The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 484

Stella fixed her gaze on Haynes, her eyes cold and sharp, like ice on a winter lake.

"Haynes, I warned you—keep your precious little darling out of my sight. If you can’t control the dog you raised, and you let her run wild and bite, don’t blame someone else for teaching her a lesson on your behalf."

She locked eyes with him, her words cutting and deliberate. "Not everyone will spare the dog just because they know who owns it."

The world seemed to go still. Every sound disappeared in that moment, leaving an unnatural hush.

Haynes was still processing her words when Rachel’s shrill scream shattered the silence.

"Haynie, help me—!"

She thrashed desperately in the water, reaching her hand toward Haynes on the shore.

"Haynie, help! Please, I can’t swim!"

Jasper snapped out of his daze, the sting of Stella’s earlier slap forgotten as he rushed to rescue Rachel.

But before he could make it, Stella stepped forward and, without hesitation, delivered a swift kick to his backside, sending him tumbling headfirst into the lake.

Jasper crashed into the water in a most undignified heap. He surfaced, dripping and humiliated, and shot Stella a look full of fury and shame.

"Stella, you—"

But Rachel’s frantic screams echoed nearby.

"Help! Somebody, please!"

Jasper glared at Stella, seething, then turned and swam toward Rachel.

Stella watched the scene with detached indifference, then turned to leave.