The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1176

Joshua smiled. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m Star’s bodyguard—protecting her is part of the job.”

He glanced over at Haynes. “You’ve been searching for Star all this time, Mr. O’Brien. You must be exhausted yourself. No need for you to carry her.”

He added, his tone light but edged, “After all, you’re the CEO—used to a life of comfort. Can’t risk you straining yourself. Me, on the other hand? I’m paid to do the heavy lifting. I’m tougher than I look.”

Haynes’ dark eyes narrowed. Joshua’s words weren’t just polite banter—they were a jab at his less-than-robust health. But Haynes didn’t take the bait. Instead, he turned to Stella.

“Star, Joshua’s been looking after you for days now. He’s probably worn out. Why not let him get some rest?”

The way Haynes phrased it was clever. If he’d simply suggested carrying Stella himself, she’d have refused without a second thought. But saying Joshua needed a break—he knew Stella well enough to guess she couldn’t say no.

Sure enough, after a brief hesitation, she nodded. “Joshua, you can put me down now. I’ve rested enough—I can walk for a bit.”

Joshua frowned in concern. “Star, your leg’s still injured. You really shouldn’t—”

But Stella was already wriggling, determined to get down. Reluctantly, Joshua set her on her feet, worried she might fall.

The moment her foot touched the ground, Haynes swooped in and lifted her into his arms.

Stella blinked in surprise. “Haynes, what are you doing?”

He answered in a low voice, “Joshua’s right—you shouldn’t be walking on that leg.”

Stella hadn’t wanted to burden Joshua, but being carried by Haynes wasn’t her plan either. Her expression cooled. “Haynes, put me down. Now.”

Before she could finish, Haynes cut in gently, “Don’t misunderstand. Your leg comes first. Besides, we’re almost at the exit. Just bear with me for a moment, okay?”

Haynes replied, “Keen told me you hadn’t come home. He said no matter how busy you are, you always check in on him—if you can’t make it back, you at least call. But the day you disappeared, there was no call, and your phone was off. I tracked your phone’s last location, and that’s how I found you.”

Stella’s voice was soft. “I must have worried Keen… Thank you, Haynes.”

He shook his head. “You don’t need to thank me. You’re Keen’s mother. You’re the most important person in his world. Whatever I can do for you, I should.”

He knew Stella well—he didn’t try to guilt her, only offered quiet reassurance so she wouldn’t feel guilty. Haynes understood too well that pressuring her would only drive her away.

Besides, he owed her far too much already—this was the least he could do.

Ever since Stella had returned to the Williams family, he hadn’t been able to help much. He added, “The Williams family started searching for you as soon as they heard you were missing, but they only really began today. I was just faster.”