The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 397

Stella was just about to follow her train of thought when Antoney’s voice cut in, pulling her back to reality.

“In that case, why don’t we go to the conference together?”

She blinked, startled, then nodded. “Alright.”

…

Rachel’s Studio

When Haynes arrived, he found Jasper comforting a tearful Rachel.

“Don’t worry, Rachel. I swear I’ll find out who did this to your studio!”

Rachel didn’t respond. She just kept her head down, dabbing at her eyes.

As Haynes stepped inside, Jasper looked up as if he’d just spotted a lifeline.

“Haynie, look at this—someone’s out for revenge! They splashed paint all over Rachel’s studio!”

Haynes didn’t need Jasper to explain. The words scrawled across the walls in garish red paint were impossible to miss.

“Rachel is a homewrecker!”

“Rachel destroys families!”

“Cheating tramp! Husband stealer!”

The insults, written in angry, jagged letters, covered the walls and doors. The harsh red looked almost like blood, turning the whole place into a scene from a nightmare. The sharp, chemical stench of paint hung thick in the air, making Haynes want to gag.

His gaze darkened as he took it all in.

Haynes raised an eyebrow, cool and unbothered. “When have I ever defended her?”

Jasper pressed on, undeterred. “Look at all the trouble Stella’s caused lately. With your influence, you could’ve crushed her like a bug by now, but you haven’t lifted a finger. If that’s not favoritism, what is?”

Haynes’s handsome features remained impassive. “You don’t condemn someone without solid evidence. If you really think I’m playing favorites, go ahead and call the police. See if they arrest Stella based on your guesswork.”

Jasper’s bluster faltered, but he stuck to his guns. “Even without proof, it’s obvious Stella’s involved!”

Haynes turned to Rachel. “What about you, Rachel? What do you think?”

Rachel’s lashes fluttered like moth wings. Her voice was quiet. “Whether or not Ms. Cameron is behind this doesn’t really matter. What matters is my studio’s been trashed. This will disrupt my practice—and the upcoming concert. We’ll have to renovate, air the place out… everything’s going to be delayed.”

She lowered her head, her expression clouded with frustration.