The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes couldn't stand Joshua, but he had better things to do than keep tabs on him.

With an icy tone, he replied, "I have no idea."

Stella met Haynes's gaze. "That car was brand new, but the brakes failed. The dealership-according to the investigation-belongs to the O'Brien Group. And the employee who returned the car vanished that very day."

Haynes immediately caught what she was getting at. "You think I'm behind this?"

Stella didn't deny it. "Joshua doesn't know anyone here. He hasn't made enemies. But you've never liked him. You're the only one with a clear motive."

Haynes didn't get angry about Stella's accusation. After all, he knew he'd wronged her. But hearing her question him like this-especially for another man-sparked a different kind of anger. He hadn't done any of this, and yet here he was, being interrogated.

"Stella, we were married for five years. No one knows me better than you do. And him..." Haynes cast a disdainful glance at Joshua. "How long have you even known him? Are you so sure you know what he's really like? Who's to say he's not hiding something? The person you think you know could just be a mask."

Before Stella could respond, Joshua spoke up.

than anyone. But when Rachel framed her, you chose to believe Rachel and forced Star to apologize. Whether I'm hiding something or not, who's to say? But Rachel she was the real imposter. Maybe you should work on your judgment,

all the things Joshua could have said, he just had to bring up Haynes's past— something Haynes would rather forget.

spat. "And since when do you get to

Everyone around her called her that now; it hardly

"Haynes, all the evidence points straight at you.

I really wanted him gone, he wouldn't be here anymore. He's not even worth the trouble of such cheap

normal circumstances, he wouldn't have bothered. But now, after everything he owed Stella, giving her another reason to hate him would only

His voice was cool and measured.

in those women.

he nodded in agreement. "Fine by

was nothing if not

two hours, he'd tracked down everyone who had spread rumors about