The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 184

He suddenly realized that he hadn't really done anything for Stella.

Haynes’s gaze flickered—just for a second—as he met Stella’s sarcasm-laced stare. His voice lowered, rough with something unreadable. "You've got it wrong. I'm just trying to help you."

"Don't dress up paving the way for Rachel as something noble," Stella replied, her tone sharp. "If you really wanted to help me, you wouldn't have stood by while they slandered me. And you certainly wouldn't be standing here now."

"Stella," Haynes said, "don't be so impulsive. Rachel's skills aren't as simple as you think. Today's bet, you can't win it. The only way out is to not compete. If you don't step onto the stage, you won't lose. Unless you want Keen to learn exactly how far his mother has fallen. As for that necklace, if you just lend your violin to Rachel, she'll return it to you. Once her concert is over, the Nocturne Stella will be back in your hands. If you agree, I'll handle everything else. Trust me, Rachel won't make things difficult for you."

Stella couldn't help but clap lightly, her smile laced with sarcasm. "Wow, Mr. O'Brien, it's rare to see you so considerate of me. I'm truly flattered."

Despite her words, there wasn't a trace of gratitude in her expression. Clearly, her tone was dripping with irony.

Haynes frowned slightly.

Something seemed to occur to Stella, and she asked, "Oh, by the way. If I don't agree to lend the violin, are you saying my mom's necklace won't be returned? And you won't help me with that favor you mentioned?"

Haynes's gaze was inscrutable. "I think you know how to choose wisely."

Stella sighed, exasperated. "If you're done, please step aside. I have a competition to attend."

With that, she took Marvin's hand and moved past him.

Haynes exhaled through his nose. He hadn't anticipated this level of defiance from Stella. "Must you always be this difficult?"

Stella stopped dead. When she turned back, her smile was all edges. "If you truly mean to help me...make Rachel withdraw. The result would be the same as if I quit—just far less humiliating for your precious protégé." She turned to look at him, her eyes challenging. "Why should it always be me who steps aside or bows down just to keep peace? Is that your idea of fairness?"