The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 281

Jasper Wilkinson wore a smug grin, while the corners of Rachel Pearce's lips tugged upward in a barely noticeable smile.

Still?

What a clever choice of words.

Stella Cameron, however, didn't lose her composure. Her tone remained calm and measured.

"Haynes O'Brien, shouldn't you hear both sides of the story before making up your mind?"

Haynes' handsome face was cold and unyielding. "Rachel and I had barely left, and you showed up right after. Are you really going to claim you weren't looking for trouble?"

Stella glanced at his icy, aloof features, then at Rachel and Jasper, both radiating challenge.

She gave a slight, pleasant smile. "All right, since Ms. Pearce wants it so badly, just let her have it."

Haynes' expression softened a little. Rachel's smile grew wider, while Jasper looked about ready to burst with pride.

Stella handed over the bracelet. "Here you go, Ms. Pearce."

Rachel didn't hesitate—she reached out to take it.

This bracelet was proof of Haynes' favor, a trophy earned after sparring with Stella.

Yet, just as Rachel's fingers closed around it, the bracelet slipped from her grasp and tumbled to the floor.

Clink!

A sharp, brittle sound rang out as the bracelet shattered into pieces.

Everyone froze in shock. Rachel, especially, seemed unable to process what had just happened.

"Ms. Pearce," Stella broke the stunned silence, her voice tinged with reproach.

"Weren't you desperate to have this bracelet? How could you be so careless and drop it?"

Rachel snapped out of her daze. "Stella… you did that on purpose!"