Haynes was just as stunned as Jasper. He could hardly believe Ste would stoop so low.


    Jasper spoke through gritted teeth. "Haynes, Ste is still out there shopping around, using your name like nothing ever happened. She clearly has no intention of changing. Honestly, you need to stop going easy on her."


    "Get the divorce finalized, get Rachel''s medication back, and then we can figure out how to freeze her ounts."


    He paused, then continued coldly, "She wants to find a job, right? With our influence—and the O''Brien Group''s there''s no way she''dst a day in Novaris. She won''t find work anywhere."


    "When she''s out of options and out of cash, she''ll have no choice but toe back begging."


    Right now, Jasper couldn''t care less about making things tough for Ste-he just wanted to save himself. If Ste kept spending like this, he''d be broke before long.


    Haynes considered for a moment, then picked up his phone and dialed Ste''s number.


    It rang for a long time before she finally picked up.


    Ste''s voice was calm and even. "What is it?"


    Haynes was about to speak when, in the background, he heard fawning voices full of ttery.


    "Oh, Mrs. O''Brien! What an honor-such an honor! We''re absolutely thrilled to have you shop with us at The ke Group."


    "Please, take your pick, anything you fancy is yours. Consider it a gift from me to you, Mrs. O''Brien."


    "And if you''d be so kind, maybe put in a good word for us with Mr. O''Brien? Our merchandise is second to none, I assure you."


    Ste replied softly, "Of course, you have my word."


    The man sounded overjoyed, his tone growing even more enthusiastic.


    "Right this way, Mrs. O''Brien. Our finest selections are inside-these ordinary items out here could never do justice to someone of your status."


    Ste responded politely, "That''s very generous of you."


    "Not at all, Mrs. O''Brien. If we could work with the O''Brien Group, we''d be practically family, wouldn''t we?"


    Hearing the familiar voices, Haynes'' eyes narrowed with a sense of foreboding.


    "Ste, what are you doing right now?"


    "Shopping," she said, sounding almost amused.


    His tone grew noticeably colder. "Where are you shopping? Who was that talking to you?"


    "Where else would I be shopping? At the mall, of course," she replied with a lightugh. "As for the guy you heard... I think his name''s Wace ke?"


    "He was very eager when he learned who I was said he was a friend of yours." Haynes'' expression darkened.


    "The head of the ke family is in deep trouble right now. Anyone getting too close is at risk of being investigated."


    "Ste, I want you toe home, now. Stay away from the ke Group''s stores."


    Ste sounded almost bored. "Haynes, isn''t that a bit much? People are just shopping. Why would anyone get hauled in for questioning?"


    "If everyone who went to the mall got interrogated, nobody would ever leave their house."


    Haynes'' jaw tightened. "Ste, the ke family''s situation is far moreplicated than you realize. If you get involved, you could drag the O''Brien Group down with you-"


    She had no interest in listening to more of his warnings. Cutting him off, Ste said, "Alright, I have more shopping to do. Unless there''s something important, I''m hanging up."


    And without waiting for a reply, she ended the call.


    When Haynes tried calling again, she didn''t answer.


    His expression grew stormy.


    Just then, there was a knock at his office door. Benson hurried in, beads of sweat on his brow.


    "Mr. O''Brien, I just received invoices from several of ourpetitors... It seems Mrs. O''Brien has been spending quite a lot at their stores. It''s been several days now-they''re asking us to settle the ounts."


    Haynes'' gaze darkened. "How much did she spend?"