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?"

taking him seriously. "Maybe you

Antoney's handsome face stiffened.

him, concern in her eyes. "What's

came out unexpectedly

Haynes's cool, clear voice

like to discuss

for me here, alright? I'll

Antoney looked at her

"Don't worry. He's

me."

brother. On her 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 know that too. Still, he believed the only way to

...

avoid drawing attention, Haynes led Stella to a private

over and

behalf-but to her surprise, it was about Rachel's

for loyalty among friends,

contract, his voice low and cold. "Sign

took the papers. The terms were exactly as she'd expected: he wanted her to hand the studio

with