The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 381

Stella’s expression was icy, her gaze steady and unreadable.

“There’s nothing between us anymore,” she said flatly. “You don’t owe me explanations.”

Haynes met her eyes. “I just want you to know, there’s nothing between me and Rachel—not the way you think. The media blows everything out of proportion.”

Once, he wouldn’t have bothered to explain himself at all.

Noting Stella’s indifference, Haynes softened his tone. “I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t realize Jasper’s actions would affect you and Keen so much.”

A bitter laugh escaped Stella, laced with scorn. “You really think people look down on me just because of one incident?” she shot back. “You think the way they treat me is all because of some misunderstanding?”

She shook her head. “Jasper’s disrespect has been going on for ages, right under your nose. And you—what have you ever done about it? Besides uttering a few empty words like ‘enough’ or ‘let’s drop it’—what, exactly, have you done?”

Her face was blank as she stared him down. “Now Keen’s getting bullied at school because people look down on me, and only now do you finally realize how serious it is.”

There was a long pause before she added, voice cold and clear, “Haynes, I’ve never seen anyone so willing to sacrifice his own family and child just to protect his so-called ‘brotherhood.’ If you keep letting Jasper get away with this, it’s only a matter of time before Keen gets hurt even worse.”

Haynes, looking chastened, didn’t argue. “From now on, I’ll keep Jasper in check,” he promised quietly.

Stella’s lips curled in a humorless smile. She didn’t bother replying.

All Keen’s suffering had earned was a half-hearted promise to “keep Jasper in check.” This man had disappointed her so thoroughly, she felt numb to it now.