The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1845

Joshua also noticed a book on medicinal cuisine on the coffee table. It was clearly a book that Stella had once read.

Just then, a low, cool voice came from the doorway.

"I'm surprised you came here."

Joshua turned to see Haynes standing at the entrance.

"Dad, you're back!" Keen said when he saw Haynes.

Haynes nodded at Keen. "Go find your mom. I need to talk with Mr. Joshua for a moment."

Keen, ever the sensible child, left the room.

Once Keen was gone, Haynes entered.

"Seeing all this," he asked, "what are your thoughts?"

Joshua spoke. "I'm grateful for your blindness, Mr. O'Brien."

After a moment of stunned silence, Haynes said, "I haven't let anyone touch a thing in here since she left. If she ever wants to come back, she can, anytime."

Joshua's lips curved into a faint smile. "Mr. O'Brien, you had the chance to be the one and now you're content to be the backup plan. But you're destined for disappointment. As long as I'm around, you will never see her return."

As Joshua prepared to leave, Haynes's voice, smooth yet chilling, cut through the air from behind him.

"I won't try to break you two up, but I won't give up any opportunity either. Since you've toured this place, you should know that some marks aren't easily erased. I'm not completely without a chance."

Joshua's thin lips curled into a sinister smile. "I wouldn't be so sure."

With that, Joshua said no more and turned to leave.

Haynes watched him go, a frown creasing his brow. Joshua's final glance had been strange.

After Haynes returned, Stella and Joshua stayed for a little while longer before leaving.

As they left, Keen reminded Stella, "Mom, don't forget the parent-child activity this weekend."

Stella smiled. "I won't."

-

The phone on the nightstand buzzed incessantly.

Stella forced her eyes open and instinctively reached for it.

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