The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1284

"Mr. O'Brien, Keen, you're here," Aurora said, greeting them with practiced ease.

Haynes gave a polite nod. Keen also mumbled a courteous, "Ms. Williams."

"Keen, this is Ms. Queenie," Aurora said with a smile. "She's Mr. Burton's granddaughter."

"Hello, Ms. Queenie," Keen said dutifully.

Queenie smiled and pulled a small gift from her purse. "This is for you, Keen. A little something to mark our meeting."

Keen instinctively looked to Stella for permission. Stella glanced at Haynes, who remained silent. "It's a thoughtful gift from Ms. Burton, Keen. You can accept it."

"Thank you, Ms. Queenie," Keen said politely.

After a few minutes of small talk, Stella turned to her son. "Keen, why don't you spend some time with your father? Mommy needs to go prepare dinner."

"Okay," Keen replied.

Joshua followed Stella upstairs with the groceries. She had her own private kitchen in the mansion and had no intention of cooking for the entire Williams family.

In the kitchen, Stella began washing and prepping the vegetables while Joshua stood beside her, helping out. He moved with a practiced ease that showed this wasn't his first time assisting her.

"It seems that Ms. Burton has taken an interest in Haynes," Joshua commented as he trimmed the vegetables.

Stella's hands didn't pause. "Yes, it looks like Aurora is playing matchmaker."

A faint smile touched her lips. "By then, he might not want to leave his father."

"He will," Joshua said, his gaze steady. "If you want him by your side, I have plenty of ways to make sure he never wants to leave you."

Stella's mind flashed back to the look of pure admiration in Keen's eyes when he looked at Joshua. Every time they met, Joshua managed to surprise him with something new, like opening a series of treasure chests.

A strange emotion stirred within her. "Joshua," she said softly, "I'm sorry you'll have to deal with him for the next few weeks." Keen's adoration meant he would be clinging to Joshua constantly, and Stella knew from her time as a full-time mother that looking after a child was just as exhausting as a full-time job.

"It's no trouble at all," Joshua replied. "Keen is smart and fun to be around. I enjoy spending time with him. Think of it as a nice break for me."

Soon, it was time for dinner. Because of Keen, Haynes joined them at the table.