The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 743

Joshua nodded honestly. “Yeah, I’m a little scared.”

Haynes’ voice dripped with contempt. “I thought you had some guts, but it seems you’re not much after all.”

But Joshua had a remarkably strong mind. He didn’t feel the least bit ashamed by Haynes’ taunt.

He replied evenly, “It’s a competition—there’s always a winner and a loser, and there are always stakes. I can’t just agree to your terms, Mr. O'Brien. What if you ask for something I simply can’t deliver? I’d be digging my own grave.

After all, I don’t have your power or influence, Mr. O'Brien. I can’t afford to lose like you can.”

Haynes said, “The terms are simple. You can manage it, and you can handle the loss.”

His gaze locked on Joshua, every word deliberate.

“If you lose, you leave Novaris and never show your face in front of Stella again.”

Joshua asked, “And if I win?”

Haynes answered coolly, “Name your price.”

Joshua’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Mr. O'Brien, what do you take Ms. Cameron for? She’s not your property, nor is she some prize to be wagered in a bet.

To offer those terms so casually—don’t you think you’re being a little disrespectful to Ms. Cameron?

Did you even ask her what she wants?”

Stella couldn’t help but frown at that.

Haynes certainly had some nerve.

Was he so sure he’d win? Or did he simply believe he could grant any wish Joshua might make?

Remembering Haynes’ performance earlier, Stella’s lashes fluttered. He was surprisingly skilled—maybe not any less so than Joshua.

It hit her then: after five years of marriage, Haynes didn’t really know her. But maybe she didn’t know him that well, either.

A faint sense of irony crept into Stella’s heart.

He was always busy with work, never talked to her about his interests, never brought her to places like this.