The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Abby stepped forward as well, her eyes flashing. "Go ahead and try laying a hand on Star. See what happens."

Jasper opened his mouth to retort, but Foreman quietly held out an arm, stopping him.

"Ms. Cameron's been on edge all day because of Keen. She's had to deal with those ruthless kidnappers, and now she's utterly exhausted," Foreman said, turning to address Haynes. "The hospital's in good hands with the rest of us here. I think she should just go home and rest."

Though Foreman blocked Jasper, his words were clearly for Haynes.

Haynes glanced at Stella. She looked tired, her face drawn and pale. He gave a small nod.

"Go on home and get some rest. If anything comes up, I'll call you."

Stella turned to Keen. "Would you like to come home with me?"

It was the first time she'd asked Keen since she'd moved out of the O'Brien family's house.

Rachel's surgery still wasn't over; Haynes would have to stay at the hospital for her.

Keen had been through a terrifying ordeal today. Stella knew she still had a responsibility as his mother. Divorce and giving up custody didn't mean she could just walk away from her child.

Until Keen was grown, she would carry her share of the burden. She just wouldn't -couldn't-love him as unconditionally as before.

Keen hesitated, caught off guard by the invitation.noveldrama

A while ago, he would have refused without thinking. But things were different now. His parents were divorced. Even he and his mother barely spoke.

He used to find her attention stifling, but now... now he almost missed her home- cooked meals, the way she always remembered to make his favorite dishes.

He wanted to go with her. But what about Rachel?

Uncertainty clouded Keen's face.

Jasper suddenly chimed in, "Keen, don't forget-it was Rachel who threw herself at the kidnapper when he pointed a gun at you. If she hadn't risked her own life to stop him, you wouldn't be standing here

Jasper shot Stella a pointed look. "Don't be like some people and forget who's saved you."

Stella ignored Jasper's goading, her expression calm as she looked at Keen. "So, what will it be? Will you come home with me, or stay here for Rachel?"

Keen dropped his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. "You go ahead, Mom. I'll stay and wait for Rachel..."

Rachel had said his mother knew the kidnapper. Keen wanted to wait until Rachel woke up, to find out what she meant.

On the way to the hospital, he'd agonized over whether to tell his father what Rachel had said. After thinking it through, he decided not to. Deep down, he didn't believe his mother knew the kidnapper.There had to be a misunderstanding. Cóntent

Stella showed no disappointment and made no move to persuade him. She simply nodded. "Alright, I'll head home then."

With that, she called for Abby and the others, and left without looking back.

Keen watched his mother walk

away, a pang of longing rising in his chest. He desperately wanted to go with her, but he couldn't leave RacheDalone. If only his mom could stay at the hospital, if only they could wait for Rachel together...

Joshua followed the group out of the hospital.

Earlier, when Stella went to negotiate with the kidnapper, Haynes had told Joshua to stay at the O'Brien estate. But he'd also assigned someone to keep an eye on him.

Afterward, when Callie came downstairs and saw Joshua sitting quietly in the living room, her eyes lit up. She immediately went over to strike up a conversation.