chapter1058

Now that Stella had brought this up herself, Skyler sensed it was the perfect

moment to strengthen the bond between father and daughter.

With a gentle tone, he asked, "Star, could you tell your father everything? I want to understand."

Stella began, "He and his so-called soulmate, Rachel, were torn apart by Haynes's mother years ago. Rachel ended up overseas, sank into depression, and now she doesn't have much time left.

When Haynes found out, he was overwhelmed by guilt. Knowing Rachel's days were numbered, he wanted to make it up to her-do whatever he could to ease her regrets.

How he chooses to make amends with Rachel, that's his business, not mine.

But what I can't accept is him sacrificing me just to atone for his debts.

He owes Rachel, but I owe her nothing.

To me, Rachel is just the woman who stole my husband's attention.

Whenever Rachel and I had disagreements, he always took her side-without a moment's hesitation.

'Hate' might be too mild a word for how I feel about her.

So, after she showed up-barely half a year-Haynes and I divorced."

Stella looked at Skyler with a wry smile. "Dad, do you think I did the right thing?"

Skyler's eyes flickered. "Marriage is about mutual understanding, you know." Stella gave a small, resigned laugh. "You're right, Dad. There has to be understanding.

That's why I understood when he spent a fortune buying Rachel a house, and finding her the best doctors money could get.

Even when I needed him most, and he was always by Rachel's side instead of mine-I tried to understand.

I think I've been more than understanding.

But it seems he never tried to understand me.

If staying with him only meant I had to constantly give in and swallow my pride,

then what was the point of holding onto that marriage?

Isn't it better to live alone and do as I please?

Why make things harder for myself?"

Skyler listened, then shook his head and sighed. "Your mother was stubborn enough as it was, but I never thought she'd pass that on to you."

Stella's expression froze for a moment, and then she fell silent.

Skyler stood up. "Star, I've got

to do so I'll leave you to it. If you eed anything, just let your father know." ng

s

With that, Skyler strode away.

Stella stared blankly after him, her face unreadable.

Even after Rachel's true colors were exposed, at least Haynes knew to reflect on his actions.

But Skyler-her own mother had already passed away, and yet he still dismissed her as 'stubborn.'

The news about Rachel's pregnancy vanished almost overnight.

As for Haynes his world was not a place Rachel could cause trouble.

He knew better than anyone what he had or hadn't done.

Haynes had already given Rachel his final warning: if she dared to pester him Original content can be found at Find~Novel.net

again, he wouldn't show any more mercy.

Rachel could see he meant every word.

Now that Haynes no longer trusted her, none of her tricks would work.

With nowhere else to turn, Rachel sought out Joshua once more.

Joshua, what should I do? You always have a solution, don't you?"

But Haynes had hired bodyguards; she couldn't even get close to him anymore.

Joshua's voice was as calm as ever. "There is a way. But why should I help you?"

Rachel was taken aback. "I was t one playing violin in the garden that

night Doesn't that mean anyth

you? Shouldn't you help me

s

Joshua replied, "But yesterday, Simone proved it was her. You just stole her

moment and claimed it as your own."

Rachel's voice trembled with

urgency. Joshua, don't believe her!

She's lying to you I'm the one you're

looking f?rt she cant even describe

what happened that night, she

doesn't know a thing!"

belongs to s

Compared to Rachel's frantic outburst, Joshua remained unruffled.

"But she has the keepsake," he said quietly.