The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes's expression stiffened. "...I haven't found anything useful yet."

It was strange, really. Someone had managed to frame him right under his nose, and he hadn't noticed a thing. Even after investigating, he came up empty-handed every clue wiped clean.

His first suspect was Joshua. The guy had both motive and opportunity, and Haynes wouldn't put it past him to pull off an elaborate setup and pin it on someone else. But when he had Joshua's movements checked for that period, nothing seemed out of place.

If it wasn't Joshua, then who? Neville, maybe? Trying to kill two birds with one stone? But Neville had been busy lately, barely showing up around Stella except during her competitions. And besides, Haynes knew enough about Neville's character; the guy had his own methods, but he was straightforward, not the type to pull off something this underhanded.

No matter how he turned it over in his mind, Haynes couldn't find anyone to pin it on. Whoever had orchestrated this inside Neo-Vespera had done it so cleanly that no trace was left. That meant it had to be someone who knew him well-someone who could predict his every move and sidestep his investigations.

His thoughts drifted to Jasper and Foreman Richards.

Jasper had both the motive and, maybe, the means. He'd want to settle the score for Rachel. But, honestly, Jasper wasn't exactly a criminal mastermind. The last time he tried to help Rachel by deleting security footage, Haynes had easily picked up his trail.

Then there was Foreman. He definitely had the skills, but what about the motive? Haynes couldn't think of a single reason Foreman would want to frame him. They'd grown up together-practically brothers.

With no solid leads, Haynes knew he'd have to play the long game.

Stella didn't look surprised at all. "Is that so?"

He could read her look-she'd already decided it was him.

His breath caught. "Is that really what you think of me? That I'd stoop that low?"

Stella nodded, honest and unbothered. "Well, you're not exactly a saint."

He felt his anger flare. "I'll admit I was blind back then, putting my

trust in Rachel. But I've never been the kind of person to frame someone else for mynoveldrama

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When have I ever done something like that?"

Stella just laughed. "You know what they say lie down with dogs, get up with fleas. Maybe you've spent too much time with Rachel and picked up a few bad habits?"

Haynes was speechless.

Stella stood up. "It's getting late. If there's nothing else, you can go."

His eyes flickered. "Actually, there's one more thing."

Stella noticed his hesitation and frowned. "If you have something to say, just spit it out. No need to be so cagey."

Haynes took a breath. "There's been talk going around. About Mr. Williams your father-supposedly having an illegitimate daughter. A lot of people are guessing it's you. After your concert, Abby responded to someone online and pretty much admitted that you're Raven from Neo-Vespera University."

Stella's connection to Skyler wasn't much of a secret anymore. The Burtons, the

Watsons, the Chapmans—most of the major families knew about it.

She looked directly at Haynes. "So what's the rumor, exactly?"

He replied, "Basically, that you're Skyler's illegitimate daughter. The story hasn't really spread in Novaris yet-I've done what I can to keep it contained. But with the upcoming international competition and so many foreign families coming to Novaris, I doubt we'll be able to keep a lid on it much longer. The rumor's bound to surface then."