The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 743

Joshua nodded honestly. "Yeah, I'm a little scared."

Haynes' voice dripped with contempt. "I thought you had some guts, but it seems you're not much after all."

But Joshua had a remarkably strong mind. He didn't feel the least bit ashamed by Haynes' taunt.

He replied evenly, "It's a competition-there's always a winner and a loser, and there are always stakes. I can't just agree to your terms, Mr. O'Brien. What if you ask for something I simply can't deliver? I'd be digging my own grave.

After all, I don't have your power or influence, Mr. O'Brien. I can't afford to lose like you can."

Haynes said, "The terms are simple. You can manage it, and you can handle the loss."

His gaze locked on Joshua, every word deliberate.

"If you lose, you leave Novaris and never show your face in front of Stella again."

Joshua asked, "And if I win?"

Haynes answered coolly, "Name your price."

Joshua's lips curled into a faint smile. "Mr. O'Brien, what do you take Ms.

Cameron for? She's not your property, nor is she some prize to be wagered in a

bet.

offer those terms so casually-don't you think you're being a

ask her what

but frown at

had some

so sure he'd win? Or did he simply believe he could grant

Stella's lashes fluttered. He was surprisingly skilled-maybe not any less

her then: after five years of marriage, Haynes didn't really know her. But maybe she

sense of irony crept

busy with work, never talked to her about his interests, never

"Sorry, I can't accept. Call me a

whatever you want.

herself agrees I'm not

it so gracefully that even Stella couldn't

Joshua had won

of earrings

Stella Couldn't help but see

impasse, if Haynes ignored Stella and insisted on challenging Joshua, he'd

Keen over and started teaching him how

he had no intention of

around, Haynes had every reason to

quickly got absorbed

couldn't just ask Haynes to leave in front of

simply

to hold the bow, Stella took the chance