The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's patience snapped. She scowled at Jasper and jabbed a finger in his direction. "I refuse to stay in the same room as a rabid dog. Either he leaves, or I do. Simple as that."

She turned to the others, voice icy. "If you really think I orchestrated this

kidnapping, then go ahead-call the police. Have me arrested. I've got nothing to hide."

Jasper's face contorted with outrage. "Stella, are you throwing me out? Feeling guilty, are you? Afraid I'll expose you?"

He looked to Haynes and Foreman for backup, voice rising. "There's no need for an investigation. It was her-she's the one behind this whole mess!"

Stella massaged her ear, still ringing from Jasper's outburst. "I'm going to count to three. If he's not gone by then, I'm leaving. I have better things to do, so don't bother calling me in again."

She paused, then began, "One-"

"Jasper." Haynes' voice was low and steady. "Step outside."

Jasper gaped at him in disbelief. "Haynie, can't you see she's only losing her temper because I hit a nerve? Don't be fooled by her act!"noveldrama

Foreman's tone was gentler but firm. "Jasper, you weren't even there when the kidnapping happened. Your presence or absence-makes little difference today."

Seeing Foreman side against him only made Jasper more indignant. "Stella's manipulative and sly. She's a master at twisting words and turning the tables. Neither of you can hold your own against her. Rachel's still recovering, and I won't just stand by and watch Stella bully her!"

Foreman's gaze was calm and unreadable. "With Haynes here, no one's going to hurt Ms. Pearce. Jasper, let us handle this."

Jasper opened his mouth to protest again, but Haynes cut him off with a cool finality. "If you really want to stay, then go ahead. But we're leaving."

Jasper's bravado deflated in an instant.

At last, Rachel, who had been silent

this whole time, spoke up softly. "Jasper, maybe it's best if you go for

WOMr. Richards is right-Haynie and Keen will keep me safe."

She glanced furtively at Stella, then added, "Besides, I don't believe Ms. Cameron is that kind of person."

Stella heard this and laughed inwardly. To an outsider, you'd think Haynes and Keen were her husband and son, the way they leapt to her defense.

Once, that might have stung. Now, she felt nothing at all.

Finally, with Rachel's gentle urging, Jasper stormed out.

The moment he was gone, Stella felt as if the whole world had quieted She shot Haynes a wry smile. "Next time Jasper's going to be around, don't call me. I can't promise I won't slap him."

Rachel frowned in concern. "Ms. Cameron, Jasper's always been blunt. He speaks his mind, and sometimes it gets him into trouble. Try not to take it personally."

Stella caught the underlying meaning and replied coolly, "I wouldn't call him blunt. More like, nothing good ever comes out of his mouth."

Rachel paused, taken aback. She'd known Stella wasn't the pushover she used to be, but she hadn't expected her to be so bold-even with Haynes present.

Of course, with Mr. Burton backing her, Stella had no reason to hold back anymore.

Rachel's hand clenched tighter

beneath the comforter. Let her be

smug for now, she thought. It won't last long. Once Joshua makes his move, everything Stella has Will vanish in an instant.

Haynes ignored their bickering and got straight to the point. "Rachel tells me you

know the kidnapper?"