Chapter 79

With that, she hung up the phone. When Haymes called back, Stella refused to answer. The O’Brien family sure had a funny way of doing things. They only remembered her when they needed something. What a joke? They needed a favor but acted all high and mighty. Stella thought she used to be way too easygoing and accommodating.

When she arrived at the diner, Neville was already there, waiting.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Stella said as she approached, a hint of apology in her voice.

“No worries,” Neville replied with a smile. “I just got here early.”

Stella had decided to divorce, but it wasn’t something she could wrap up in a few sentences. Yesterday at the hospital wasn’t the right place for a long conversation, so they’d arranged to meet today to discuss it further.

Once seated, Neville asked, “Stella, what’s your plan for the divorce?”

“I want to know,” Stella began, “if I don’t leave with nothing, what am I entitled to?”

Neville raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Well, that depends on how much Haynes has made since you married. Normally, you’d be entitled to half of any assets acquired during the marriage, but… The O’Brien Group wields a lot of influence in Neo-Vespera. Walking away with what you deserve won’t be easy. But don’t worry—I know some of the best lawyers who’ll fight tooth and nail for you.”

Stella nodded. “If I have proof that he’s at fault in the marriage, will that give me a better shot?”

Neville’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What kind of proof?”

“Yesterday, Haynes and Rachel attended a family event, and they publicly declared themselves as Keen’s parents,” Stella paused. “Plus, there’s evidence of their previous wedding and other compromising situations. That should prove bigamy, right?”

Neville chuckled softly at Stella’s serious expression. “Stella, I must remind you that Haynes is more connected than you think. If he wants to make evidence disappear, he will. And given his network, winning won’t be easy even if you have proof.”

Stella felt a heaviness in her chest.

But then Neville changed his tone. “However, don’t stress too much since I promised to help you. If he plays dirty, we can play that game.”

Stella looked at Neville sharply. “You have a plan?”

“Of course,” Neville picked up his cup and took a sip of his coffee. “No matter how powerful the O’Brien family is, they care about their reputation. If we stir up enough public pressure, they’ll come to you, ready to make a deal, just like last time.”

Last time? Yes. Stella asked for a hundred million dollars last time, and Haynes agreed.

Stella hesitated.

Neville noticed her hesitation. “You’re not thinking of a peaceful split, are you?”

“No,” Stella shook her head. “I don’t want what happens between me and Haynes to affect Keen.”

Neville’s expression softened. “Are you thinking about fighting for custody? Stella, Keen is the O’Brien family’s only grandson. Fighting for custody would be an uphill battle.”

“I know, and I’m not planning to fight for custody. It’s just that…” Stella sighed. “I don’t want our issues to impact him.”

Keen would undoubtedly suffer from backlash and online bullying if this went public. Even if she didn’t plan on keeping Keen, she wasn’t about to hate a child.

Neville had a sudden realization.