Chapter 86
Stella paused, gathering her thoughts as she recounted everything to Foreman in detail.
Foreman paused, thinking over her words, then looked her in the eye. “You’ve got a point—it’s possible. But there’s also a chance she’s caught up in something else and is lying low because she doesn’t want to drag you into it.”
He leaned forward slightly, his tone more serious. “Have you considered what happens if Abby wasn’t taken by Haynie? As his wife, accusing him without solid proof could make things between you two really messy down the line.”
Stella froze, caught off guard. It hit her then-she didn’t have any real evidence, just a gut feeling and a lot of assumptions.
Foreman noticed her uncertainty. “Why don’t you head back for now,” he suggested calmly. “I’ll investigate this for you. If it’s not Haynie, I’ll do my best to find out where she is. And if it is Haynie, I’ll find a way to get your friend released.”
Stella hesitated, looking at Foreman, “Why are you helping me?”
A flicker of emotion passed through Foreman’s eyes, too quick to catch. “Haynie and I grew up together; helping you is like helping him. Besides,” he lowered his voice, “I’ve never really liked Rachel. Sometimes I even suspect… her illness might not be genuine.”
Stella looked at Foreman sharply, “You think so too?”
Foreman nodded, “But that’s just my personal hunch. It’s better to keep quiet about things without proof.”
He paused, then added, “If you want to confront Haynie, you need evidence. You don’t have any right now, so let me handle it. I’ll get to the bottom of this for you.” Stella was convinced, nodding gently. “Thank you, Mr. Richards.”
Foreman smiled warmly, “Please, just call me Foreman.”
Stella nodded, smiling back. “Alright, Foreman.”
Foreman was the definition of a true gentleman-nothing like Haynes’ strict demeanor or Jasper’s laid-back attitude. He was polished, refined, and always carried himself with grace. While others were quick to criticize her, he never jumped on the bandwagon. In fact, he often reminded Haynes to hold off on judging until all the facts were clear.
In truth, Stella had a good impression of him.
Foreman spoke softly, “You should head home. I’ll contact you as soon as I have
news.”
“Okay, I’ll go then.”
After Rachel fell asleep, Haynes arranged for someone to stay by her bedside to prevent any further extreme actions. Leaving the hospital room, Haynes noticed Foreman standing in the corridor.
Haynes raised an eyebrow, “What brings you here?”
Foreman turned around, “Did you take Stella’s friend Abby?”
“Is that why you’re here?” Haynes asked.
Foreman nodded, saying, “I ran into Stella earlier. She told me about it.”
Haynes’ eyes darkened slightly.
“Haynie,” Foreman said, “I understand Rachel means a lot to you, but don’t forget Stella is your wife too. You should consider her feelings.”
Foreman had said this many times, but Haynes always stuck to his own views.
“If Stella finds out you took Abby because of Rachel, it’ll be a huge blow to her. The tension between you two will be hard to resolve.”
Haynes remained unfazed, “Foreman, don’t let Stella deceive you. Just the other day, Jasper saw her shopping for clothes for Keen.”