The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 88

"She knew perfectly well that Rachel didn't have much time left, yet she kept playing her little games. Remember how she faked being sick or even pretended she'd been kidnapped just to grab Keen's and my attention?"

"Over the years, she's gotten used to the high life, and now with Keen involved, there's no way she'd easily agree to a divorce. It's all just a strategic retreat on her part," Haynes remarked with a shake of his head.

Foreman watched Haynes intently, furrowing his brow, as if on the verge of saying something. Just then, the tightly shut door of the hospital room swung open.

The nurse, spotting Haynes still in the hallway, let out a sigh of relief. "Mr. O'Brien, thank goodness you're still here. Ms. Pearce had a nightmare and we can't wake her. Could you please come take a look?"

Haynes gave a quick nod and walked back into the room. Foreman watched him go, his figure fading into the distance.

...

Stella waited anxiously for two days until Foreman finally got in touch. "I've found out that Abby wasn't taken by Haynie," Foreman said, his voice giving nothing away. "I need a few more days to track her down, so hang tight."

Stella exhaled in relief but quickly tensed up again. "What on earth happened with Abby? Why is she hiding?"

After a moment of silence, Foreman responded, "Looks like she pissed off the wrong guy and is keeping her head down to stay out of trouble... Don't stress, once I track her down, I'll take care of it."

Knowing Abby's talent for getting under people's skin, Stella didn't question Foreman's theory. She thanked him and hung up.