Chapter 51
Jasper’s face flushed with anger as he charged forward to confront Stella, but Neville stepped in, blocking his path with effortless ease.
“Even with a room full of witnesses,” Neville remarked, his tone deceptively calm, “Mr. Wilkinson had the audacity to lay hands on Star. It speaks volumes about his usual behavior—and why he thinks he can get away with it.”
His gaze flicked to Haynes, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.
“It’s simple, really. Someone’s been indulging him. Tell me, Mr. O’Brien, how far does your favoritism extend? First your precious first love, and now… her friends? What’s next-her dog? Does it mean anyone connected to Ms. Pearce, regardless of who they are, can walk all over Star and bully her?”
Haynes’ sharp eyes were unreadable as he remained silent before finally looking at Stella. “What do you want me to do to make this right?”
Jasper’s expression shifted slightly. “Haynie…”
Stella replied calmly, “Since he threw water at me first, let him face the same fate -one hundred cups.”
Jasper clenched his fists instinctively, his face full of resentment.
Standing nearby, Rachel was wide-eyed in disbelief, unable to fathom Stella
would be so straightforward before Haynes.
She opened her mouth to speak, “Haynie…”
But Haynes interrupted her softly before she could plead.
“Would you like to do it yourself, or should someone else handle it?”
His question was directed at Stella.
With a serene expression, Stella said, “I’m not in the best shape now, so let’s have someone else do it. It’s not worth worsening my injury over him.”
Haynes nodded, his eyes deep and inscrutable. “Alright.”
Jasper shot Stella a venomous look before abruptly leaving the room.
Rachel realized that discussing the car accident at that moment wouldn’t benefit her, so she quickly followed suit and left.
After all the commotion, a hint of fatigue settled across Stella’s features.
She had expected Haynes to side with her, which caused no ripples in her heart. After all, with undeniable evidence, if his buddy dared to harm his woman and he did nothing, could he still be considered a man?
Moreover, this situation didn’t involve Rachel. If Rachel had been the one to act, that might have been a different story altogether.
She closed her eyes. “I’m tired, and I’d like to rest. We can discuss anything else tomorrow.”
Neville and Haynes stood still, not moving from their spots.
Neville stepped forward. “Star, have a bite to eat before you sleep.”
Remembering how Neville had been helping her these past few days, Stella opened her eyes and gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mr. Connolly.”
Neville said, “I had the kitchen prepare some of your favorite dishes, but since your injuries are still healing, you should avoid anything too spicy.”
Stella’s eyes lit up as she glanced at the food Neville had brought. It turned out to be all her favorite food.
Standing nearby, Haynes oddly found the scene somewhat irritating. It was as if Neville truly belonged beside Stella while he was merely an outsider.
Haynes pressed his lips into a thin line, an inexplicable displeasure rising within him.
“Mr. Connolly,” he broke the warm atmosphere, “you should leave if nothing else. I can take it from here.”
Neville paused, a look of surprise crossing his face. “Mr. O’Brien, staying here seems rather pointless for you. Why not check on Ms. Pearce instead?”
Haynes’ handsome face remained impassive as he said, “Stella is my wife. Naturally, my presence here is more meaningful than yours, Mr. Connolly.”