The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes looked deep into Stella's eyes. "Star, I want you to be prepared for what's coming."

Her expression was calm, steady. "I understand. Thank you for the heads up."

He shook his head. "You're Keen's mother. I owe you far more than you know, and this is the least I can do. There's no need to thank me. If there's anything else you need, just ask. I mean it."

Stella hesitated, then asked, "Has Keen been going over to the Williams house lately?"

"Mr. Williams has sent for him a few times, but I turned them down every time," Haynes replied, meeting her gaze. "For now, I won't let Keen go over there. You have my word—I'll keep him safe. I won't let the Williams family use him against you."

Stella's look grew more complicated. She wasn't worried about much, except that the Williams family might try to hurt Keen.

Haynes seemed to sense her concern and wanted to put her mind at ease.

After a moment, Stella added, "Also, for the time being, please don't take Keen to my mother's house either."

Haynes agreed without hesitation. "Alright."

She stared at him in surprise. "You're not even going to ask why?"

His eyes darkened. "I know the reason."

"Do you really?" she pressed, still not quite convinced.

He nodded. "My mother's way of raising Keen... there are problems. From now on, I'll make sure their contact is limited."

Deanna O'Brien's so-called 'parenting' had never actually done Keen any good. It was only after he and Stella divorced that Haynes learned the truth-Deanna would belittle Stella right in front of Keen, constantly pointing out her supposed flaws.

Hearing this, Stella's expression finally softened.

"I'll be busy these days, so I'm counting on you to look after Keen," she said. Even though Haynes had custody, she was still Keen's mother. She couldn't just hand him over and wash her hands of responsibility.

Haynes's eyes warmed with a touch

of a smile. "Keen's school lets out soon. Why don't we pick him up together and go out for dinner? With the international competition coming up, you'll probably be away for a while-it might be your last chance to see him for some time." noveldrama

Stella thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

She also needed to talk to Keen about the Williams family.

Turning to Haynes, she said, "Wait for me outside. I need to let Abby know I'm leaving."

Haynes nodded and stepped out of the studio.

Stella found Abby and explained she'd be leaving early to pick up Keen.

As Stella walked away, Abby

muttered under her breath, "That Haynes really knows what he's doing. Even with Star resenting him so much, he still manages to get her to pick up Keen together. No wonder she fell for him back then..."

This year, the international competition wasn't in Neo-Vespera, but in another metropolis-Sandford.

The O'Brien Group might have a powerful reputation in Novaris's business scene, but they weren't

domineering as to shut out even sol

other family or company.

Collaboration and mutual benefit were the only way to build something that lasted.

Sandford, meanwhile, was the heart of the Foreman family's influence.

Stella and Abby had just stepped off the plane when they spotted a tall, impeccably dressed man waiting for them—Foreman Richards himself.

Abby waved. "Mr. Richards!"

Foreman strode over and took Stella's suitcase from her. His assistant promptly picked up Abby's luggage as well.

With a welcoming smile, Foreman said, "Star, welcome to Sandford."