Chapter 214
Unless, of course, someone was guiding him from behind the scenes.
Lately, he had been keeping a close watch on Neville.
Neville was a busy man, often traveling for work.
His kid was usually left with Stella.
He had even hired someone to investigate Neville and Stella’s relationship thoroughly.
There was nothing between them, nothing out of line.
Though Neville was all friendly words, his actions never crossed any boundaries.
Their interactions were infrequent, which was why Haynes hadn’t felt the need to confront Neville.
Even though Keen was being treated this way, he never suspected Stella.
He just figured that Marvin might have said something without thinking, and Keen
got the wrong idea because of the current tension with Stella.
But he didn’t expect Stella to encourage Keen to run away.
That was crossing the line for Haynes.
Keen was only five years old; what if something happened to him?
Stella could sense Haynes’ suspicion from a mile away.
She turned to Keen, “Did you tell him that I asked Marvin to tip you off so you’d sneak out?”
Keen shook his head, “No, it wasn’t Mom. I just wanted to see if what that mean kid said was true, so I snuck out.”
He hadn’t realized the deeper meaning behind Haynes’ questioning earlier.
Keen just thought his dad was mad because he ran away.
Haynes’ gaze was icy, “If no one put him up to it, why would Marvin tell you about this?”
Keen paused and looked at Stella as well.
“Mom, did you ask Marvin to tell me?”
Stella chuckled bitterly. “Haynes, you never credit me for good things, but when something goes wrong, you’re quick to blame me.” She didn’t want to argue in front of Keen, so she spoke calmly, “Step outside, I need to talk to you.”
Haynes knew these weren’t things to discuss in front of Keen, so he stood and walked toward the door.
Just as he was about to open it, Stella seemed to remember something and turned to Keen.
“I didn’t tell Marvin to inform you about the trip to the amusement park.”
Whether Keen believed it or not was one thing, but she wasn’t going to take the blame for something she didn’t do.
Stella turned the doorknob and was about to leave.
From behind, Keen’s voice stopped her.
“Mom, if Marvin and I both fell into a lake, who would you save first?”
Stella paused, then answered honestly, “I don’t know.”
Keen’s voice trembled with the edge of tears, “Mom, even if you knew we both fell in, you wouldn’t choose to save me first?”
Stella didn’t want to lie to him, “In the past, I would have chosen to save you without hesitation, but now… I’m not sure.”
With that, Stella left the room, leaving Keen staring in disbelief at her retreating figure.
…
In a quiet, empty corner of the hospital, Haynes’ handsome face was tense, his deep-set eyes full of disappointment.
“Encouraging Keen to run away… Stella, when did you become so scheming?”
Stella shot back coldly, “If you’ve got a problem, see a doctor. Don’t go crazy in front of me.”
Haynes looked down, seeing the coldness and impatience on her face, and felt a sudden surge of anger.
Lately, he found that this woman could easily ignite his temper.
“Even now, you refuse to admit it?”
Stella scoffed, “Admit what? That the O’Brien family, with all its nannies and servants, can’t keep track of a five-year-old? Or that you, a company CEO, didn’t even know your child had run off?”
Whenever Rachel’s in trouble, you’re right there. But when it’s your own son, you’re nowhere to be found.
Instead of reflecting on your own negligence, you blame others for instigating.”