Chapter 282
Haynes’ dark eyes clouded over as a memory flashed through his mind: earlier, when Rachel had handed Stella a drink, Stella fumbled and spilled it, soaking Rachel with wine.
Stella had insisted it was an accident, and even claimed Rachel hadn’t taken the glass properly.
But Haynes hadn’t believed her for a second.
Now, as Stella gazed at his handsome, impassive face, her lips curled into a cool, defiant smile.
“That’s right,” she said softly. “I did it on purpose. I’d rather see something smashed to pieces than hand it over to her. From now on, anything that’s mine- no one is going to take it away from me. And another thing…”
She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes head-on. “Does it bother you? Good. If it hurts, then you’re finally getting it. As long as you refuse to divorce me, things like this will keep happening. Even if it breaks your heart… you’ll just have to suck it up.”
Jasper and Haynes wanted to play dirty?
Fine.
She wasn’t afraid of either of them.
Before they could think up new schemes to torment her, she’d make sure to give them a taste of their own medicine.
In the past, all she’d wanted was to get divorced. She’d been willing to swallow her pride and endure whatever humiliation it took, as long as it meant her freedom.
But she’d already tolerated more than enough, and still, they kept pushing-acting as if she was nothing more than a doormat.
Did they really think she was so easy to bully?
Haynes’ brow furrowed slightly. “Stella, I told you-if you behave, I’ll make sure you get every penny you deserve…”
She cut him off coldly. “Who cares about your filthy money?”
He let out a derisive laugh. “If you didn’t care, would you parade around calling yourself Mrs. O’Brien? Isn’t that what you want my name, my status?”
Stella’s lips curved in a mocking smile. “If I remember right, in all these five years, the money I’ve gotten from you doesn’t even add up to the price of one of Rachel’s designer handbags.”
A flicker of something crossed Haynes’ eyes.
He realized, in all this time, he’d never once seen a bill from Stella for luxury goods.
His thin lips parted. “Stella, if there’s something you want, you can just tell me.”
She shot back, “Does Rachel ever have to ask? Every time she mentions she likes something, you and your father trip over yourselves to buy it for her. Even if it’s mine, you hand it right over without a second thought.”
Haynes fell silent.
Stella went on, “Didn’t you just ask what I want? I want Rachel’s violin-*Deep Sea*. Why don’t you give it to me?”
It wasn’t until later that Stella discovered Rachel’s violin, *Deep Sea*, was no ordinary instrument. The news had even reported on it: *Deep Sea*-auctioned off to a mysterious buyer for nearly nine figures.
Now it was clear who that mysterious buyer was-Haynes.
“Stella, don’t be ridiculous,” he said, his tone clipped.
She smirked. “Just say you can’t give it to me. Don’t bother with the ‘you’re being unreasonable’ routine, Haynes. Can’t you come up with something new?”
For a moment, Haynes remembered: in all these years, he’d never given Stella anything truly meaningful. In fact, not long ago, he’d even turned down Mr. Walden’s invitation on her behalf.
With that thought, his expression softened a little.
“The bracelet you broke-I’ll cover it. No need for you to pay, I’ll just put it on my
account.”
Even if Haynes was the owner of this shop, he couldn’t just walk out without paying; everything was accounted for. Jasper knew this too, which was why he hadn’t asked Haynes to simply waive the bill.
After all, Haynes had already been forced to pay Stella a hundred million for the mess with Rachel Jasper wasn’t about to let him foot the bill again.
Stella’s voice was cool and detached. “You’re mistaken, Haynes. The bracelet was broken because Ms. Pearce dropped it. If anyone’s putting it on your account, it’s her, not me. This has nothing to do with me.”
With that, she turned away, ignoring him completely as she went back to browsing the jewelry.