The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 283

Haynes' dark eyes clouded over as a memory flashed through his mind: earlier, when Rachel had handed Stella a drink, Stella fumbled and spilled it, soaking Rachel with wine.

Stella had insisted it was an accident, and even claimed Rachel hadn't taken the glass properly.

But Haynes hadn't believed her for a second.

Now, as Stella gazed at his handsome, impassive face, her lips curled into a cool, defiant smile.

"That's right," she said softly. "I did it on purpose. I'd rather see something smashed to pieces than hand it over to her. From now on, anything that's mine—no one is going to take it away from me. And another thing…"

She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes head-on. "Does it bother you? Good. If it hurts, then you're finally getting it. As long as you refuse to divorce me, things like this will keep happening. Even if it breaks your heart… you'll just have to suck it up."

Jasper and Haynes wanted to play dirty?

Fine.

She wasn't afraid of either of them.

Before they could think up new schemes to torment her, she'd make sure to give them a taste of their own medicine.

In the past, all she'd wanted was to get divorced. She'd been willing to swallow her pride and endure whatever humiliation it took, as long as it meant her freedom.

But she'd already tolerated more than enough, and still, they kept pushing—acting as if she was nothing more than a doormat.

Did they really think she was so easy to bully?

Haynes' brow furrowed slightly. "Stella, I told you—if you behave, I'll make sure you get every penny you deserve…"

She cut him off coldly. "Who cares about your filthy money?"

He let out a derisive laugh. "If you didn't care, would you parade around calling yourself Mrs. O'Brien? Isn't that what you want—my name, my status?"

Stella's lips curved in a mocking smile. "If I remember right, in all these five years, the money I've gotten from you doesn't even add up to the price of one of Rachel's designer handbags."