Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 141 to 150)  

Chapter 141

At that moment, Yorick’s mind went completely blank.

His eyes seething with rage, he glared at Stella, his lips quivering as if he was about to say something. However, words failed him entirely.

Stella glanced at Yorick and then at the large diamond ring in the box. For a second, she thought she had seen it wrong.

A ring, really?

Wait, Jeremy…

His idea of making amends was a gift for a marriage proposal? Was he too naive to understand the significance of a ring?

Or…

No way he fell for her and was proposing. That was off the table!

Even the most clueless person wouldn’t gift a ring. So, was it because of Jeremy’s brain rot that he didn’t grasp the meaning of a ring?

“Stella!” Yorick roared, his voice thick with fury.

“Are you nuts? Why are you shouting? So what if he proposes to me? What’s it to you?” Stella snapped.

His voice almost shattered her eardrums. Truly, he was beyond help at this point!

She and Jeremy barely had any connection, and it wasn’t like Yorick didn’t know that. To even link that to a proposal was beyond her.

Yorick’s breathing grew erratic, “Well, excellent, so you have that much backing you up! No wonder you dared to break off our engagement, and even cut ties with the Larkin family.”

“Yes, I have that much support. So what? Does that inconvenience your plans to oppress me?”

Indeed, Yorick and the Larkin family were infuriated, and that was exactly why.

They had tried every trick in the book, hoping to see Stella come crawling back to them in misery. But what did they get? Not even a whimper of surrender.

Instead, they saw the formidable force backing her.

Right, she had a powerful force behind her.

While Yorick was busy digging into her past, there was this mysterious force thwarting his efforts.

And then there were all these men around her.

Just how much about Stella did Yorick not know?

Stella stood up and walked towards the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the street below, where the traffic flowed like ants.

Her smile looked even more scornful, “Planning to cancel my cards, shut down my studio, huh? What’s your plan? To make me unable to pay my rent, to make me apologize to Ursula, to beg you on my knees to reactivate my cards, or to keep me from starving to death?”

Even though these were their plans all along, hearing Stella spell it out made him uncomfortably aware of their pettiness.

“Don’t put Ursula into this. It’s your own actions and now you want to drag her down?”

The moment Yorick finished, Stella’s sarcastic retort was ready.

Yorick was speechless.

Yorick was furious now.

Yorick struggled for breath, “Enough with your words!”

Yorick was momentarily speechless.

What was he here for? In the heat of the moment, he had actually forgotten.

This damned woman, she always had a way of infuriating him to the point of oblivion at the worst possible times.

Stella raised an eyebrow, “You’re here about Wave Residence, aren’t you?”

At the mention of that place, Yorick felt a sharp pang in his chest.

Indeed, he was there for that reason. He had promised Ursula he would have her discharged within a week and move into Wave Residence.

He had told her about the room where one could see the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening and hear the sound of the ocean.

Now, on the third day, if he couldn’t secure Wave Residence…

The thought made Yorick feel suffocated.

“Have you been staying at Wave Residence these past few days?”

He had checked. She hadn’t been living at Silk River Residences and hadn’t returned there in days.

Chapter 142

Plus he and Orion had bumped into Stella at the Wave Residence earlier. So now, Yorick was convinced – Stella was definitely living there!

Stella replied, “Yeah, I live there. What’s the big deal?”

Hearing Stella admit it in person made Yorick’s heart tighten again. The place Ursula dreamt of visiting was now Stella’s home.

“Who owns the place?”

At this moment, Yorick was a whirlwind of emotions, barely able to hear his own voice.

Stella uttered, “Why are you asking me? Thought you were Mr. Big Shot who found out it’s owned by some sixty-six-year-old geezer?”

Not this line again!

Every time Wave Residence came up, she’d throw that line at him.

Yorick growled, “Tell me, who is it!”

He asked again, grinding his teeth in frustration.

Stella, seeing him all worked up, sarcastically laughed, “So, Mr. Quarry, you’re admitting to my face you’re not so capable after all?”

Yorick was livid. She had this knack – her words could spark a fire in anyone’s chest.

Stella kept on, “Admit it, and I’ll tell you. Will you?”

Yorick couldn’t answer it. Asking him to admit his incapability in front of her, this infuriating woman was boldly humiliating him.

Yorick took a couple of deep breaths, but it did little to calm the storm inside him. His gaze towards Stella turned colder.

“You’re something else.”

Stella turned around, arms crossed, “Indeed, I am. Ready for your next move, or shall we see what you’ve got?”

Before Yorick could retort with a “Just you wait”, Stella beat him to it.

Such brazen defiance was unheard of in Portis City, especially towards Yorick.

But Stella, she just did!

…

In the end, Yorick stormed off.

Tabitha entered.

Stella put down her water glass, “He left?”

He was nothing like the man who carried the boss away last time, kind to both the boss and her staff.

Stella laughed, “He’s never in a good mood!”

After leaving the documents, Tabitha exited.

Stella was baffled. Why did he bring this up all of a sudden?

“That pittance…”

Truth be told, since returning to the Larkin family, Ursula had been at her throat non-stop. Especially when Cloudia bought something for her, Ursula would flaunt her purchases. Little did she know, Stella never cared for it. In Ferrowland, she had more and far better things than she could count.

Ronald said, “It might be peanuts to you, but to them, it’s a feast.”

When they lost what they valued most, it was torture. Despite being Stella’s blood relatives, their treatment of her wouldn’t pass Ronald’s test.

Stella caught on to Ronald’s hint, “So, Ronald, you say I should take it?”

She wouldn’t mind. Without Ronald, she’d fend for herself. With him, she’d follow his lead.

“How about it? I give, you take, deal?”

His voice, magnetic and indulgent, was impossible for Stella to ignore, filled with an irresistible blend of dominance and power.

“Your call,” Stella replied sweetly.

Regardless of her interest, the Larkin family was bound to suffer without their assets! Just as Stella thought Ronald was about to hang up, he suddenly asked, “Miss me?”

As Stella heard that, her heart fluttered, her cheeks involuntarily blushing.

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Ronald’s sudden question sent a shiver down Stella’s spine, prompting an instinctive response from her lips, “Yes.”

The moment she spoke, she felt her body temperature rise, her cheeks burning hot.

The man on the phone chuckled low, “Good girl.”

“Then, may I have hot wings tonight?”

“Hmm?”

Ungrateful girl, linking him with wanting hot wings?

Stella carefully added, “It’s been a while since I’ve had one.”

Ever since she moved to Portis City, hot wings had become her favorite. Initially, it was the fiery, spicy sensation that briefly numbed her longing and pain for everything back in Ferrowland.

Over time, she grew to genuinely enjoy it.

Back in Ferrowland, Ronald always kept spicy foods away from her, fearing they’d upset her stomach.

Having never really indulged before, she didn’t miss it, but once she acquired the taste, she was hooked.

The man on the phone, hearing her pitiful tone, relented, “Alright, but you’re not going out for it. I’ll have the chef prepare it.”

This was a significant concession from Ronald, given his high standards for food quality. Stella had been under his care and had been hospitalized twice as a child due to food-related issues, so Ronald was particularly strict about her diet.

As Stella heard Ronald’s agreement, her voice lightened instantly, “You’re the best, Ronald.”

“What about the Larkin family? How do you plan to deal with them, Star?”

Even though their assets were pittances, the Larkin family and their adopted daughter had caused Stella enough trouble over the years just for that. Ronald’s anger couldn’t simmer quietly if they weren’t punished.

When Stella heard Ronald mention the people of the Larkin family, she could sense a hint of testing in his voice. After a moment of thought, she said, “Every minute they face me now is torture.”

That was the truth.

Ursula’s illness urgently needed the attention of Finley and Tegan, yet in their eyes, both of their consent was controlled by Stella, causing them endless agony.

“Haven’t had enough of tormenting them?” Ronald probed.

“There’s no need for me to torment them further.”

They were tormenting themselves enough.

Plus, Ronald’s mention of taking away the Larkin family’s assets clearly meant they were already on target. Without a shred of doubt, the Larkin family was about to turn into a complete mess.

Hearing Stella not utter a single word in defense of the Larkin family, Ronald laughed indulgently, “Good girl, I’ll have the chef prepare hot wings for you tonight.”

“Great.”

…

Every time he thought of Stella’s attitude towards him, he couldn’t stop lighting one cigarette after another as soon as he got into the car.

These last few days, with the issues at Mist Bay, had been especially trying for them. Wave Residence had indeed become a source of endless frustration.

Where was this old man now? Who was he? They had no clues!

“Do you think she ever truly had feelings for me over the years?”

Yorick’s question was so unexpected; Orion was completely confused about the point of him saying that.

Yorick closed his eyes, an aura of darkness enveloping him, “It’s too cold.”

“Should I get you a blanket?”

Orion had misunderstood Yorick’s reference to Stella’s cold heart and her cold demeanor towards him, thinking he was physically cold instead.

“Why do you think she agreed to our engagement?” Yorick asked.

Orion was speechless for a moment, his breath hitching, finally grasping that Yorick was referring to Stella’s icy attitude.

Indeed, Stella had always been distant towards him. Especially now that Ursula was back, her coldness seemed even more pronounced.

From her behavior, it was clear Stella had never truly fell for Yorick.

Why, then, had she agreed to their engagement?

Orion pondered for a moment, “Ms. Quinn might not be as simple as we think.”

His perspective differed from Yorick’s and the Larkin family’s. In his view, Stella’s success in earning over seven hundred thousand last year with her studio was indicative of her significant abilities. If Stella were truly powerless, not even a hundred men behind her could have elevated her status.

Hearing Orion’s thoughts, Yorick scoffed, “She’s definitely not simple, managing to bewitch so many men is a skill in itself.”

Orion was at a loss for words, finding it hard to reply.

Was it merely her ability to enchant men? There were many women who could do that, yet not many could stand as tall as she did. He still believed there was more to Stella than just her allure to men.

Chapter 144

“Did Ms. Quinn spill the beans on who’s behind Wave Residence?!”

Lately, Yorick’d been hounding Stella about it, showing up every day, but Stella’d been MIA. Now, the word on the street was Yorick’d been working on getting Ursula moved into Wave Residence for some recuperation.

The Larkin family was already packing Ursula’s bags.

Yorick remained silent. Orion’s question made his expression darkened once more.

Seeing Yorick clammed up, Orion got his answer – nothing squeezed out of Stella.

Stella’s lips were sealed tighter than Fort Knox’s.

…

Yorick had been trying to figure out why Stella agreed to their engagement in the first place. Though it was the Larkin family’s decision, Stella’s fiery spirit didn’t seem the type to just roll over.

And now, off to the hospital, he still couldn’t make heads or tails of it.

Seeing Yorick, Ursula greeted him with a gentle smile, “Rick, you finally made it.”

Yorick nodded.

Cloudia couldn’t help but beam at Yorick, over the moon about him buying Wave Residence for Ursula.

Let the Quarry clan kick up a fuss; Yorick’s heart was what mattered most!

“Y’all chat.”

With that, she turned and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Ursula tenderly tugged on Yorick’s sleeve. Noticing his troubled look, she asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Her tone was gentle. Yorick could see Ursula’s spirits had lifted ever since they talked about moving into Wave Residence, seemingly improving her health too.

The thought of telling her Wave Residence might be off the table now, Yorick couldn’t bear it.

“Nothing much, been eating well?”

Yorick affectionately tousled Ursula’s soft hair.

She seemed perkier, but Yorick could still hear the frailty in her voice due to her health conditions. Thinking of Stella’s vibrant energy made him wonder, why couldn’t Ursula catch a break health-wise?

“Rick, Rick?”

“Hmm?”

Yorick snapped back to reality, his gaze at Ursula filled with even more tenderness.

“Work stuff, what’s up?”

Yorick was speechless, his brow twitching violently at her words.

They hadn’t figured out who the real owner was, but even if they did, Stella was living there, potentially bad-mouthing them to the mysterious man behind it all.

“If I could just live there, even dying there would be enough for me.”

Yorick’s voice dropped, a mix of frustration and panic.

Ursula spoke of her fears unceasingly; she was genuinely terrified.

“Enough, I won’t let you die, okay?” Yorick choked out.

Death was a topic too heavy for them now, once distant but painfully real and heavy at the moment, especially with Ursula’s frail health on the line.

Ursula had intended to talk more, but then, Yorick’s phone rang – it was Imogen.

“Get back here now, your dad’s waiting for you.”

Imogen sounded off on the other end, and knowing Thane Quarry, Yorick’s father, rarely interfered after he handed over their business to Yorick.

Over these few days, he’d asked to see Yorick for the second time, which obviously signaled trouble.

“I’m kinda…”

“Don’t push me, Yorick. You know Ursula can’t handle any more stress!” Imogen cut Yorick off with an impassive tone before the latter could finish his words.

Glancing at Ursula, who was grabbing his sleeve, he eventually compromised, “Got it.”

Hanging up, he faced Ursula, who had heard enough to let go of his sleeve, “You’d better go now.”

A furious Imogen was no joke, and just as she said, her fragile state couldn’t withstand any shock.

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On Stella’s side.

She got a message from Ursula, “Rick mentioned that once I move into Wave Residence, he’s planning to put up sunflower curtains in my room.”

Stella wrote, “Guess you can start shopping for those curtains now.”

Such a show-off!

Hmph!

Just four more days, then she’d see how Yorick managed to wrap this up. The reputation of Portis City’s foremost heir would be tarnished just like that, hilarious.

…

At the hospital.

At the sight of Stella’s indifferent response, a hint of malice flashed in Ursula’s eyes.

Just as she was about to send another message, Cloudia walked in.

Ursula quickly deleted the message she was typing and handed her phone to the nurse, “Thanks a lot.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The nurse took the phone, gave Cloudia a respectful nod, and left.

Cloudia’s smile didn’t wane, “So, everything set with Wave Residence?”

Just thinking about Ursula moving into Wave Residence made her uncontrollably happy.

Lately, she’d been the butt of jokes among those high-society ladies, calling her daughter a burden. As if, Cloudia’s foster daughter, is a burden? That was a laugh. She was going to marry Yorick and live in Wave Residence.

Hearing Cloudia bring up it, Ursula nodded, “Yeah, he even said he’d change my curtains to sunflower ones once I move in.”

Cloudia’s smile grew even wider.

“He really does care about you. You better cherish him later.”

At the mention of the future by Cloudia, Ursula felt a flutter in her heart. Could there really be a future between her and Yorick?

“These past few days, the lawyer has been looking for you, Mom. You still can’t let go of Stella, can you?” Ursula asked softly.

But instead, she’d been avoiding the lawyer. What was that about? Couldn’t let go of that rebellious bitch?

“Alas…She’s still my daughter, Ursula. Let me deal with her once you’re better.”

One shouldn’t make any decisions in a fit of rage.

If that was the case, she…

Well, then! It seemed she underestimated Stella.

She had wanted the Larkin family to personally kick her out of Portis City.

Now, look how things turned out: the financial support remains, the studio isn’t shut down, and Stella isn’t going anywhere?

So, what was the point of all her previous efforts? All for nothing?

Cloudia sighed, “Ursula, it truly breaks my heart. How could they raise her to be like this? What does that tell us? That they don’t care about her! Must be their negligence leading to her becoming this way, right?”

Talking about Stella’s foster family boiled Cloudia’s blood.

In her view, if they had raised Stella right, she would be as gentle as Ursula.

Not the hellion she was now, trading insults and even coming to blows.

The mere thought that her foster family might have mistreated Stella pained Cloudia as a mother.

Yet, whenever Stella infuriated her, she regretted ever bringing her back.

Chapter 146

Ursula sighed, “Alright, Mom. Really, you should spend more time with her. It’s okay with me.”

“You’re always so understanding.”

Lately, having been avoiding Stella, Cloudia had thought some things through.

Blaise was right. After all, Stella wasn’t by her side as she grew up. If she approached the situation with a lecturing tone, Stella would definitely resist.

Well, everything would have to wait until Ursula got better.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, Ursula screamed in pain, doubling over and clutching her stomach on the hospital bed.

Cloudia was immediately snapped out of her reverie.

Seeing Ursula in such agony, she panicked, “Ursula, what’s wrong?”

“It hurts…so much.”

“Doctor! Doctor!”

Ursula’s complexion had turned ghostly pale, and Cloudia frantically called for medical assistance.

The doctor arrived swiftly, and the hospital room turned into a scene of chaos.

Cloudia stood outside the room, her heart in knots as she watched doctors rush in and out, Ursula’s cries of pain echoing from within. Her heart ached unbearably.

An hour later two specialists reached Cloudia and mentioned Finley and Tegan again.

“To save Ms. Larkin’s uterus, we need Tegan back as soon as possible.”

Cloudia felt her heart leap to her throat. Ursula’s uterus, of course, had to be preserved.

Considering Yorick’s feelings for her, they were bound to end up together. The Quarry family had never been fond of Ursula, and if she couldn’t bear children for them… Even though Yorick adored her, trouble would loom in their future.

With that thought, Cloudia choked out, “We must…we must save it!”

No matter what, Ursula’s uterus had to be preserved.

“Then we need to get Tegan back immediately.”

“Finley must join the effort too!” the senior professor added.

Cloudia felt her heart being squeezed tight.

Finley, Tegan…

They had tried various ways to get the two back over the past few days. But no matter what they offered, neither of them seemed interested.

…

Susanna came over, suggesting they have lunch together, but really, she was there to gossip. Portis City had been buzzing with drama, especially concerning the Quarry family’s reaction to Ursula and what the Larkin family, along with Yorick, wanted to do for her.

Stella chuckled, “More like a doomed one.”

Susanna snorted, “Well, that’s her karma!”

Stella mused, “Exactly. So, what do you feel like eating for lunch?”

Stella shot it down, “No way!”

If she went ahead with that, she’d never hear the end of it from Ronald. Besides, Ronald had already promised to have the family chef prepare it for her that evening.

When Susanna had arrived, Stella had already messaged Ronald about their lunch plans, and his response was clear, “No hot wings outside!”

Even through the screen, she could sense his determined attitude.

Susanna grimaced, “Is your brother some kind of overprotective guardian? He’s so strict with you.”

“There’s someone even stricter.”

“Who?”

“My sister!”

Susanna’s mouth twitched, “You have a sister in that household?”

Stella nodded, “Yes.”

And in that household, she also had a sister, Yvonne Quinn.

Oh, how she missed her.

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Over the past few years, she couldn’t stop thinking about every member of the Quinn family. She was always lurking in the shadows, meticulously following their lives.

Susanna commented, “You and that family, you seem to be living the good life.”

On the other hand, ever since the Larkins found Stella, Ursula had been stirring up trouble non-stop. Talking about favoritism.

But Stella was also an adopted daughter in the Quinn household, and she got along just fine with them, didn’t she?

Stella replied, “I guess it’s different, I was with them since I was a baby.”

Susanna nodded, “Makes sense. Babies are so soft and adorable, who could ever have bad intentions towards a baby?”

But there was another thing.

Susanna felt, “Kindness begets kindness. You must have been really good to them too.”

The bad blood between Stella and Ursula stemmed from Ursula’s initial attempts on her life. The Larkins’ baseless accusations had soured relationships, leading to frequent clashes and bias against Stella, their own flesh and blood.

After bringing her back, the Larkins never showed much genuine affection towards Stella. And Stella, who was pampered by the Quinns since childhood, naturally lacked the patience to deal with them.

“Let’s go, time for lunch.”

Stella didn’t want to discuss the Larkins anymore. Getting up, she grabbed her bag and left.

Susanna didn’t make further comment on the topic, but couldn’t help mentioning, “Yorick has been turning heaven and earth to find the owner of Wave Residence. I’m curious to see his reaction when he finds out it’s you.”

Ignorance was bliss.

Now, those in the know couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of Yorick and the Larkins.

Stella remarked, “Don’t tell him, let him be clueless.”

Susanna chuckled, “You’re right. Yorick does act like a complete fool sometimes.”

Together, they headed out for lunch.

They had barely left when Cloudia arrived, and Tabitha tried to call Stella to warn her. But Stella had her phone on silent, making it impossible to reach her.

…

At the restaurant.

While cutting into her steak, Susanna mentioned, “Sirena has been grounded by his bro. He’s not letting her out of the house.”

When Jeremy mentioned it, Stella thought he was joking, given Sirena was his sister.

Susanna nodded, “Yep, grounded for real. She used to be out shopping with someone or the other all the time, haven’t seen her out for days now.”

Stella commented, “It’s for the best, otherwise if some huge trouble comes up, it’d be a scandal for the Patel family.”

A scandal

At the mention of Jaxon, Susanna remembered something. She glanced around, ensuring no one was close by, before leaning in towards Stella.

Stella paused with her utensils in hand as she heard the words.

“Yesterday, my niece had a fever, and my mom asked me to check on her at the hospital. Guess what I saw?” Susanna continued.

“What is it?”

“Jaxon with a woman, holding a child around two or three years old.”

Stella remained silent.

A two or three-year-old child?

Jaxon’s kid was also around that age.

Susanna added, “The child looked somewhat similar to Jaxon, could very well be his.”

“And you actually took a closer look?”

“How could I? It was the child’s resemblance that caught my eye from afar,” Susanna expressed her thought wryly.

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Stella was genuinely surprised.

The union between the Larkin family and the Patel family had always been a matter of concern for Cloudia and Blaise. Logically, Jaxon shouldn’t be seen in public with that woman.

Seeing Stella silent, Susanna asks, “Do you know something?”

“Yeah, I know,” Stella nodded.

Susanna gasped, “Is the child really his? Then what’s the deal with him and Sirena?”

Could the Patel family really overlook something like this?

Jaxon was bold, alright. Wasn’t he afraid the Patels would skin him alive for pulling something like this?

Stella shared, “It’s a long story. Apparently, that woman was a barmaid at Nocturne Hues.”

Susanna, who was about to take a sip of water, choked and spat it out.

A barmaid at Nocturne Hues?

Jaxon actually…

Stella handed her a tissue, “That’s why the Larkins have never accepted that woman or the child.”

Susanna pondered, “So Jaxon didn’t fight for her?”

“What could he fight for? Do you think he’s the type to be sincere?”

True, Jaxon might have just been playing around and ended up with a bigger situation on his hands.

“That woman wanted to climb the social ladder by using the child. She waited until the kid was one year old before approaching Jaxon, but it didn’t work out.”

Hearing all this, Susanna was astounded, “This is explosive news. I can’t believe you never told me.”

“Why would I? You know I don’t gossip without good reason.”

Susanna had to agree. Stella was not one to show off or gossip unnecessarily. Otherwise, how could she not know about Stella’s studio making seven hundred thousand last year?

She’d never reveal what she wasn’t asked about.

Just the thought of Jeremy made Susanna believe Jaxon had a death wish. Of all the trouble in the world he had to stir up this kind.

Stella remarked, “That barmaid is no easy target.”

Susanna nodded, “She’s definitely scheming. If she learns about the Larkin and Patel alliance, she might just cause trouble.”

Susanna replied, “If she was truly selfless, she’d have kept the child hidden and never approached Jaxon.”

Seeing Stella silent, Susanna asked, “What are you planning?”

Stella retorted, “So, they get to mess with me, but I can’t retaliate?”

Susanna got the message. The Larkins had been too bold in Stella’s world, and she wasn’t one to sit back passively.

Searching chaos?

Let them all dive into the madness together; the more, the merrier.

The more Stella thought about it, the more excited she became, and she immediately called Idris, “Dig up everything on Jaxon’s woman. I’m going big.”

Ronald had already made his move, and now it was her turn to step up.

As Susanna heard Stella talk about going big, her lips couldn’t help but twitch.

After hanging up, Stella said, “I’ve been so busy these days, hadn’t even thought of using that woman.”

Stella only regretted she hadn’t taken advantage of that woman earlier as a way to retaliate.

Chapter 149

After parting ways with Susanna, Stella had barely set foot in her studio when Idris sent over all the details on Jaxon’s mystery woman.

Turned out she was indeed from Nocturne Hues. Back there, she claimed to be serving the VIP rooms, complete with an address and phone number.

Just as she was about to head back to her office, Tabitha stopped her in her tracks, “Boss, I called you three times. Why didn’t you pick up?”

“The phone was on silent. What’s up?”

Stella was notoriously averse to overtime, a trait she maintained since the inception of her studio. Tabitha was well aware that their boss was, in fact, quite the slacker. Her instances of staying late were few and far between.

“That Cloudia stopped by.”

Stella was speechless.

Cloudia? Again?

Seemed like she needed to stir up trouble for the Larkin family, or else Cloudia would be constantly bugging her.

And she still refused to sign the disownment agreement.

How utterly annoying!

“How long has she been here?”

Tabitha responded, “Been waiting for you for two hours.”

That she had the patience to wait this long must be due to Ursula’s antics. Recalling Ursula’s taunts over the phone, Stella couldn’t help but snicker!

Just as she was about to make her way to the office, her phone buzzed in her hand.

Stella answered, and Ronald’s tender, indulgent voice came through, “What did you have for lunch?”

“Steak!”

Wasn’t great, so she didn’t eat much. She wasn’t a fan of that stuff, but since her favorite wasn’t available, nothing else really mattered.

Ronald asked, “I’m downstairs. You coming down, or should I come up?”

Stella said, “You’re here to see me now?”

“Yeah, got something for you.”

“Then wait a sec.”

Stepping out of the building, Stella spotted Ronald’s custom ride from a distance. She strode over, and Idris respectfully opened the car door for her.

Meeting the man’s profound and noble gaze, Stella felt her heart flutter uncontrollably! It was as if she was being drawn into his world.

“Is that the ‘Aurora’?”

Now, Ronald had turned it into a necklace and presented it to her.

Stella asked, “Is this for me?”

Stella was at a loss for words. Wasn’t this a bit too pricey?

But facing Ronald’s intense gaze, she dared not utter a word of refusal; knowing his temperament, she reckoned he might just toss it out of the car right then and there.

She quickly swept her hair aside.

As the man leaned in, his breath on her nape was warm, contrasting with the coolness of the necklace, causing Stella’s heartbeat to nearly stop.

Especially with his presence enveloping her, she felt a profound sense of being protected under his wings. This feeling was so familiar, so much so, that Stella almost felt moved to tears.

Ronald secured the necklace and admired it, “Beautiful.”

Stella sniffed, “Why suddenly give me this? And it’s so expensive.”

“Consider it a belated birthday gift.”

At that, Stella’s heart skipped a beat again.

Birthday Gift.

Her mind flashed back to how lonely her birthday was this year at the Silk River Residences. The Larkins and Yorick had all flown overseas to be with Ursula.

Chapter 150

And for her? Not even a single phone call.

Had they forgotten their own birthdays? No, how could they forget when she shared her birthday with Ursula?

In the end, it boiled down to simple apathy.

But that was okay, she hadn’t cared about them for the longest time either.

Yet, why was Cloudia now hesitating to sign the agreement?

“What’s on your mind?”

Ronald caught her being quiet and drifting further into her thoughts; he decided to pull her back to reality.

Stella confessed, “Nothing much, just that it’s been years since I last received a birthday present.”

Ever since she stepped out of Ronald’s life, birthday presents had become a thing of the past.

As soon as the words left her mouth, Ronald pulled her into an embrace. She could instantly feel his uneven breath against her, his magnetic voice tinged with a certain depth, “Promise me you won’t wander off again?”

Tears unbiddenly welled up in Stella’s eyes.

“I promise, never again.”

Damn the Schultz family for being decimated; now, she had no reason to stray from Ronald’s side anymore.

Ronald’s embrace tightened.

“Ronald, I’m sorry.” Stella wrapped her arms around his lean waist, nuzzling her head against his chest.

Ronald responded by gently rubbing the top of her head, an unspoken forgiveness.

Apologies were unnecessary; back then, he was swamped managing the family’s assets, leaving him unable to protect her from the clutches of the Schultz scum.

…

When Stella returned to her office, it was already half an hour later.

Tabitha noticed the striking necklace adorning her boss’s neck.

“Wow, Boss, that necklace is stunning. Looks familiar…wasn’t it featured on the cover of…”

“Aurora,” Stella cut in.

Aurora, of all things…

The value of this diamond was overhyped to over ten million! Even the Larkin family might not afford it. Could it have been that man?

Tabitha nodded, “It’s pretty, truly.”

“Is Cloudia still around?”

The brief joy at mentioning Cloudia quickly faded from Stella’s face.

In Stella’s office.

Cloudia’s impatience at waiting for Stella for too long was evident on her face, and as the door opened, she was unable to mask it quickly enough.

She forced a smile, “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for a while. People in the studio have been trying to reach you but you didn’t answer.”

The matter of phone calls irked Cloudia. To reach her, they had borrowed dozens of phones from the hospital, all to be blocked by Stella.

Such cold-heartedness was rare.

Once Ursula’s health improved, she resolved to have a stern talk with the family that raised Stella. How had they nurtured her to be this way? Did they even know how to raise a child?

Stella tossed her bag onto the desk, “Out with it. What do you want?”

It had to be about Ursula; what else could it be?

As she sat down, the Aurora caught the sunlight coming through the window, incredibly stunning, dazzling enough to draw Cloudia’s attention, “Your necklace, is it…”

Aurora, it had to be!

Cloudia remembered seeing it at an auction once. But how could such an astronomically priced piece end up around Stella’s neck?

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