The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After knowing Jasper for so many years, how could she possibly fail to see right through him?

She spoke softly. "Jasper, I get it. You don't want to ruin your friendship with Haynes, and The Wilkinson Group still needs The O'Brien Group's support. But after what happened with Stella, Haynes must be eaten up with guilt where she's concerned.

You've been making trouble for Stella all this time. Haynes is bound to hold it against you.

So if you're hoping to keep relying on him, I'm afraid that ship has sailed."

Jasper raked a hand through his hair, recalling how cold Haynes had sounded on the phone yesterday.

"So... what are we supposed to do?"

Rachel leaned in. "If we let Haynes believe our baby is his, he'll not only make that child his heir-he'll ensure The O'Brien Group supports The Wilkinson Group, no questions asked.

You and Haynes are best friends. His son is your son, your son is his-it would make your families even closer. Isn't that perfect?"

Jasper's face betrayed uncertainty; he was wavering.

Since the dawn of time, nothing has moved men's hearts like personal gain.

He hesitated. "But... wouldn't that be unfair to Joshua?"

Rachel's expression hardened. "Jasper, Haynes was willing to throw away his friendship with you for Stella's sake. Do you really want Stella to run you into the ground?"

Jasper knew all too well-Haynes's patience with him had already worn thin.

Now that Haynes realized how much he'd misjudged Stella, he would be riddled with guilt toward her.

ear, Haynes would toss their years of friendship

bitter resentment stirred

raise his child-just thinking

his mind

What do you need me to

smile

you and

Getting him drunk, slipping

velibe

drink-that won't

me to end up in his bed at

be sure the baby

it turns out to be his? Wouldn't

Rachel slid her

purred, "We'll just have to make

back-out of loyalty to Haynes,

where he'd wield the same

approval again, excitement

with his conscience silenced, nothing

the two of them

Rachel's fingers toyed

that dirt on

Foreman is

Stella all along. I