Chapter 287
“Not a huge sum, maybe around three million dollars or so-but…” Benson hesitated, glancing at Haynes, unsure if he should continue.
Haynes’ voice was cold and sharp. “Go on.”
Benson swallowed. “I looked into it. Mrs. O’Brien didn’t just spend money at our competitors’ businesses-she also went to our partners. That’s manageable, at least the transactions are above board.
But she also visited companies we have no business associating with…”
“She’s free to spend as she likes, but people might misread her actions as a friendly signal from us. If we don’t handle this delicately, it could cause real trouble.”
Who would dare disrespect Mrs. O’Brien’s reputation? Even her competitors wouldn’t want to risk offending her completely.
So, these days, Stella had been strolling through luxury boutiques, marriage certificate in hand, flaunting her title as Mrs. O’Brien-and no one dared deny her any courtesy.
At last, Stella had discovered the proper way to wield the power of ‘Mrs. O’Brien.’ When Jasper heard Benson’s report, his eyes went wide with disbelief.
So Stella wasn’t just outsmarting him-she was dragging Haynes down as well.
“Haynie, this woman’s using your name to strut around town, trashing your reputation at every turn!”
Haynes didn’t need Jasper to point it out. He already knew Stella was doing this on purpose.
Rubbing his temples, Haynes felt a headache coming on.
Stella was causing him no end of trouble.
The money was a minor issue; it was the politics that mattered.
If he tried to have someone keep an eye on Stella, she’d just call the police and accuse him of holding her against her will.
But if he ignored her antics, God only knew what kind of mess she’d create next.
Jasper broke the silence. “Haynie, your divorce cooling-off period is almost up. My advice? End this marriage before she drags your name any further through the mud.”
“When Rachel’s medication arrives, I’ll help you deal with Stella once and for all.”
A cold glint flickered in Jasper’s eyes.
“She’s got no power, no connections. I can’t believe she could actually go up against us. So what if Neville Connolly supports her? She’s a divorced woman with a kid—there’s no way Neville would put everything on the line for someone like her.”
“With Foreman on our side, there’s no one in this city who can beat us.” Haynes’ dark gaze was unreadable.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, clearly weighing his options.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. “You should head back. I’ll cover whatever Stella spent at The Wilkinson Group.”
Jasper wanted to protest, but after considering his own precarious situation, he wisely kept quiet.
Meanwhile, Stella was shopping with Abby when her phone rang. Haynes’ name flashed on the screen.
“Stella, don’t push your luck,” Haynes’ voice was icy.
Stella idly browsed the rack of clothes in front of her, nodding toward the sales associate beside her. “This one, this one, and that one over there…”
She picked out over a dozen dresses before finally responding, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’ll be at city hall on the day of our divorce, right on time.” Haynes’ tone was frigid. “My patience has its limits. Try anything between now and then, and I won’t hold back.”
He didn’t wait for her to reply before hanging up.
Stella stared at her phone, her gaze growing distant.
Abby, curious after watching the exchange, nudged her. “Was that jerk Haynes?”
Stella nodded.
“So, can’t handle the heat anymore, huh?” Abby grinned.
“Something like that,” Stella replied.
Abby gave her a thumbs-up. “Star, you really know how to keep him on his toes.”
Nearby, the sales associate leaned in and asked softly, “Mrs. O’Brien, will you be taking all the dresses you picked out?”
Stella snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. “Leave out those last few I mentioned. The rest-wrap them up for me.”
The associate beamed, barely able to contain her delight.
…
Time slipped by quickly.
Before long, the mandatory waiting period for the divorce was over.
Stella arrived at city hall, documents in hand, ready to start her new chapter.