And on top of all that, there was still the matter of Keen O''Brien.


    Because of Rachel, the other woman, things between Keen and his wife had gotten so out of hand they''d filed for divorce. It had even escted to violence- knives drawn, neither willing to back down. Scandals like that, even among the upper crust, would be everyone''s favorite gossip over cocktails and evening dinners.


    Neither the O''Brien family nor the Hayneses could afford that kind of disgrace.


    In that moment, Foreman finally understood what Ste was getting at. He fell silent for a long while before he finally spoke. "Star, you''re ying with fire here. What if... what if Haynes really just wants to make a point? Aren''t you putting yourself at serious risk?"


    Ste just smiled, unconcerned. "If I''m not allowed to vent my anger, who knows? One day, I might actually lose control and do something I can''t take back. I might even end up killing him."


    Foreman''s lips parted, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he kept quiet.


    Forget it. Things had already gone too far. And since Antoney Watson''s situation hadn''t been orchestrated by Haynes, maybe it was best not to tell Ste the truth after all.


    ...


    Across town, Neville Connolly listened as his assistant gave him thetest update, raising an eyebrow in surprise.


    "So, the Mr. Hunter who went after Abby Murphy... he isn''t working for Haynes?"


    The assistant nodded. "That''s right, sir. Actually... he''s connected to the Watson family."


    "From Antoney''s family, huh..." Neville flipped through the documents his assistant handed over, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he took it all in.


    He arched an eyebrow. "So this leak about Antoney didn''te from Haynes, but from the Watsons themselves?"


    The assistant confirmed, "Yes, Mr. Connolly. Antoney''s family wants him toe home, but he refuses. They set this up to force his hand."


    Neville asked, "Does Antoney know?"


    "He should. People from the Watson family have approached him several times." Neville leaned back into the sofa, looking perfectly at ease.


    "So Antoney knows it wasn''t Haynes behind this, but he hasn''t told Star... That''s some calcting move."


    The assistant added, "While I was looking into all this, I noticed Foreman was investigating too... My guess is, he''s figured it out as well."


    A faintly amused, inscrutable smile tugged at Neville''s lips.


    "So not only is Antoney keeping quiet, but even Haynes''s closest friend, Foreman, hasn''t told Star? heard Foreman has been passing along news to Startely. For him to stay silent and let Haynes take the fall. That''s rather interesting."


    Marvin Connolly, who was working on his homework nearby, looked up at Neville.


    "Dad, are you going to tell Ste?"


    Neville nced down at his son, a


    glint of mischief in his eyes. "If both Antoney and Foreman have chosen to keep their mouths shut, what make you think I''d be the one to spill the beans? Haynes''s reputation must really be in the gutter if even his best friend won''t step up for him. Why should I get involved?"


    Marvin blinked. "What if Mr. O''Brien tries to exin to Ste himself?"


    Neville chuckled. “Even if Haynes


    denies everything, Star wouldn''t believe a word he says. Right now, Haynes''s credibility is shot-he''s got nothing left with her. Besides, he wouldn''t bother trying to exin."


    The assistant, unable to contain his curiosity, chimed in. “But if Mr. O''Brien isn''t responsible, why won''t he just clear things up?"