The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 92

Stella sighed and reluctantly dialed Haynes' number again.

"Ring, ring, ring..." No answer.

Before long, the call ended on its own, timing out in silence.

The two receptionists exchanged a look, their expressions growing more disdainful, as if Stella were something unpleasant they had to deal with.

One of them glanced at Stella's striking face, a flicker of envy crossing her eyes, and spoke with a sarcastic edge. "It's laughable, really. Mrs. O'Brien herself can't even get through to Mr. O'Brien... Do you think we're fools?"

"Yeah, since when did every Tom, Dick, and Harry think they could just waltz in to see Mr. O'Brien? Gold diggers these days hit new lows," chimed in the other, her voice dripping with contempt.

"I've seen plenty of women who think a pretty face is all it takes to snag Mr. O'Brien, but none quite so bold as to pretend they're Mrs. O'Brien," she added, just loud enough for Stella to hear.

Stella was in disbelief. After five years of marriage to Haynes, there was no respect—not in private, and certainly not in public.

"Is Haynes in the office today?" Stella asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I'm sorry," one receptionist replied curtly. "Company policy forbids disclosing Mr. O'Brien's whereabouts to outsiders."

The other receptionist sneered, "Aren't you supposed to be Mrs. O'Brien? Shouldn't you know if your husband's in or not?"

Feeling their mocking eyes on her, Stella turned and walked over to the waiting area, unwilling to engage further.

The receptionists, convinced that Stella was just another woman with ulterior motives towards Haynes, became even more dismissive.