Haynes hadn''t expected Ste to answer like that. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes-a sh of surprise and something darker-but it vanished almost instantly, reced by his usual calm.


    "Ste, you''re gambling on human nature. But have you considered what might happen if I insist you pay the price? Of all things, human nature is thest thing you should bet on."


    Ste met his gaze, her voice steady. “For Rachel, you were willing to walk away from your marriage and hand me millions of dors. Me causing you a minor injury hardly counts for anything inparison, does it?"


    A faint, knowing smile touched her lips as she watched him. “You''re right—human nature isn''t something to gamble on. But I was never betting on your guilt towards me. I was betting on your feelings for Rachel. Forcing me to give up my studio andpose for Rachel weren''t you gambling on human nature too?"


    She leaned in, her tone almost gentle. "Haynes, you can''t win every time."


    Haynes prided himself on reading people and alwaysing out on top. The difference was, he had the means-so even if he lost, the cost was never that great. But for Ste, a single misstep could mean losing everything. Yet that never seemed to bother her.


    Life, after all, was one big high-stakes game. Those afraid of losing never stood a chance of winning.


    Her methods might be simple, but he''d have to swallow this bitter pill all the same. He''d made her do it plenty of times before-now the tables had turned. For once, the universe felt fair.


    Ste pulled a contract out of her bag. "So, are we signing or not? If you haven''t changed your mind, please sign quickly. We need the funds to rent a new studio and buy equipment."


    Haynes stared at her for a moment, then said quietly, “Pass me the pen.”


    She handed it to him without hesitation. He signed his name on every page.


    A trace of mockery flickered in Ste''s eyes. In the end, Haynes hadpromised-she''d won the bet. But her face showed no trace of joy. She''d always estimated there was a ny percent chance he''d agree; the slim chance he''d refuse only existed if he''d lost his mind. It might look like a gamble, but the oue had always been clear.


    Just as she was gathering her things to leave, Haynes called after her. "If I told you I wasn''t the one behind what happened to Antoney, would you believe me?"


    Ste shot him a nce, her expression cold. "Why bother asking questions when you already know the answer?"


    He looked at her, his voice low. "I mean it. I wasn''t behind it. You misunderstood me."


    Ste let out a quietugh, her eyes brimming with scorn. "Now that the contract''s signed, you suddenly im you weren''t involved? Haynes, do you even believe your own words?"


    Silence lingered for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Ste, if one day you learn the whole truth, will you regret everything you''ve done to me?"


    "Of course not." Her eyes were cool and sharp. "Haynes, you mightck morals and boundaries, but at least you''re paving the way for your own true love. For that, I can still respect you as a man. But if you weren''t responsible, and you knew it all along-yet you kept quiet,took what you wanted, and only now try to exin yourself—what does that say about you? Are you thinking that as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, you''re in the clear?"


    She looked him straight in the eye. "If you''d exined before we signed, maybed''d have given you some credit. But if things are as you say, I''m sorry-I just find you even more despicable."