The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 52

Jasper's face flushed with anger as he charged forward to confront Stella, but Neville stepped in, blocking his path with effortless ease.

"Even with a room full of witnesses," Neville remarked, his tone deceptively calm, "Mr. Wilkinson had the audacity to lay hands on Star. It speaks volumes about his usual behavior—and why he thinks he can get away with it."

His gaze flicked to Haynes, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

"It's simple, really. Someone's been indulging him. Tell me, Mr. O'Brien, how far does your favoritism extend? First your precious first love, and now... her friends? What's next—her dog? Does it mean anyone connected to Ms. Pearce, regardless of who they are, can walk all over Star and bully her?"

Haynes' sharp eyes were unreadable as he remained silent before finally looking at Stella. "What do you want me to do to make this right?"

Jasper's expression shifted slightly. "Haynie..."

Stella replied calmly, "Since he threw water at me first, let him face the same fate—one hundred cups."

Jasper clenched his fists instinctively, his face full of resentment.

Standing nearby, Rachel was wide-eyed in disbelief, unable to fathom Stella would be so straightforward before Haynes.

She opened her mouth to speak, "Haynie..."

But Haynes interrupted her softly before she could plead.

"Would you like to do it yourself, or should someone else handle it?"

His question was directed at Stella.

With a serene expression, Stella said, "I'm not in the best shape now, so let's have someone else do it. It's not worth worsening my injury over him."

Haynes nodded, his eyes deep and inscrutable. "Alright."