The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 162

Haynes's voice dropped to an arctic whisper. "And if I refuse?"

"Whether Ms. Pearce gets her happy ending... who knows?" The shrug was audible in their voice.

Haynes's stare turned deadly serious, the kind that makes your skin prickle. "Stella, you're pushing your luck."

Stella's eyelashes fluttered as she met Haynes's intense stare. Her eyes were unwavering.

"Oh, so you can threaten those I care about, and that's just fine, but if I use your beloved Rachel as leverage, suddenly I'm crossing a line?"

"Haynes, I've never wanted to drag others into our mess. If Rachel hadn't repeatedly shoved her way into my life, I wouldn't have bothered with her."

"If you have grievances with me, bring them to me directly. But if you so much as lay a finger on my friends..."

Stella leaned in, her voice steady and biting, each word deliberate.

walk away with nothing to lose. If Rachel ends up in

instant, he realized the woman he

as he swallowed, and after a few tense seconds, he tossed the divorce papers

But I won't agree

"What are your terms, then?

sank into the nearby couch, his voice cool. "You leave with nothing,

Leave with nothing? Funny.

no regret-just cool indifference. It was ironic, really. Haynes had given Rachel everything, no

mouth to speak, Haynes cut her off. "Take your time to think it over. Even if you agree right now, I'm not available today. And you'll need to

Stella replied calmly. "If that's all,

Haynes didn't respond.

without waiting-no hesitation, no backward look. Then came that telltale hitch in her step. The unfinished

to meet hers.

glass of water. "Oh, just one more thing I almost

watched her with curiosity. Was she simply thirsty after all that talking? But before he could fully process the thought, the icy