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

to bring up Haynes's past— something Haynes would rather forget. He was

are?" Haynes spat. "And since when do you get

Joshua calling her 'Star.' Everyone around her

"Haynes, all the evidence points straight at you. What do you have to say for

frosty. "If I really wanted him gone, he wouldn't be here anymore. He's not even

told him she didn't believe a word. Haynes felt his frustration rise. He was never one to explain himself, and under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have bothered. But now, after everything he owed Stella, giving her another reason to hate him would only drive

His voice was cool and

me, fine. Bring in those women. Let's confront them face

Joshua; he nodded in agreement.

was nothing if

down everyone who had spread rumors