The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Jasper actually went public with the rumor that Stella was the other woman?

If it were about someone else, he might have begun to doubt. But Haynes had seen with his own eyes the confrontation between Stella and Sellers that night. If "mortal enemies" wasn't an exaggeration, they certainly weren't on friendly terms.

As for Stella meeting up with Sellers... Haynes didn't think it odd. After all, everyone knew about Stella's connection to Mr. Burton. If Mr. Burton found out what happened, he'd definitely insist Sellers apologize to her.

That woman who burst in unexpectedly-Haynes didn't even consider her worth his attention.

Whether Sellers was genuinely unhinged or just playing both sides, Haynes couldn't care less.

Haynes stared at the headlines in front of him, thinking it over for a long moment. Finally, he said, "Bury anything related to Stella. Don't let her name stay in the news."

He'd barely finished when Benson spoke up. "Mr. O'Brien, just before I came in, my assistant sent word-Ms. Cameron has already made a public statement clearing the air. She admitted she was set up on a date with Sellers, but claims she had no idea he was already in a relationship."

Haynes arched an eyebrow, surprised at first, but realization dawned quickly. Stella's move put Sellers right in the hot seat. If she'd downplayed it and said it was just a friendly dinner, that woman's outburst would look completely unreasonable. But by admitting it was a date, the situation changed entirely.

"Given that," Haynes said, "guide public opinion toward Stella being unaware of the situation—a victim caught up in all this."

Benson glanced at Haynes, hesitated, then asked carefully, "And... what about Mr. Wilkinson?"

If they were steering attention toward Stella as the victim, that meant Haynes had no intention of removing the trending topics altogether.

Haynes's voice turned cold. "Out of respect for the fact he once saved my life, I've cleaned up Jasper's

messes more times than I care et

I to

count 've even tolerated his repeated attacks on Stella. I've warned him again and again-Stella is my wife-but he's never taken it seriously. Clearly, I've been far too lenient with him."

Haynes had finally lost all patience with Jasper. If it weren't for Jasper's constant meddling, he and Stella would never have divorced in the first place. His expression grew even

colder. He told Benson, "t

Sherman later. Tell him there's nothing more I can do about this."

Benson felt a chill run down his spine. It seemed Mr. O'Brien was ready to cut Jasper loose. But on reflection, it was hardly anoveldrama

surprise-Jasper had always bel

troublemaker, and specifically liked to target Stella. The fact Haynes had put up with him for so long was the real miracle.

"Yes, sir," Benson replied quietly, and soon left.

Haynes gazed down at the documents on his desk, his expression unreadable.

The scandal swirling around Sellers only intensified as certain people stoked the flames. Even Mr. Burton called Stella to apologize.

"Stella, I'm so sorry. I had no idea Sellers was hiding a long-term girlfriend. He kept it so well under wraps. This is my fault-you got dragged into this because of me."

Hearing Mr. Burton's voice, Stella felt a pang of guilt. After all, this entire situation was something she'd orchestrated from the start.

"Mr. Burton, I only had dinner with him-just a meal between friends. It's really nothing," she said.

Mr. Burton sighed. "It's all on me. I really thought he was single... If I'd known, I never would have set you up. Then you wouldn't be the target of all this gossip."

Stella reassured him, "Mr. Burton, this isn't your fault. People who want to talk about me would find something to gossip about, no matter what."