The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 279

Jasper and Rachel turned their heads, both freezing in surprise when they saw Stella standing beside them—neither had noticed her approach.

Stella ignored them, turning instead to the sales associate in front of her. “May I try this on?”

The saleswoman’s eyes brightened, and she replied eagerly, “Of course, ma’am!”

These days, wealth was worn quietly. People no longer judged by appearances alone.

Stella slipped the jade bracelet onto her wrist, examining it with slow, deliberate care.

Jasper, shaken from his shock, quickly recovered and launched into his usual sneer.

“Stella, this isn’t the kind of place someone like you can afford. Trying it on? Aren’t you worried your poverty might rub off on the bracelet? Take it off, now—Rachel’s the one who wants this piece!”

Stella arched a brow. “Didn’t Ms. Pearce just say it was too expensive and she couldn’t afford it? That she didn’t want it anymore?”

Jasper shot back with a biting laugh. “Please. If we can’t afford it, you—a gold-digger who can’t hold a job and lives off men—think you can? Don’t make me laugh.”

He turned to the saleswoman, gesturing impatiently. “Hey, what are you waiting for? Make her take it off!”

The saleswoman looked at him calmly. “Sir, are you planning to purchase this bracelet?”

Jasper’s breath caught in his throat.

He wanted to say yes. He really did.

But...the truth was, it was far too expensive.

His recent stock market losses had left his bank account painfully thin.

Hard reality forced Jasper to exercise some rare self-restraint.

“Stella, you leech. Spending Haynie’s money on something this extravagant! You have no shame—if shamelessness were an Olympic sport, you’d take home the gold.”