The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Mr. Burton didn't hold a huge share in the company, but it was nothing to scoff at either. In fact, the Burtons as a whole had more than most-there were plenty who didn't own a single share.

Take people like Sellers or Karl. Even if they had a handful of shares themselves, who would be happy watching their family's holdings land in the hands of an outsider?

Honestly, is there anyone in this world who'd say no to more money?noveldrama

Jasper was taken aback.

He honestly hadn't thought that far ahead.

But then again, he understood-he'd never been willing to hand over a piece of the Wilkinson Group to his father's illegitimate children, let alone a stranger.

From their perspective, Stella was a gate-crasher, swooping in on their slice of cake. Was it really any wonder they didn't like her?

As for Haynes, he'd always had his own issues with the Burtons. Instinctively, he didn't trust them.

And now, here they were trespassing on his turf, and repeatedly targeting his wife. It was clear they didn't take him seriously at all.

Haynes fixed his gaze on Stella. "So, how do you want to handle this?"

Stella replied coolly, "It's already taken care of. No need for you to worry."

Joshua couldn't resist stirring the pot. "If Mr. O'Brien truly cared, he would've dealt with it first, then come and told Ms. Cameron, wouldn't he?

It's like those stingy guys who have no intention of buying a gift for a woman, yet still go through the motions of asking if she wants something. Isn't that just the height of insincerity?"

Haynes shot Joshua an irritated look.

He'd been swamped lately, and hadn't had time to deal with this man yet.

As much as he hated to admit it, Joshua had a point. His words were grating, but the logic was sound.

Haynes turned back to Stella. "I know what I need to do now."

He didn't press her about what she'd done with Karl, instead glancing at her bandaged arm.

"How's your wound?"

"I'm fine," Stella answered, her tone distant.

She clearly didn't want to say anything more to Haynes. Turning to Joshua, she changed the subject, “Joshua, what do you think of these clothes? Do you like them?"

Joshua, never one for formalities with Stella, gave her a genuine smile. "They're great. I really like them."

Stella waved over a nearby sales assistant. "We'll take everything, please."

The assistant beamed. "Of course! I'll get them all wrapped up for you right away."

After running into Haynes, Stella had lost all desire to continue shopping.

"Joshua, is there anything else you want to buy?"

Joshua shook his head. "This should be plenty to keep me going for a while. I'm all set."

The assistant handed over the neatly packaged shopping bags, and Joshua accepted them with a grin. "Ms. Cameron, you're spoiling me."

Stella replied, "You saved me. It's the least I can do."

She ignored Haynes and the others, turning to Joshua. "Let's head back." "Sounds good."

With a dozen shopping bags in hand, Joshua smiled and gave Haynes a little wave. "Mr. O'Brien, we'll be on our way."

The sight of Joshua now, arms laden with bags, looked to Haynes like a blatant act of provocation.

Haynes' expression darkened, and he moved to step forward-only to have Rachel catch him by the sleeve.

"Haynie, it's rare for everyone to get together like this. Are you really going to leave Mr. Richards hanging?"

Jasper, finally out from under his family's thumb, had arranged this gathering. Besides Haynes, he'd also invited Foreman-though Foreman had other business to wrap up and would join them later that evening.

Jasper chimed in, “Yeah, Haynie, that pretty boy actually made a decent point. Deal with the Burtons first, then talk to Stella. Who knows, she might be even more impressed by you."

Of course, Jasper's real motives had nothing to do with helping Haynes win Stella back.

He had a bone to pick with Sellers,

and if Haynes went head-to-head

with Karl, Sellers would inevitably

get dragged in. With Haynes backing him, Jasper could go after Sellers without a second thought,

He'd always been the type to settle scores no grudge left unpunished.