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.

with nothing to lose. If Rachel ends up

Haynes momentarily speechless. In that instant, he realized the woman he thought

swallowed, and after a few tense seconds,

want a divorce, fine. But

"What are your terms, then? Just lay them

couch, his voice cool. "You leave with nothing, and I'll sign the

Leave with nothing? Funny.

cool indifference. It was ironic, really. Haynes

her mouth to speak, Haynes cut her off. "Take your time to think it over. Even if you

Stella replied calmly. "If that's all, I'll be

Haynes didn't respond.

waiting-no hesitation, no backward look. Then came that telltale hitch

up to meet hers.

picking up a nearby glass of water. "Oh, just one more thing

thirsty after all that talking? But before he could fully process the thought, the icy