The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 278

“Stella, did you know? Haynie felt so bad about what happened earlier that he’s taking me jewelry shopping to make it up to me,” Rachel announced with a triumphant little smirk.

“He said I could pick out anything I like—whatever makes me happy. Oh, by the way, you and Haynie got married, didn’t you? But you don’t even have a wedding ring, do you? That’s just scandalous.”

She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, her words dripping with malice.

“But don’t worry, I’ll be sure to convince Haynie to let you pick something out too—wouldn’t want you to feel left out.”

With a laugh, Rachel flounced away, her satisfaction obvious.

Mr. Burton’s mustache bristled with indignation as he glared after her. “That Rachel—what a spiteful girl! Does she always act like this around you?”

Stella nodded. “Yes, she’s always been this obnoxious.”

He huffed. “Well, why don’t you give her a good slap or two? Maybe that’ll knock some sense into her.”

Stella chuckled. “Giving her a slap would be letting her off easy.”

Mr. Burton, never one to tolerate a slight, eyed Stella with interest. “Oh? Got something better in mind?”

Glancing down at her bank card, Stella noticed a string of zeroes that hadn’t been there before. A slow smile spread across her face. “You know, I suddenly feel like going out and buying some jewelry myself.”

Mr. Burton grinned knowingly. “Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t let them get too far ahead.”

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At the mall, Rachel was slipping a jade bangle onto her wrist, admiring it in the light.

Haynie, as usual, was nowhere to be seen—he was far too busy with work to waste time shopping with Rachel. Instead, he’d called Jasper and asked him to keep her company.

Jasper, aware that Rachel was still sulking over her earlier humiliation, spent the whole trip trying to cheer her up. Unfortunately, her mood remained stubbornly sour.