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

ask her what she

but frown at

certainly had some

Or did he simply believe

performance earlier, Stella's lashes fluttered. He was

years of marriage, Haynes didn't really know her. But maybe she

irony crept into

with work, never talked to her

said, "Sorry, I can't accept. Call

whatever you

Cameron herself agrees I'm not competing with

it so gracefully that even Stella

remembered how, not long ago, Joshua had won first prize

of earrings worth a

that. Stella Couldn't help but see him

insisted on

called Keen over

he had no

around, Haynes had

got absorbed

couldn't just ask Haynes to

simply

showing Keen how to hold the bow, Stella took the