes asked me to come.”

Lacey’s smile was edged with contempt, as if she were watching some ridiculous sideshow.

“Sorry, Ms. Cameron, but I haven’t received any word from Mr. O'Brien.”

With that, Lacey turned to the security guards standing nearby. “Well? What are you waiting for? Remove this unauthorized visitor.”

The two guards strode over, their demeanor threatening.

Stella shot Lacey a withering glance. “Arrogance and snap judgments based on personal likes and dislikes are hardly the marks of a professional executive assistant, Lacey. You’ll regret acting this way today.”

Lacey offered a dismissive smirk, the disdain plain on her face.

Stella didn’t waste another word. She turned to leave.

Lacey had been with The O'Brien Group for years, rising from a junior secretary to the personal assistant to the CEO. Her competency was undeniable, but she’d always made her dislike of Stella abundantly clear. Like Jasper, she considered Stella useless, unworthy of Haynes, and never bothered to hide her cold contempt.

Just then, a gentle voice drifted from the entrance.

“What’s going on here?”

Lacey turned, her icy demeanor immediately thawing.

A polite smile spread across her face. “Ms. Pearce, are you here to see Mr. O'Brien?”

“Yes, Haynie asked me to drop by,” Rachel said, glancing at Stella in surprise. “Is something wrong?”

Jasper shot Stella a sideways glance. “Stella, Rachel just stuck her neck out for you. Not even a thank you?”

Stella offered a faint, unruffled smile. “Mr. Wilkinson, I believe you’re still out on bail, aren’t you? If you get into trouble again, not even the best lawyer will be able to save you. Maybe instead of hanging around here with Ms. Pearce, you should be thinking of how to make proper amends and earn our forgiveness.”

Jasper’s face darkened. “Stella, you—”

“That’s enough, Jasper.” Rachel took his arm. “Haynie’s waiting for us. Let’s go.”

With a last frosty glare, Jasper turned away.

Once inside the elevator, the two of them started talking about the upcoming gala.

“Haynie’s really something,” Jasper said. “He even managed to get the most mysterious, most sought-after headliner for you. You keep saying he’s changed, but honestly? I think he’s only gotten better for you.”