Chapter 223
Haynes’s voice on the other end of the line carried a hint of weariness.
“You’ve called me so many times. Is there something urgent?”
Stella’s voice was cold. “Haynes, did you forget that we were supposed to finalize our divorce today?”
There was a brief silence before Haynes spoke. “I haven’t forgotten. I told you I have an emergency here and can’t leave right now.”
Stella felt a cold laugh rising within her.
Told her? If she hadn’t called him, would he have bothered to inform her? He’d probably forgotten all about her in his busy little world.
Since they were about to finalize things, Stella didn’t see the point in arguing further. The most important thing now was to make sure Haynes came over to sign the papers.
“When I called earlier, Rachel had just been moved out of the emergency room. You’ve spent the whole morning with her, so you should be free this afternoon, right?”
To Haynes, her words sounded laced with jealousy.
“Do you really want me to come over that badly?” he asked suddenly.
Stella frowned, finding the question odd.
“Didn’t we agree on this yesterday?” Her voice turned frosty. “Haynes, you’re not planning to back out, are you?”
After a moment of silence, Haynes replied, “I know. I’ll be there.”
Stella wasn’t ready to relax just yet. “What time?”
“I’ll call you when I’m done.”
She wasn’t buying it. “I need a specific time.”
Haynes hesitated for a few seconds. “Two p.m.”
“Well, Mr. O’Brien, I hope you keep your word this time.”
With that, Stella hung up decisively.
After ending the call, she pondered for a moment and then dialed Abby.
“Abby, can you find out which hospital Rachel is staying at?”
Abby, with her experience as an agent, had access to more information than the average person, even if she couldn’t quite match Haynes or Neville.
As soon as she received Stella’s call, Abby immediately understood the situation. “No way, Rachel’s sick again?”
“Yes.” Stella’s brow furrowed with concern. “Haynes didn’t show up this morning. Whether he comes this afternoon is uncertain. If he doesn’t, I’m going to the hospital myself to find him.”
This divorce was happening today, come hell or high water.
“Alright, I’ll ask around and text you the info.”
At the hospital, Jasper watched Haynes step out of the examination room to take the call, suspicion flickering in his eyes. He had a hunch it was Stella on the other end.
As he approached, he overheard Haynes speaking in his low voice.
“Do you really want me to come over that badly?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Two p.m.”
It sounded suspiciously like a date.
Jasper casually walked over. “Stella again, huh?”
Haynes pocketed his phone and asked, “How’s Rachel doing now?”
“Not great. The doctor said it’s uncertain if she’ll make it to the concert.”
Jasper gauged Haynes’s expression and added, “Rachel’s health was never good, and lately, she’s been stressed, especially with looking after Keen for Stella. It’s really taken a toll on her.”
“She’s been keeping it from us, and I had no idea things were this serious.”
“But the doctor mentioned that we’ll need more tests to get a clear picture.”
Jasper was determined not to let Haynes leave today.
Haynes said, “Jasper, stay with her for the tests. I have something I need to do.”
Jasper frowned in disapproval. “Rachel’s condition is worsening, and you’re leaving? What could possibly be more important than her health?”
Haynes’s eyes were dark, like an unfathomable ocean, as he looked at Jasper and slowly began to speak.