The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 161

Stella gazed at him, her eyes steady. "If I could afford to support him, would you give him to me?"

Haynes shook his head sharply. "Not a chance."

Stella met his gaze, her voice calm but firm. "What if I insist on having him?"

Haynes's response was cold and unyielding. "Stella, you don't stand a chance against me."

"Yeah," Stella replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Even if it went to court, I'm just a stay-at-home mom with no real income. There's no way a judge would grant me custody."

She held his gaze, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I gave up everything—my career, my independence to raise our child. And now the court says that makes me less of a parent? Because I chose diapers over deadlines? Because I don't have a paycheck to prove my worth?" Her breath hitched. "Tell me, Haynes... do you even believe this child is still mine too?"

If she had any standing or connections, perhaps she'd have a chance at custody of Keen. But she was alone, without any support, and Deanna had never liked her.

stranger to her. The boy who once clung to her skirts now kept his distance, avoiding her eyes whenever they met. Some days she

a losing battle. From the

without a claim. If Haynes had

have their limits, and they were pushing hers. If they were going to be heartless, she wouldn't

Stella's relentless determination, a sense of unease stirred within him. It felt

detached calm, "What if

Keen's sake. I don't want this to turn ugly. Haynes, you wouldn't want the public to watch us tear each

knew that with Neville supporting her, she had the power

scene.

plummeting. Worse yet, the fallout could devastate Keen's

have you considered what might happen if you

matters," Stella replied fearlessly. "I'm willing to walk away