The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 457

Chapter 456

Haynes hadn't expected Stella to answer like that. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-a flash of

surprise and something darker-but it vanished almost instantly, replaced by his usual calm.

"Stella, you're gambling on human nature. But have you considered what might happen if | insist you pay the

price? Of all things, human nature is the last thing you should bet on."

Stella met his gaze, her voice steady. “For Rachel, you were willing to walk away from your marriage and hand

A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she watched him. “You're right—human nature isn't something to

gamble on. But | was never betting on your guilt towards me. | was betting on your feelings for Rachel. Forcing

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

She leaned in, her tone almost gentle. "Haynes, you can't win every time."

Haynes prided himself on reading people and always coming out on top. The difference was, he had the means-

so even if he lost, the cost was never that great. But for Stella, a single misstep could mean losing everything.

Yet that never seemed to bother her.

Life, after all, was one big high-stakes game. Those afraid of losing never stood a chance of winning.

Her methods might be simple, but he'd have to swallow this bitter pill all the same. He'd made her do it plenty of

times before-now the tables had turned. For once, the universe felt fair.

Stella pulled a contract out of her bag. "So, are we signing or not? If you haven't changed your mind, please sign

quickly. We need the funds to rent a new stuand buy equipment."

Haynes stared at her for a moment, then said quietly, “Passthe pen.”

She handed it to him without hesitation. He signed his non every page.

A trace of mockery flickered in Stella's eyes. In the end, Haynes had compromised-she'd won the bet. But her

face showed no trace of joy. She'd always estimated there was a ninety percent chance he'd agree; the slim

chance he'd refuse only existed if he'd lost his mind. It might look like a gamble, but the outchad always

been clear.

Just as she was gathering her things to leave, Haynes called after her. "If | told you | wasn't the one behind what

happened to Antoney, would you believe me?"

Stella shot him a glance, her expression cold. "Why bother asking questions when you already know the

answer?"

He looked at her, his voice low. "I mean it. | wasn't behind it. You misunderstood me."

Stella let out a quiet laugh, her eyes brimming with scorn. "Now that the contract's signed, you suddenly claim

you weren't involved? Haynes, do you even believe your own words?"

Silence lingered for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Stella, if one day you learn the whole truth, will you

regret everything you've done to me?"

"Of course not." Her eyes were cool and sharp. "Haynes, you might lack morals and boundaries, but at least

you're paving the way for your own true love. For that, | can still respect you as a man. But if you weren't

responsible, and you knew it all along-yet you kept quiet,took what you wanted, and only now try to explain

yourself—what does that say about you? Are you thinking that as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up,

you're in the clear?"

She looked him straight in the eye. "If you'd explained before we signed, maybed'd have given you scredit.

But if things are as you say, I'm sorry-I just find you even more despicable."