The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 161

Stella gazed at him, her eyes steady. "If I could afford to support him, would you give him to me?"

Haynes shook his head sharply. "Not a chance."

Stella met his gaze, her voice calm but firm. "What if I insist on having him?"

Haynes's response was cold and unyielding. "Stella, you don't stand a chance against me."

"Yeah," Stella replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Even if it went to court, I'm just a stay-at-home mom with no real income. There's no way a judge would grant me custody."

She held his gaze, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I gave up everything—my career, my independence—to raise our child. And now the court says that makes me less of a parent? Because I chose diapers over deadlines? Because I don't have a paycheck to prove my worth?" Her breath hitched. "Tell me, Haynes... do you even believe this child is still mine too?"

If she had any standing or connections, perhaps she'd have a chance at custody of Keen. But she was alone, without any support, and Deanna had never liked her.

After the divorce, Keen might as well have been a stranger to her. The boy who once clung to her skirts now kept his distance, avoiding her eyes whenever they met. Some days she wondered if he'd grown ashamed to call her "Mom" at all.

Of course, Stella wasn't truly aiming to fight for Keen's custody. She knew it was a losing battle. From the moment she decided to leave, she'd been ready to walk away with nothing.

The divorce papers she'd drafted were simple, allowing her to leave without a claim. If Haynes had just signed them, it would have been the end of it.

But he hadn't, and Rachel had flaunted herself before her repeatedly. Even the most patient person would have their limits, and they were pushing hers. If they were going to be heartless, she wouldn't hold back either.

Haynes was momentarily silent. Facing Stella's relentless determination, a sense of unease stirred within him. It felt as if something was slipping beyond his control.