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.”

Stella let out a quiet laugh, her eyes brimming with scorn. “Now that the contract’s signed, you suddenly claim you weren’t involved? Haynes, do you even believe your own words?”

Silence lingered for a few seconds before he spoke again. “Stella, if one day you learn the whole truth, will you regret everything you’ve done to me?”

“Of course not.” Her eyes were cool and sharp. “Haynes, you might lack morals and boundaries, but at least you’re paving the way for your own true love. For that, I can still respect you as a man. But if you weren’t responsible, and you knew it all along—yet you kept quiet, took what you wanted, and only now try to explain yourself—what does that say about you? Are you thinking that as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, you’re in the clear?”

She looked him straight in the eye. “If you’d explained before we signed, maybe I’d have given you some credit. But if things are as you say, I’m sorry—I just find you even more despicable.”