The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 340

She spoke in a soft voice. “Haynie, isn’t there any other way? Can’t you help Jasper?”

Haynes’s reply was cold and distant. “I’ll support the Wilkinson Group’s efforts to manage Stella’s public image. But to keep Jasper from stirring up more trouble, it’s best if he stays put for now and cools his head.”

Rachel froze. “Haynie, you’re not going to help Jasper anymore?”

Haynes’s face was expressionless. “Pass a message to Jasper for me: if he doesn’t have the ability to solve his own messes, he shouldn’t go looking for trouble. He can’t keep expecting someone to clean up after him every time.”

Rachel’s eyes widened in shock.

Haynie’s attitude toward Jasper… had changed.

All this time, because Jasper had once saved his life, Haynes had always been patient—almost indulgent—with him.

So what had changed now?

Could it be… did Stella say something to Haynes?

That must be it. After they left the police station, Haynes and Stella went off together to a coffee shop.

Yes, that had to be it!

No, she couldn’t let Jasper stay locked up.

Without him, Stella would only become more smug.

Rachel bit her lip in frustration.

Jasper might be a fool, but in the right hands, he was a sharp weapon.

…

She glanced at Stella, lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear. “Foreman didn’t want to see Jasper go too far, so he warned you in advance—I get that. But why did he hand over all those files about Jasper’s drunk driving accidents? If those get verified, Jasper could end up in jail.”

“Aren’t they supposed to be best friends? Why would he help us instead?”

Stella replied, “Those claims might not all be true. Maybe Foreman just didn’t want to watch Jasper self-destruct. He wanted to force him to slow down and think. After a blow like this, Jasper’s bound to be unstable. If he takes another wrong step, not even Haynes can save him. Honestly, staying behind bars might be the best thing for him right now.”

Abby shook her head in amazement. “Poor Foreman. He really worries himself sick over that idiot friend of his.”

They were still chatting when someone knocked gently at the door.

Neville entered with Marvin Connolly in tow.

Stella’s recent turnaround had been so impressive that she’d invited Neville and his son to join them for dinner.

Once they were seated, Stella reached out to press the service bell, but Marvin leaned in and whispered, “Stella, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”