The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 456

Haynes hadn’t expected Stella to answer like that. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes—a flash of surprise and something darker—but it vanished almost instantly, replaced by his usual calm.

“Stella, you’re gambling on human nature. But have you considered what might happen if I insist you pay the price? Of all things, human nature is the last thing you should bet on.”

Stella met his gaze, her voice steady. “For Rachel, you were willing to walk away from your marriage and hand me millions of dollars. Me causing you a minor injury hardly counts for anything in comparison, does it?”

A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she watched him. “You’re right—human nature isn’t something to gamble on. But I was never betting on your guilt towards me. I was betting on your feelings for Rachel. Forcing me to give up my studio and compose for Rachel—weren’t you gambling on human nature too?”

She leaned in, her tone almost gentle. “Haynes, you can’t win every time.”

Haynes prided himself on reading people and always coming out on top. The difference was, he had the means—so even if he lost, the cost was never that great. But for Stella, a single misstep could mean losing everything. Yet that never seemed to bother her.

Life, after all, was one big high-stakes game. Those afraid of losing never stood a chance of winning.

Her methods might be simple, but he’d have to swallow this bitter pill all the same. He’d made her do it plenty of times before—now the tables had turned. For once, the universe felt fair.

Stella pulled a contract out of her bag. “So, are we signing or not? If you haven’t changed your mind, please sign quickly. We need the funds to rent a new studio and buy equipment.”