Chapter 263
Jasper took a sip of his whiskey, shaking his head in disbelief. “Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. But that woman, she really went for it, demanding a billion dollars from Haynes. Can you believe her nerve?”
The dim lighting in the private room cast shadows over Foreman, obscuring his expression.
Jasper continued his chatter, relentless. “Isn’t there supposed to be a cooling-off period for divorces? I bet that woman won’t actually go through with it…”
The door swung open once more, and Haynes entered.
This gathering was Jasper’s idea. He had been cooped up for too long after an injury almost marred his face, and he was itching to get out. With Foreman just returning from a business trip, Jasper seized the chance to bring everyone together.
“You’re back,” Haynes said as he settled into the sofa, his voice calm and composed.
“Yeah,” Foreman replied, observing Haynes carefully. “I heard from Jasper that you’re divorcing Stella?”
Haynes’ brow furrowed ever so slightly, a hint of irritation crossing his features.
“We haven’t filed the divorce papers yet.”
Foreman caught the unspoken hesitation in Haynes’ words.
“Haynes, do you really not want to divorce Stella?”
Before Haynes could answer, Jasper interjected with a laugh.
“Why would he? Stella’s just a housewife with nothing but a high school diploma. What’s there to miss? Haynes has been wanting to cut her loose for ages!”
Jasper scoffed, “Haynes, don’t you dare hand over that billion easily. Let her see just how tough life can be after a divorce.”
Foreman chimed in, trying to reason, “Haynes, you and Stella have a child, Keen. What about him? No one can take care of a child like their own mother.”
Haynes’ expression hardened. He picked up a glass from the table, draining it in one swift motion, frustration evident in his actions.
“She’s the one who filed for divorce.”
“What?! No way!” Jasper exclaimed, incredulous. “Don’t believe her, Haynes. She’s just playing hard to get! Once the cooling-off period ends, she won’t go through with it.”
Haynes suddenly spoke, “What if she does?”
Jasper shrugged nonchalantly, “Then let her. You’ll be better off without her. She won’t be anything without you.”
Haynes’ tone grew somber, “I never wanted to divorce Stella.”
Jasper was taken aback. “You never wanted to divorce Stella? Then what about Rachel?”
Haynes’ voice was cool and detached, “Rachel is terminally ill, partly because of me. I just want her to leave without regrets. I never planned to divorce Stella and remarry.”
Jasper’s mouth hung open, “But Stella doesn’t deserve you!”
“She’s Keen’s mother,” Haynes said quietly.
Jasper was stunned into silence.
He had always assumed it was Stella who was reluctant to divorce, thinking Haynes was the one pushing for it.
Just then, Haynes’ phone rang.
He answered, “Is this Mr. Haynes? We wanted to inform you that Ms. Stella has officially filed for divorce with our court. We’re calling to see if you’re open to mediation.”
…
On the other side of town, Stella was preparing medication for Rachel’s second treatment when her phone rang unexpectedly.
She answered, and Haynes’ voice came through, seething with anger.
“Stella, I thought we had an agreement, and now you’ve gone and filed for divorce?!”