The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1552

Stella felt her breath catch in her throat. Her gaze shifted from Haynes to Joshua, who had suddenly fallen completely silent.

Normally, if Joshua were falsely accused, he would have defended himself immediately. But today, from the moment he saw Rachel, he hadn't said a word. That silence spoke volumes.

Stella's heart sank, a cold weight pulling it down. She lowered her eyes, hiding the storm of thoughts within. "I'm taking Rachel with me. I'll look into this and deal with it once I have the facts."

As she turned to go, Haynes reached out and caught her by the wrist.

He looked directly into her eyes, his voice low and firm. "Star, you've never been one to run from the truth."

Stella tried to pull her hand away, but for some reason, all the strength had seeped out of her body. Her eyelashes fluttered, a nearly imperceptible tremor that Haynes, after so many years as her husband, caught immediately.

He knew her so well. A complex mix of emotions churned within him, a pang of heartache cutting through it all. In that moment, clarity pierced through his haze of anger. Ever since learning the truth, a fire had been burning in his chest-a blaze of rage, jealousy, and the bitter regret of losing her.

He never denied that he was the biggest problem in their marriage. If he had cherished her more, no scheme from Rachel or Joshua could have ever worked. But how could he face the two people who had destroyed his marriage and say, 'You did nothing wrong, it was my fault for not being committed enough'?

"There's no need to take her anywhere."

Everyone turned to look at him. Joshua's expression was serene, showing no sign of guilt at being exposed, no trace of panic or distress. He was as calm as a bystander.

"Rachel is telling the truth," he continued. "I was the one who helped her forge the medical records and bribe the doctor. And yes, I was the one who cleaned up her messes afterward."

Although Stella had braced herself, hearing Joshua admit it so directly was a staggering blow. Her body swayed, and Haynes instinctively steadied her.