The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 432

Later, Stella paid the girl off in private, and only then did she finally leave.

“If this gets out, it’ll just look like we gave her money to sweep things under the rug.”

Stella had been through online witch hunts before. She knew that when everyone had already made up their mind, no amount of explanation would help unless you had ironclad proof.

Antoney slumped onto the couch, defeated, not saying a word.

Stella and Abby exchanged a glance.

It was hard not to feel crushed by something like this.

They had done the right thing, and yet there was no reward—only more trouble.

Abby glanced at Antoney and murmured, “That family’s been blackmailing Antoney for ages now, always coming up with new excuses.”

“And this time, even after taking his money, they didn’t just walk away—they went public with everything.”

She hesitated, then added, “Honestly, I think this was all planned from the start. Someone’s clearly got it out for Antoney.”

Stella’s lashes fluttered as a familiar face flashed in her mind.

“It might be Haynes.” Her voice was icy, cold as running water.

“At Mr. Walden’s seminar last month, he said some strange things to Antoney.”

Stella turned to Antoney. “Is this what you’ve been hiding from me all this time?”

Antoney kept his head down, his long bangs falling over his eyes, making it impossible to read his expression.

He mumbled a vague confirmation.

Abby caught on immediately. “I get it—when the paternity test results come out, the whole story will collapse!”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Star, you’re a genius! No time to waste—I’ll go set up that account right now.”

Abby grabbed her phone, quickly creating a profile, but then she paused as another thought hit her.

“Wait, Star, whatever you do, don’t speak out for Antoney yourself. If Haynes really is behind this, he’s probably waiting for you to jump right into his trap and drag your own reputation down.”

Just then, Antoney lifted his head for the first time.

His eyes burned with determination. “Abby’s right. Please, Stella, don’t say a word for me.”

Stella was about to respond when Abby’s phone suddenly rang.

“Ms. Murphy, I’m sorry, but due to Mr. Watson’s recent scandal, he’s now considered a persona non grata. We’ve just received notice—the concert has been postponed indefinitely.”