Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40)

Chapter 31

Stella was itching to make an escape too!

She thought she had made herself abundantly clear to Ronald about the debacle about Yorick. But now, sensing the increasingly dangerous aura emanating from Ronald, she realized her explanation hadn’t been clear enough.

Stepping forward, she shot Yorick a warning glance, “What are you doing here? Get lost now!”

Yorick sneered, “Why am I here? Stella, had I not shown up, who would find out what kind of person you are?”

His tone escalated with every word, culminating in a shout filled with rage.

“You spread rumors about Ursula and me, just to cover up your own dirty secrets, didn’t you? Stella, you’re a slut!”

The moment his words fell, a thunderous thump resonated through the air.

It was Ronald. His fist, hard as iron, landed squarely on Yorick’s face, instantly tensing up the atmosphere.

Yorick was convinced Ronald was nothing but a casual man, and now this brute dared to strike him, fueling his rage even further.

Before Stella could react, the two were locked in a scuffle.

Yorick, a perennial office dweller, even with regular workouts, was no match for Ronald, who had been living on the edge over the years.

In just a couple of moves, Ronald had him pinned down on the couch. Yorick was a mess, while Ronald, his towel firmly around his waist, remained unruffled.

Stella had been genuinely worried about that towel coming loose during their tussle moments ago.

“Stella!”

Yorick glared furiously at her, who was standing dumbfounded to the side.

This damned woman, harboring a man at home, and letting him lash out! Fuming and unable to take it out on Ronald, he directed his anger at Stella.

Stella quickly grabbed a jacket nearby and approached, “Here, put this on first.”

She hastily draped it over Ronald.

Ronald then released Yorick and put on the jacket.

Throughout, his gaze remained icy cold towards Yorick. Even after it was over, the tension between the two was palpable.

Stella glanced at Yorick, “You better leave now.”

If he hadn’t left, he might not have made it out alive tonight, such bad vibes.

“Stella, you…”

With that, the man pulled out a compact gun from his suit jacket.

In a place like Portis City, this man was actually carrying a gun? Had Stella lost her mind? What kind of dangerous person had she gotten involved with?

To try?

Stella had grown up in Ferrowland, never being treated like this anywhere. But here, in this place, with these people…

The danger in Ronald’s eyes intensified.

Such danger enveloped Yorick immediately, unaccustomed to being threatened in a place like Portis City.

His eyes narrowed, locking gazes with Ronald.

Ronald challenged, “Wanna try?”

“What’s there to try? Aren’t you freaking leaving yet?” Stella was on the verge of losing it.

Had Yorick gone mad? Couldn’t he see what Ronald was holding? Did he actually want to die here?

Although Yorick was annoying, Stella didn’t wish death upon him; after all, their quarrel wasn’t that deep.

Yorick shot Stella a cold glance.

Stella, exasperated, exclaimed, “Go already!”

Lingering here, he might as well end up as a cold headstone on the outskirts for eternity.

Chapter 32

Yorick stormed out of the Silk River Residences, his mind buzzing relentlessly.

Orion had been waiting for him downstairs, and the moment he saw Yorick’s ashen face and the bruise forming, he gasped, “Ms. Quinn still didn’t agree?”

Was refusing to get married not enough that she had to hit him too? Thinking about Stella’s fiery temper, Orion couldn’t help but shiver once more.

Yorick shot Orion a look. That icy glare was all Orion needed to know that Yorick had failed again.

Orion sighed involuntarily, “Women need to be charmed, you know.”

“Charmed, huh!” Yorick spat the word out with a heavy dose of sarcasm, making Orion fall silent.

With Stella’s stubbornness, charming her seemed like an impossible task. After all, she wasn’t someone who could accept others’ opinions. She was known for her incapability and petulance.

Yorick’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “Find out about the man who’s been hanging around her lately.”

“What?”

As hearing “man”, Orion looked at Yorick in disbelief, unable to believe the news. The idea of another man in Ms. Quinn’s life was shocking to him.

“That, that’s impossible. Ms. Quinn is always on her own, if not, it’s only Ms. Susanna Tucker keeping her company.”

In Orion’s words, Stella was a homebody, to put it nicely. Less kindly, she was seen as a lazy moocher who hardly ever left her apartment.

Yet, despite her temper, incapability, and high pride, the idea of her having a man in her life seemed far-fetched; if not for the backing of the Larkin family, Yorick, as the only man around, wouldn’t be by her side.

At the sight of Orion’s incredulous expression, Yorick’s face grew even more menacing, “I saw it with my own eyes.”

Orion was speechless, finding it difficult to believe.

Yorick couldn’t shake off the image of Ronald’s dangerous eyes and the ease with which he brandished a weapon. His face seemed somewhat familiar, but he just couldn’t recall where he had seen it before.

“He must be involved in some shady business,” Yorick spoke after a moment of thought.

He was determined to uncover the identity of this mysterious figure in Portis City. No matter who he was, he was hell-bent on sending him to hell.

Yorick’s words baffled Orion even more. Given Stella’s temper, it was impossible for her to get tangled with someone handling shady business.

…

Downstairs, Yorick fumed as he left.

Upstairs, Stella’s drowsiness had been completely scared away by the commotion, especially Ronald’s imposing demeanor.

Now, sitting on his lap again, she felt far from the child he used to dote on. Ronald seemed to enjoy holding her, yet she was no longer a child but a grown woman.

Being in his arms, she could no longer feel the affection he had for her as a kid. At the moment, the danger emanating from Ronald was palpable.

The mess Yorick had caused seemed to undo all her attempts at explanation.

Stella shook her head, “No, I just didn’t want to dirty the place where I’ve been living for two years.”

Beneath his gentle facade, there was a merciless heart. When she got kidnapped at thirteen years old and later Ronald found her, he took all the kidnapper’s lives in her presence.

Moments ago, if Yorick refused to leave, Stella was sure Ronald would kill him!

Ronald chuckled, “Star, lecturing me on the law?”

If people had feuds, they could settle the scores by all means, yet murder was not a solution. Despite years by Ronald’s side, she was still terrified of bloodshed.

Ronald, sensing her stiff body, was aware that the incident had left her a serious psychological shadow. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been frightened by the Schultzes’ threat or have obeyed what they required.

As Ronald thought of her inner fear, the harsh edge to his demeanor faded, replaced by an older brother’s tenderness.

“Alright, we’ll follow your wishes, and be a good citizen.”

Stella doubted his sincerity.

Ronald gently ruffled her hair, “Want to continue sleeping?”

Stella shook her head.

How could she fall asleep after what had happened? She was wide awake.

Ronald suggested, “Since you’re not going to sleep, let’s go.”

“Where to?”

Stella looked unwittingly out at the pitch-black night and then at the clock. It was six in the morning, but in Portis City, dawn came late.

Chapter 33

Ronald looked around the modest 1,000 square foot apartment, feeling somewhat headache.

He’d given her more than enough money over the years. Was this really how she took care of herself?

A phone call had summoned Idris. Stella was packed up overnight and taken to the Wave Residence.

Gazing at the grand estate, Stella turned to Ronald, eyes widened in shock, “This is yours?”

“It’s yours,” Ronald corrected her.

And it truly was. The estate was in Stella’s name.

The corner of Stella’s lips twitched, “My own?”

“Yep, remember this place? You once mentioned you liked it.”

Stella drew a blank. She had said she liked many places; recalling any specific affection for this place was hard. But she had always known about it in Portis City.

Yorick had once been interested in buying the estate when he found out it was unoccupied, tasking Orion with finding out who owned it. Despite Orion’s efforts, the owner remained a mystery.

Now, knowing the estate was hers, Stella was genuinely stunned.

“We’re going to live here?”

Ronald nodded, “Yeah. There are some things to take care of in Portis City. We’ll be here for a while.”

Stella merely hummed in acknowledgment. Ronald mentioned having things to handle, and she didn’t pry. She rarely did when it came to his affairs.

So, Stella moved into the Wave Residence.

As Idris showed her to her room, he mentioned, “This was supposed to be your coming-of-age gift from Mr. Quinn. Though it wasn’t sent by your 18th birthday, it’s never too late.”

The term “coming-of-age gift” made Stella’s eyes sting with unshed tears.

Ronald had promised her a gift she craved for her coming of age. The gift had been in preparation by Ronald personally before their father’s untimely demise. It was such a shame.

Stella, signing secretly, nodded, “Yes, it’s never late.”

The Schultz family had been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Ronald, securing his position at the pinnacle of Ferrowland’s elite. No one could harm him now, and Stella was safe too.

“Rest up, Ms. Quinn. Breakfast is being prepared. Once Mr. Quinn finishes his video conference, he’ll join you.”

Stella nodded, “Okay.”

Her room faced the sea. As Stella settled in, she watched the dawn break over the horizon; the sunrise over the sea was breathtaking.

She remembered now. She had mentioned loving this view. Ferrowland was inland, and what Stella missed most was watching the sunrise from the sea’s embrace.

…

Ursula had been wracked with pain all night, looking utterly worn out by morning.

Jaxon had also stayed throughout the night, his temper flaring on more than one occasion.

Yorick returned.

Face sour, Yorick cast a glance at Ursula, a glance saying it all as the rest knew the answer he would make.

Cloudia’s frustration boiled over, “How can she be so cruel? This is a matter of life and death.”

Ursula swept a glance at Yorick, then quickly turned away to hide her tears. Seeing her like this only hardened Yorick’s view of Stella.

Cloudia dialed Stella’s number directly, only to be met with cold automated rejection.

Stella had already blocked her.

Unable to get through the call, she grew more furious, “She’s pissing me off.”

Cloudia promptly borrowed a phone from a nurse and finally got through to Stella. The call connected; before Stella could speak, Cloudia unleashed her frustration.

“Stella, this is too much. Picking on Ursula is one thing, but now in her hour of need, you’re still acting out?”

“Mrs. Larkin, are you accusing me? I don’t believe you’re in any position to,” Stella’s icy reply cut through.

Cloudia’s hand gripping the phone quivered at the words, her anger simmering. No mother in the world could accept the tone of how their daughter was addressed.

Cloudia corrected her through clenched teeth, “No matter what you call me, I am your mother. Your biological mother! That’s unchangeable.”

The disdain was palpable even over the phone.

Stella’s derisive laugh echoed, “My biological mother? You’ve certainly shown me what that means.”

Chapter 34

Cloudia felt like she was on the verge of exploding. Had it not been for Ursula’s current dire state, she would’ve given Stella a piece of her mind.

Right now, she didn’t want to waste her breath arguing over the phone. Taking a few deep breaths, she bit back her anger, “Where are you? I’m coming to you.”

“Why do you come to me?”

“We need to have a serious talk!”

Ursula was deteriorating, and Cloudia wanted to resolve whatever issue Stella had face-to-face. Whatever Stella wanted, she was ready to give, just to have Tegan James back as soon as possible.

But here she was, ready to make concessions, and Stella couldn’t care less.

“I have nothing to talk about with you. Also, everything that needed to be said has been said clearly.

Mrs. Larkin, I can’t deal with the Larkin family drama, and frankly, I don’t need you as a mother. It’s better if we just act like we don’t know each other.”

With that, Stella coldly ended the call.

Her phone was already a challenge to reach, and now she had directly hung up, leaving Cloudia trembling with rage.

Especially that line about not needing her as a mother filled Cloudia’s heart with frustration.

Jaxon stepped out of the hospital room, only to find Cloudia looking utterly heartbroken. Without asking, he knew Stella must’ve upset her again.

Seeing Jaxon, Cloudia lamented, “Why is she like that? Couldn’t whatever grievances she has to wait until Ursula gets better? Why now?”

No matter what she said, Stella wouldn’t have any of it.

Jaxon frowned, “I’ll go talk to her.”

Cloudia lamented, “It’s not like we’re asking her for her life. Just to call Professor James, and she won’t even do that. How did I end up with such a daughter?”

They hadn’t even reached the point of discussing organ transplants. If that were the case, would Stella broadcast to the world that she had no connection to them?

Jaxon remained silent.

Cloudia continued, “Ever since she came back, she refused to take our surname, which just shows she never truly wanted to be part of this family. I wonder what kind of people raised her, to turn out this way.”

Initially, when Stella was found, Cloudia felt somewhat grateful to the Quinn family. But now, her grudges towards Stella had morphed into resentment towards the Quinns. She blamed them for not raising her right.

Jaxon frowned, “You should talk to the doctor. Ursula had a tough night; see if there’s anything stronger to alleviate her pain, no matter the cost.”

Cloudia nodded, “Alright, I’ll go. Please, when you talk to her, be kind.”

Despite her frustrations, Stella was key to Tegan’s situation, and they couldn’t afford to upset her further.

Jaxon nodded, “I understand.”

Cloudia went to find the doctor, while Jaxon headed straight to Silk River Residences to find Stella.

…

Chapter 35

Outside the hospital room.

Yorick’s expression was grim as he glanced at Orion, “Did you find anything?”

Orion shook his head, “Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Hearing Orion hadn’t found anything, Yorick’s expression darkened. If there was nothing, why come to him at all?

Orion said, “I barely started digging when I hit a wall. There’s a power stopping me from going further. Seems like the guy is no ordinary person.”

A barrier the moment he started digging? If so, that man’s identity was indeed no small matter.

This notion had been crystal clear to him since last night at Silk River Residences when that man had pointed a gun at him. But this secrecy around the man’s identity was making things unnecessarily mysterious.

“How about you just ask Ms. Quinn directly?” Orion suggested.

It seemed impossible to dig any further. With such a force blocking the search, the man’s visit to Portis City was obviously meant to stay under wraps.

Mentioning Stella only made Yorick’s headache pound. He didn’t even want to think about Stella right now.

Yet the thought of her with another man gnawed at him, and surprisingly, he felt somewhat painful.

Finding out who the man with Stella was seemed impossible now.

Yorick, with a sour expression, returned to the hospital room.

Ursula looked at him, “What’s wrong? Trouble at the company?”

She didn’t suspect it had anything to do with Stella.

Yorick shook his head, “It’s nothing.”

“Rick, I want to be discharged.”

Upon hearing this, Yorick’s expression hardened, “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Ursula showed a pained expression, “The smell of disinfectants here, I feel like I might never leave the hospital. Rick, I’m scared.”

She was genuinely afraid. Who wouldn’t be, dealing with so many ailments all at once? It was a significant hurdle in life. Whether she could overcome it was uncertain.

Seeing Yorick silent, Ursula reached out to hold his hand, “I want to stay by the sea, where I can see it, along with the sunrise and sunset. Rick, I’m afraid these might be my last moments.”

The hospital always made her doubt her life’s longevity.

Yorick looked at Ursula, who had grown so frail in just two days.

“I’ll have Orion arrange it.”

He couldn’t bear to refuse her.

Ursula nodded with a bitter smile, “Thank you. I just don’t want to spend my possibly last moments in a hospital.”

“Fool,” Yorick sighed.

As he left the hospital room, it was already noon.

…

Yorick, holding a cigarette, thought for a moment, “Go to Mist Bay and speak to the person in charge there. I want to rent Wave Residence for a while.”

More importantly, it was spacious!

So, after considering his options, Yorick felt Wave Residence was the best choice. He knew the owner of Wave Residence wouldn’t sell, but renting it for a while was an option.

The place was vacant, which they knew. They’d refused to sell before, so would they care about the rental income?

Orion nodded, “Alright, I’ll take care of it.”

Yorick was always meticulous when it came to Ursula, and this time was no exception. Although it was hard to accept, he had to face the reality that Ursula might not overcome this trial.

…

Stella hadn’t slept well the night before and was coaxed into eating breakfast by Ronald, only to go back to sleep for the entire morning. She skipped lunch entirely.

Ronald sat by her bed, his face full of affection as he pinched her cheek, “Are you really that tired?”

Stella was exhausted, barely uttering a sound before turning over to continue sleeping.

Seeing her this tired, Ronald didn’t want to disturb her further and left the room. As he left, he told the waiting servant, “Don’t disturb her. Let her eat when she wakes up.”

“Of course,” the servant replied respectfully.

After receiving a call, Ronald left Wave Residence without even having lunch.

Stella slept until nearly 2 PM. Tabitha called, saying there were a couple of issues with a design, and the designers were clueless about how to proceed.

Stella got up from bed, “Hold on, I’ll be there soon.”

“Alright.”

After hanging up, Stella got washed up and changed; she was about to leave when she noticed a servant waiting at the door.

Seeing her, the servant greeted her respectfully, “Mr. Quinn said to have you eat something when you wake up.”

“Where is he?”

Stella was still adjusting to being found by Ronald.

“He left after receiving a call, instructing that you have your meal.”

“OK.”

Ronald was always busy. Back in Ferrowland, when her father was still around, it was normal not to see him for a week. His stay in Portis City wouldn’t be long, and he would likely be very busy.

Chapter 36

In the kitchen, everything being prepared was her favorite.

Initially, Stella had insisted she wasn’t hungry, but as she descended the stairs, the familiar aroma wafted towards her, halting her steps. It was the taste of home.

Adapting to the culinary landscape of Portis City over the past two years has been a challenge for her.

Taking a bite of the comfort food, she found herself unable to stop, polishing off four plates of food and two bowls of soup!

The staff were astonished at her appetite.

The landline rang.

The butler briskly walked over to answer it; it was Ronald on the line inquiring about Stella.

Without thinking, the butler glanced toward the dining area, “Ms. Quinn has woken up and is currently having her meal.”

“Appetite? Oh, quite good indeed, she’s had four plates already.”

Stella was like, “…”

Had she really eaten that much? She had never indulged like this during her three years in Portis City!

The content of the conversation on the other end was unknown. After hanging up, the butler hurried back, “Mr. Quinn says you shouldn’t eat anymore.”

Upon hearing his words, Stella, who had been eyeing another piece of fish, cast a puzzled glance at the butler.

The butler explained, “Mr. Quinn thinks you’ve eaten too much; you might feel unwell later.”

Knowing it was Ronald’s concern, Stella promptly set her utensils down.

…

Leaving the Wave Residence, Stella coincidentally ran into Orion inquiring about the owner at the entrance. He paused upon seeing her.

“Ms. Quinn? Why are you here?”

Raising an eyebrow, she retorted, “Why are you here?”

In Orion’s mind, she shouldn’t be here, but then again, he wasn’t supposed to be here either.

Orion was caught off guard by her question, a hint of mystery flickering in his eyes, “Just for some business.”

Stella remained silent. For some businesses? There was merely Wave Residence in the entire Mist Bay. It was impossible Yorick had any connection with Ronald.

So, what business could Orion have here?

“What business?”

Orion seemed hesitant.

Seeing his reaction, Stella guessed what it likely was about, “You wouldn’t happen to be here because of Ursula, would you?”

Orion found it hard to answer upon hearing Stella’s words. His inability to deny directly confirmed Stella’s suspicion.

After Stella left, Orion turned to the security who, during their conversation, had already contacted their superiors.

“What about renting the estate?”

Hearing the firm refusal, Orion was taken aback. Still not giving up, he asked, “Did you mention the rental fee to them?”

The security’s disdain was evident as he heard him mentioning the rent, “Orion, even though the Quarry family is a major name in Portis City, do you think our owner would be interested in mere rent?”

“Mind if I ask who is the owner of this estate? There’s a complicated situation right now, and we really need to borrow some rooms.”

It was not like there wasn’t a good manor in the Quarries’ name. Mainly because the Quarry elders expressly loathed Ursula, and if Ursula really lived in one of their manors, those elders would definitely interfere. By then, things would escalate.

The guard’s face turned cold the moment Orion intended to probe into the one behind, “You’re asking questions that shouldn’t be asked.”

Orion was at a loss for words. All those years, tons of people attempted to figure out who owned Wave Residence, even trying to buy the land.

However, even now not a single person was able to get any information.

Who exactly was the owner? So mysterious.

…

Orion returned to Yorick with the news.

Yorick’s frustration was palpable upon hearing that the estate was neither for rent nor borrowing and even the identity of the owner remained a mystery.

Orion added after pondering for a while, his face grim, “I ran into Ms. Quinn there.”

This news visibly shook Yorick.

Jaxon, already on edge, snapped at Orion’s words, “Where did you see her?”

Damn Stella! He’d knocked on the door at Silk River Residences for quite a while but to no avail. Now he heard from Orion that he met her outside, she seemed to be quite leisurely and still strolling around.

Chapter 37

Seeing Jaxon approach, Orion respectfully said, “Mist Bay, Wave Residence!”

“What was she doing there?”

The moment Jaxon heard Stella was over at Wave Residence, his expression darkened.

Was she really trying to burn bridges with the Larkin family, seeking a backdoor at that place?

Could it be she was trying to charm the elusive owner of Wave Residence?

Ha, wishful thinking.

Right now, in the entirety of Portis City, there were hardly a few who would give her a second glance.

The owner of Wave Residence, although shrouded in mystery, must be someone of significant stature to own such a grand estate in Portis City.

Stella trying to seduce him was like a fool’s dream.

Orion replied, “I’m not sure.”

At that time, Stella wouldn’t even spare him an extra word, and with Wave Residence being tight-lipped, it was impossible to know why Stella had gone there.

Yorick’s face turned darkened, “Find out who the owner is, as soon as possible.”

Clearly, he hadn’t given up hope.

Ursula said she was scared but in reality… Yorick was scared too, frightened that Ursula might not make it through this time.

Therefore, he too hoped to fulfill all her wishes in what could possibly be her last days.

Seeing Yorick hadn’t given up, Orion nodded with a hint of headache, “Got it.”

…

In the hospital room.

Cloudia had been constantly by Ursula’s side these past few days. Watching Ursula being tormented by her illness until she passed out was unbearable for her.

Just as Yorick was about to step forward, his phone rang.

“You need to come back immediately.”

Yorick glanced at Ursula, who had already fallen asleep and hummed in acknowledgment.

“I heard Professor James is not only good at managing the condition but also has a lot of experience in alleviating patients’ suffering. Rick, Ursula just passed out from the pain,” Cloudia said in agony.

But despite putting pressure on the director and personally calling Tegan, the result…

“Rick, you have to figure something out, Ursula is really in too much pain,” Cloudia said in distress.

Yorick nodded, “Yeah, I’ll find a way.”

“And also, with Ursula’s condition now…you and her…” Cloudia couldn’t continue.

She truly hoped Ursula could be with Yorick, but with all these medical reports piling up, and seeing Ursula tormented by her illness time and again, she knew very well that no matter what, the Quarry family would never accept Ursula.

It might even upset the Quarry family, and even with Yorick’s support, the Larkin family would not have an easy time.

After weighing the pros and cons, Cloudia took a deep breath, “You can’t drag things out with Stella anymore. And Professor James, you have to bring her back no matter what.”

Initially, she hoped Yorick could stay by Ursula’s side during this time.

But now, what good would Yorick’s presence do? He wasn’t a doctor, and the crucial doctor they needed was somehow tied to Stella.

So, it all boiled down to Tegan’s return being of paramount importance.

Chapter 38

When Yorick heard about his entanglement with Stella, his face instantly darkened. Without needing to ponder, he knew exactly why his mother, Imogen, had called him back home – and it was to discuss that damn Stella.

A wench who had somehow managed to charm the elders of his family.

…

An hour later.

Yorick returned to the Quarry Manor, only to be met with Imogen’s livid face, “What did you promise me yesterday? You said you wouldn’t see Ursula again!”

Imogen’s words were delivered through gritted teeth. Just thinking about the array of illnesses Ursula had contracted was enough to infuriate her. How does a decent woman end up with so many ailments?

It was one thing for the elderly, but Ursula was far too young to be suffering from so many health issues.

Yorick, his expression dark and foreboding, retorted, “Forget about me and Stella.”

“What did you say? Are you really considering a future with Ursula?”

“It’s not about Ursula,” Yorick cut Imogen off sharply.

Before last night, perhaps Ursula was a reason he couldn’t progress with Stella. As Yorick recalled the man who showed up at Silk-River Residences, his scowl deepened even further.

“Then why?”

Imogen refused to believe Ursula wasn’t involved.

Yorick stated, “Anyway, it’s not about Ursula.”

“Ursula, Ursula, Yorick, let me tell you, even if Stella isn’t in the picture, you can forget about being with Ursula unless we’re all six feet under.”

She was referring to the family’s six elders, each a formidable presence. Yorick’s grandparents on both sides, along with Imogen and his father.

“You…”

Imogen, visibly agitated, glared at Yorick viciously, “Fine, don’t marry her. But you’re well aware of why our family sought an alliance with the Larkin family.”

The Larkin family was also acutely aware that without the Quarry family, they couldn’t protect that mine. And the resource extracted from that mine was precisely what the Quarry family desired most.

The Quarry family was in dire need of a replacement, rendering the Larkin family practically disposable in Imogen’s eyes.

Imogen closed her eyes for a while, “Your uncle just received news that the heir from Ferrowland has arrived in Portis City.”

The heir from Ferrowland?

Like the Larkin family, they controlled the same mine but in a quantity tenfold greater!

Yorick’s pupils contracted at this, “You mean, that heir?”

Imogen nodded, “The heir of the Lugar family. You need to find a way to connect with them.”

Securing this connection would ensure the Quarry family’s survival, even if the Larkin family’s mine ran dry.

Chapter 39

Stella, on the other side, had been cooped up all afternoon in her office, buried in endless meetings.

Just as the clock struck six, her phone buzzed with a call from Ronald, “Come down, I’m out front.”

“Isn’t it a no-parking zone there? Why didn’t you use the parking garage?”

“So, hurry up then.”

“Alright.”

She ended the call, haphazardly stuffing her designer tote with an assortment of items.

Her assistant, Tabitha, watched this spectacle with pity, “Boss, that’s a limited edition.”

Stella blinked, “Oh? Is it?”

She was clueless!

Tabitha could only sigh in response.

Was something amiss with this heiress’s common sense of life? Did she not grasp the value of her purchases?

Considering the moderate annual profits of the studio, and then remembering the lavish gifts Stella distributed among them, Tabitha couldn’t help but wonder where exactly Stella hailed from.

Despite the fallout with the Quarry family, her generosity seemed boundless. The Larkin family didn’t appear to pamper her to this extent; otherwise, why would she venture out to start her own business?

“Everything from the meeting has been delegated, just keep an eye on things.”

After reminding her of things, Stella stepped out of the studio, spotting Ronald’s unmistakable car not too far off and making a beeline towards it.

Her phone buzzed again, and since today she’d contacted dozes of important clients, without much thought, assuming it to be another, she answered, “Hello?”

“Where are you?”

Jaxon’s suppressed voice came through. Even through the phone, Stella could sense his barely contained fury.

“What do you want?” Stella asked.

Jaxon commanded, “Call Tegan, tell her to come back now.”

The profanity brought a momentary silence on the line, followed by Jaxon’s voice, now even more livid, “Stella, have you lost all sense of respect?”

Jaxon fumed, “Dare to insult me again?”

“Stella!” Jaxon snarled.

Jaxon went berserk, “Tell me, where are you exactly?”

Stella retorted, “If you are that capable, find out by yourself, you bumpkin!”

Stella didn’t forget to hurl insults before hanging up.

On the other side, Jaxon almost fainted in utter rage upon hearing the disconnected line. His frustration had reached its peak, especially after not finding her at the Silk River Residences.

Then he came back to make a call to her but found his calls blocked. Borrowing a phone had finally gotten him through to her, only to be met with insults after barely a few rounds of conversations.

He hardly was able to suppress his urge to find her and wring her neck.

Standing beside him, Cloudia overheard Stella’s tirade, sighing, “Does she really hate us that much? What do we ever owe her?”

Jaxon retorted, “Owe? What a waste giving her the life!”

With that, he dialed out, determined to locate Stella no matter what.

Now Jaxon only had one thought – find where that arrogant Stella was.

If she thought she could defy him with impunity, he was ready to show her otherwise.

Chapter 40

Cloudia sighed, glancing toward the hospital room, “Okay, enough. Don’t you have Beckett Patel’s birthday bash to attend tonight? Better hurry up, don’t want to be late.”

“What about Stella?”

Jaxon was worried about Ursula.

Cloudia said, “Once we locate her, I’ll go talk to her.”

It had become clear to her that intimidation wouldn’t work on Stella.

So, sweet-talking it was.

For now, getting Tegan back was the priority.

…

Stella got into the car and realized there was someone else in the passenger seat.

“Finley?”

Finley Yoder, a renowned cardiologist from Ferrowland. Especially in surgery, he had never failed, earning him the nickname “Phantom Healer”.

Finley turned to Stella with a mischievous grin, “You little rascal, quite the hide-and-seek champion. Your brother had a hell of a time looking for you. If you were still no news, I suspected he might start digging to Hades, see if you hid there.”

Hearing about Ronald’s long search, Stella felt a pang of guilt. She cautiously glanced at the stern man next to her.

Ronald took her phone, causing Stella’s brows to twitch violently, “What the heck?”

Ronald said, “No talking.”

Stella was speechless, watching Ronald scrolling through her contacts, messages, Twitter, and various messaging apps.

So, he was snooping on her?

Stella, feeling conflicted, snatched her phone back, “What are you doing? I’ve been out of school for years.”

Back then, dating was off-limits in school, but she wasn’t in school anymore.

Ronald looked at her, let out a low chuckle, and with a scoop, pulled her onto his lap.

As soon as she said that, the partition between the car seats rose.

Ronald chuckled softly, “Oh? So are you looking to date now?!”

As Stella kept silent, Ronald continued, “Or perhaps, you’re taking your engagement to him seriously?”

“If I hadn’t shown up, were you really planning to marry him?”

“No.”

Idris had dug up everything. The reports stated that Stella hadn’t resisted from the start.

Feeling trapped by the looming danger from Ronald, Stella confessed, “Anyway, he won’t marry me!”

That was the truth. Her lack of resistance stemmed from the knowledge that Yorick would never marry her.

Especially with Ursula in the picture, and her fear of the lurking Schultz family, threatening Ronald if she acted out.

“So sure?”

“Then you’ve seen it, he left me for another woman.”

Ronald fell silent.

The mention of “another woman” chilled the atmosphere in the car. Though he was displeased about Stella and Yorick, Yorick abandoning her for someone else infuriated him more.

His precious, nurtured from childhood, facing such humiliation?

A dangerous glint flickered in Ronald’s eyes, veiling the enigmatic danger brewing within.

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