Chapter 336
“When I spoke with her this morning, I realized she knew some details-even things I wasn’t aware of myself.”
Foreman’s gaze grew more intense. “Maybe she’s aware she can’t hold on to that billion. So she’s already planned to donate the money, and use it as a stepping stone for herself.”
He paused, voice matter-of-fact. “Besides, Jasper’s plan wasn’t exactly sophisticated. It was riddled with flaws.”
Foreman continued, “I think we might have underestimated Stella. She’s not the helpless lamb we assumed.”
If Haynes or Foreman had handled things personally, the plan would never have been so full of holes. But Haynes wouldn’t stoop to such underhanded tricks, and Foreman had always despised hurting others. Neither of them had played a part in any of this.
Haynes’ dark eyes were as cold and deep as a winter lake. “She’s got a few tricks up her sleeve, I’ll give her that. She’s smart. But…”
Foreman studied the man’s tall, straight figure. “But what?”
Haynes’ voice was low. “Lately, she’s always a step ahead-almost as if she already knows what Jasper’s going to do next. No matter how clever she is, she can’t exactly see the future.”
The implication was clear, and Foreman caught on immediately. “Haynie, are you suggesting… someone’s tipping her off?”
Haynes didn’t answer, but his thoughtful expression spoke volumes.
Foreman frowned. “If that’s true, then aside from Jasper, the only other person who could be feeding her information is… Ms. Pearce, right?”
Haynes’ brow furrowed as he muttered, almost reflexively, “No way.”
Foreman took a thoughtful sip of his tea. “There’s something odd about all of this.
It really does look like someone’s been giving her inside information. I don’t think Ms. Pearce would ever betray us intentionally, but… is it possible she let something slip by accident? Maybe Stella picked up on it.”
He glanced at Haynes, watching his reaction. “Or maybe… Ms. Pearce is just too kind-hearted. Maybe she thinks Jasper’s gone too far, couldn’t talk him out of it, and decided to give Stella a heads-up herself.”
A sudden thought seemed to strike Foreman, and uncertainty flickered across his face.
“But then again, Haynie, doesn’t it strike you as odd? What is it between Jasper and Stella? Why is he so hell-bent on going after her?”
Haynes was silent for a moment. “Maybe it’s because of Rachel. Jasper has a grudge against Stella-maybe he’s misunderstood something.”
Foreman shook his head. “That just makes it stranger. If it’s because of Ms. Pearce, you and Stella are already divorced. He shouldn’t have any reason to keep antagonizing her.”
Haynes picked up on the unspoken question.
His lashes fluttered just slightly. “Foreman, if you’ve got something to say, just say
it.”
Foreman looked at him, steady and serious. “Haynie, the three of us grew up together. We’re brothers. Maybe I shouldn’t meddle, but I really don’t want to see us end up as strangers.”
With a heavy sigh, Foreman pressed on. “Don’t you think Jasper’s been a little too involved in your marriage? He was always pushing you to get divorced. Stella is Keen’s mother. No matter what’s happened, you and Stella shouldn’t be at each other’s throats like this.”
Haynes’ eyes grew darker. “What are you getting at?”
Foreman’s tone was loaded with meaning. “Haynie, don’t you think Jasper’s interest in Stella is… a bit much? If he liked Rachel as much as he claims, wouldn’t he want you to stay married to Stella?”
Haynes frowned, brow creasing.
Foreman asked quietly, “Haynie, be honest-if Jasper hadn’t kept pushing, would you really have divorced Stella?”