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.

would toss their years of friendship out the

bitter resentment stirred in Jasper's

idea of letting his dear friend raise his child-just thinking about

his mind and looked

Rachel. What do you need me to

vicious smile

and

Getting him drunk, slipping

velibe

drink-that

you need to do is arrange for me to end up in his bed at the

I be sure the baby is mine and

be his? Wouldn't

serpent, Rachel slid her arms around Jasper's

have to make sure I'm pregnant first,

held back-out of

future where he'd wield the same power and never

for anyone's approval again, excitement surged through

always been drawn to Rachel. Now, with his conscience silenced,

the two of them tumbled into bed

senses, Rachel's fingers toyed with

all that

is the one

it. He's been secretly helping Stella all along. I think he might even have