Chapter 85
Even when compared to Abby, Rachel held a special place in Stella’s mind that Abby couldn’t touch. Haynes wasn’t the type to give Abby a pass just because they were friends. In fact, he might suspect Abby was the mastermind behind it all.
After hanging up, Stella dialed a number she hadn’t called in a long time. The phone rang a few times before someone picked up.
Before Stella could say anything, a woman’s icy voice came through. “Mr. O’Brien just fell asleep,” the voice said, devoid of any warmth or emotion. “If you have something to say, tell me, and I’ll pass it on.”
The voice belonged to Lacey, Haynes’ secretary. While she wasn’t as openly rude as Jasper, she was still cold and dismissive, showing Stella no respect.
“I’m calling to speak with Haynes,” Stella said flatly. “Put him on.”
“Sorry, I can’t wake Mr. O’Brien,” Lacey said, her voice still flat and unfeeling. “He was at the hospital all night and just dozed off. If it’s urgent, let me know, and I’ll pass it along to him.”
Imagine needing your husband’s secretary’s approval just to speak to him. How ridiculous was that?
Stella didn’t bother responding. She just hung up.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Rachel finally regained consciousness. Seeing Haynes standing by her bedside, tears welled up in her eyes.
“Haynie, you shouldn’t have saved me,” Rachel said, her voice trembling. “Ms. Cameron’s friends were right. Someone like me, who’s destined to be a burden, shouldn’t waste your time.”
Haynes furrowed his brow. “I’ve already taken steps to manage Abby. Once you’re feeling better, she’ll apologize to you.”
Rachel’s expression was filled with sorrow. “Ms. Cameron needs you too. I shouldn’t be taking up so much of your time…”
“Haynie, even though Ms. Murphy is Ms. Cameron’s friend, I believe this has nothing to do with Ms. Cameron,” Rachel said with a weak smile. “She’s been acting strange lately; maybe someone has been influencing her.”
“Focus on getting better,” Haynes replied, his handsome face impassive. “I’ll handle Abby, and you’ll get the resolution you deserve.”
Unable to reach Haynes by phone, Stella decided to head to the hospital herself. Just as she was about to get on the elevator, someone called out to her. “Stella?”
She turned to see a charming and well-mannered man walking toward her. “Foreman?”
Foreman was one of Haynes’ brothers. Perhaps because he didn’t have any romantic interest in Rachel, he treated Stella with a kindness that was rare among Haynes’ circle.
“Are you here to see Rachel?” Foreman asked.
“I’m here to find Haynes,” Stella replied, looking at him. “Do you know how Rachel’s doing?”
“She’s out of the woods now, nothing serious,” Foreman said. “Is that why you’re here?”
Stella shook her head, replying, “Haynes took my friend because of Rachel. I want to know what they’re planning.”
Foreman looked surprised. “Are you sure Haynie’s the one who took your friend?”
Stella hesitated, her gaze wavering. “I… think it was him.”
“If you’re not certain, then maybe there’s a chance it wasn’t Haynie,” Foreman suggested.