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.

Rachel ends up in hot water, I promise your whole family won't be

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

after a few

But I won't

"What are your terms, then? Just lay

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

Leave with nothing? Funny.

didn't so much as blink. No sorrow, no regret-just cool indifference. It was ironic, really. Haynes had

your time to think it over. Even if you agree right now, I'm not available today. And you'll need to

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

Haynes didn't respond.

walked out without waiting-no hesitation, no backward look. Then came

up to meet hers. "Is there something

a nearby glass of water. "Oh, just

with curiosity. Was she simply thirsty after all that talking? But before he could fully process the