The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 413

A flicker of emotion passed through Haynes's eyes.

Rachel went on, "I don't want you to go and get revenge on Stella, and I don't want you to make trouble for her, either. All I want right now is to hold a successful concert and fulfill this dream of mine."

She paused, her gaze lingering on Haynes, full of unspoken thoughts and tangled emotions.

"And... I just hope you and Jasper will be alright."

At eight that evening, Stella and Antoney arrived right on time at Mr. Walden's music soirée.

It had been a while since Stella last saw Antoney. Tonight, she noticed a shadow clouding his usually cheerful face.

"Antoney," she said softly, "is something bothering you?"

He was about to answer when a tall, imposing figure suddenly stepped between them.

"Stella, I'd like a word."

Before Stella could respond, Antoney moved forward, placing himself protectively in front of her, eyes wary as he stared down Haynes.

"What do you want, Haynes?"

shot him a dismissive glance, clearly not taking him seriously. "Maybe you should worry about your own problems instead of meddling in other people's

Antoney's handsome face stiffened.

him, concern in her eyes. "What's going on,

voice came out

to press further, but Haynes's cool, clear

discuss

wait for me here, alright? I'll just

Antoney looked at her with

gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. He's not

me."

mother's deathbed Antoney had promised to look after Stella He'd brought up marriage a few times, but Stella never took it seriously-there was nothing romantic between them, and Antoney seemed to

...

attention, Haynes led Stella to a private lounge. On the

and saw it was a

there on Jasper's behalf-but

for loyalty among friends,

handed her the contract, his voice low

as she'd expected: he wanted her to hand the studio over to Rachel. In

with