Chapter 215
“Haynes, if Keen is really so easily influenced, you need to seriously reflect on
why he has no sense of self-protection at all. What if one day he gets kidnapped? You’d regret it then.”
Stella paused, her gaze fixed on Haynes with a hint of mockery. “Oh, I forgot, you wouldn’t regret it. You’d just blame everyone else. You don’t want to make any effort yourself, but you’re quick to criticize others. Haynes, you’re so full of yourself!”
Haynes was momentarily lost for words, but he quickly recovered. “Stella, I thought you wanted to talk to make amends. If you’re just here to spout nonsense, I’d advise you to save it.”
Stella knew her words would fall on deaf ears. People like Haynes, who lived in their own little world, never saw their mistakes, even when the truth was staring them in the face. They always found excuses.
“I’m here to tell you two things,” Stella said, cutting to the chase. “Firstly, the evidence is clear that Keen pushed Marvin into the lake. He needs to apologize. And as Marvin’s guardian, you need to apologize to his parents.”
Haynes’ lips twitched, but he said nothing. He had seen the surveillance footage. Whether or not Keen had actually pushed Marvin, they were definitely tussling before Marvin fell in. As for Keen, the video clearly showed him jumping into the lake on his own, so he had no one to blame but himself.
Though Haynes didn’t have a good impression of Neville and his son Marvin, he wasn’t the type to blindly excuse his own kid. “I’ll cover the medical expenses for the boy,” he said, his face devoid of emotion. “Every penny of compensation will be paid.”
Stella wasn’t surprised or pleased by his response. Keen wasn’t Rachel; with the evidence so clear, Haynes wouldn’t blindly defend him. Stella wasn’t sure if she should feel happy or relieved.
“And the second thing,” Stella continued, locking eyes with Haynes. “I’ve agreed to the terms of the divorce. When are we going to the courthouse to sign the papers?”
Haynes was taken aback at first, then let out a sardonic laugh. “Divorce? Are you sure?”
Stella saw right through his thoughts and let out a soft laugh. “Am I sure?”
Haynes raised an eyebrow, his tone playful. “So this time you’re not looking to split my assets in half?”
It seemed Haynes thought she was playing hard to get. “If I wanted a share, would you give it to me?” Stella asked.
“If I said no, would you not go through with the divorce?” Haynes countered, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
“Mr. O’Brien, maybe your hearing’s not what it used to be,” Stella said. “I already said I’ve agreed to leave with nothing.”
Haynes’ lips curled slightly. “Then what’s your angle this time? Are you hoping to use my mother’s medication to gain more leverage, or are you after Keen’s custody? Or is there something else I’m missing?”
Stella’s clear, bright eyes met his, her expression unfazed. “If you’re willing to give up custody of Keen, I wouldn’t mind. After all, Mr. O’Brien, you’re so busy you can’t even keep an eye on a five-year-old.
As for your mother… anyone who’d call the cops on their mom for supposedly kidnapping their child isn’t too bright. Such a family probably wouldn’t raise a child well.”
“Of course,” Stella paused, her tone shifting slightly, “if you’re not willing to give him up, that’s fine. As long as you agree to meet me at the courthouse tomorrow for the divorce, I don’t need anything.”
Stella met his deep, inscrutable gaze. “Haynes, will you be there?”