The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Jonathan's lips pressed into a thin, icy line, his expression as unyielding as frost. Even when she walked in, he barely spared her a glance-certainly not a smile.

Skyler, at least, managed a strained smile. "Ah, Star's here... Wait, Haynes, you came too?"

Haynes offered a brief explanation. "Yeah, Keen hasn't seen Star in quite a while. When I heard she was coming back today, I picked her up from the airport so we could all have dinner together tonight."

Skyler's eyes lingered on Haynes, his tone carrying an unreadable undertone. "It's been ages since I last saw Keen too. I've missed him terribly these days. Haynes, you haven't brought Keen by to visit me in a long time. What's this, the Williams family suddenly so terrifying?"

Haynes's smile was calm, almost placating. "You misunderstand, Mr. Williams. It's just that an old enemy of mine seems to have arrived in Novaris recently. I've been extra cautious, worried he might target the kids. I'm sure you wouldn't want anything to happen to Keen-after all, he's your only grandson."

Skyler arched an eyebrow, his hand pausing ever so slightly as he lifted his teacup.

Then Jonathan spoke up, his words pointed. "Well, isn't that a coincidence. Keen barely stopped visiting the Williams estate, and right after that, Aurora's scandal broke out. Anyone might think Mr. O'Brien planned the whole thing."

A flicker of surprise passed over Haynes's face. "Given Keen's connection, even if we're not family, at the very least we're friends. Why would you suspect people so close to you, Mr. Williams?"

Jonathan caught the implication instantly, dropping the pretense. "It's obvious- right after Stella was exposed as an illegitimate child, Aurora's secrets were aired for everyone to see. It's hard not to think someone was trying to stir up trouble and shift the blame."noveldrama

Of course, Haynes had no intention of shouldering the blame or confessing anything to the Williams family. The more he defended Stella, the more they'd believe he was covering for her. And with Keen's long absence from the family as added fuel, it was all too easy for their suspicion to land squarely on him.

Haynes turned the question back on them. "Mr. Williams, the news about Star being illegitimate-it wasn't leaked by your family, was it?"

The Williams family had certainly considered it, but before they could act, the news had already gone public.

Jonathan replied, self-righteously, "Of course it wasn't us."

Haynes nodded. "If it wasn't you, then what motive would Star have for exposing Aurora? Even if she wanted revenge, wouldn't she go after the person who spread false rumors about her?"

Jonathan faltered, unable to find a retort. Was it because Stella was jealous of Aurora, couldn't stand to see her happy? Or was Stella simply telling the truth, trying to clear Ker own name? The first was nothing but his own bias, and the second-well, he couldn't bring himself to admit it aloud.

Haynes pressed on. "Star's been away from the Williams family for years, and she's never once spoken ill of you. Why would she suddenly do something so self-defeating, just before returning home?"

He turned to Skyler, who had remained silent through the exchange. "Star is still part of the family. No matter how you look at it, she'd gain nothing from all this."

Skyler's gaze softened visibly. He smiled, saying, "You're right. I've never believed Star was behind any of this. The only reason I called her back was to have a family meeting and discuss how we move forward from here."