The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 456

Haynes hadn't expected Stella to answer like that. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-a flash of surprise and something darker-but it vanished almost instantly, replaced by his usual calm.

"Stella, you're gambling on human nature. But have you considered what might happen if I insist you pay the price? Of all things, human nature is the last thing you should bet on."

Stella met his gaze, her voice steady. “For Rachel, you were willing to walk away from your marriage and hand me millions of dollars. Me causing you a minor injury hardly counts for anything in comparison, does it?"

A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she watched him. “You're right—human nature isn't something to gamble on. But I was never betting on your guilt towards me. I was betting on your feelings for Rachel. Forcing me to give up my studio and compose for Rachel weren't you gambling on human nature too?"

She leaned in, her tone almost gentle. "Haynes, you can't win every time."

means-so even if he lost, the cost was never that

one big high-stakes game. Those afraid of losing never stood a

bitter pill all the same. He'd made her do it plenty of times before-now the tables had turned. For

are we signing or not? If you haven't changed your mind,

for a moment, then

handed it to him without hesitation. He signed

end, Haynes had compromised-she'd won the bet. But her face showed no trace of joy. She'd always estimated there was a ninety percent chance he'd agree; the slim chance he'd refuse only existed if he'd lost his mind. It might look like a gamble, but the outcome

as she was gathering her things to leave, Haynes called after her. "If I told you I wasn't the one behind what happened to

a glance, her expression cold. "Why bother asking questions when you already