NovelOnlineChapter 380
"I can't believe he still has the nerve to strut around like that!"
Stella's tone was calm. "As long as Haynes is willing to back him up, he'll always act untouchable."
Abby chimed in, "Well, | think Haynes's patience has finally worn thin. When
Jasper's little gang got themselves into trouble, Haynes didn't lift a finger to help-
in fact, he made a point of distancing himself from them."
A grin spread across Abby's face as she spoke.
"Serves them right! I've never been able to stand those insufferable jerks."
She'd been at Keen's birthday party, after all.
She hadn't witnessed those guys trip Stella, but she had seen them shamelessly harass the pretty waitress.
Utterly disgusting.
Thankfully, Stella wasn't about to swallow the insult. She quietly gathered
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evidence and made sure the truth cout.
Otherwise, that injustice would have been unbearable.
Stella, however, didn't waste much thought on Jasper.
To her, he was nothing more than a clown desperate for attention.
They were in the lounge, getting ready, when someone knocked at the door-it was tto draw for performance
order.
Stella had expected Rachel to handle the draw, as usual, but to her surprise, it was Haynes who walked in.
He'd never been one for attending the kids' events.
Yet this was the second tin a row he'd shown up.
Apparently, Rachel's influence went deeper than Stella had thought.
At least Keen's wish must have ctrue.
He'd always longed for his dad to watch his games and performances, to cheer him on from the audience.
Now, with Rachel around, all his wishes seemed to have been granted.
Stella acted like she hadn't even noticed Haynes, her gaze cool as she looked away.
The draw went smoothly-no this time.
Still, Stella's luck wasn't great. She pulled a number for one of the later slots.
Haynes, on the other hand, got an early spot-fifth in line.
Once everyone's slot was recorded, Stella left the room to head back.
"Stella." Haynes strode over suddenly, blocking her path.
Her elegant features twisted into a faintly mocking expression.
"Haynes, last tyou askedto drop out of the violin performance. What is it this time? You're not going to
tellto withdraw from the foreign language program too, are you?"
Haynes's Adam's apple bobbed. "No. | just have something to ask you."
Stella waited patiently, arms folded. "Well, we're on late, so it's not like you're
going to makelate for anything. If you're not worried about wasting time, go ahead."
Haynes's deep gaze lingered on her.
His voice cout unexpectedly rough. "Why didn't you tellwhat really happened at Keen's birthday party?"
“I didn't?” Stella returned, eyebrow arched. "I told you, remember? And you said they didn't mean any harm,
that | shouldn't ruin Keen's party. Did you forget?"
Haynes pressed his lips together. "But afterward, you never toldwhat actually happened."
Stella let out a short laugh. "Did you think I didn't want to? The moment | tried, you got a call that Rachel had
fainted.
You dropped everything to rush to her side, and then spent over a month traveling around with her.
| called you, told you your mother had taken Keen.
You brushed it off, said your mom is Keen's grandmother and wouldn't hurt him, toldnot to worry.
Even after Keen chome, you were still out there sightseeing with Rachel.
So now you want to question me? Don't you think that's a little hypocritical, Haynes?"
Stella's retort brought the memories flooding back for Haynes.
He parted his lips, searching for a defense. "I wasn't on vacation with Rachel. | was taking her to see doctors.
Those stories in the tabloids were just rumors."
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