Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 151 to 160)  

Chapter 151

At the auction that day, Cloudia made a point of showing up in person, bringing Ursula along for the ride.

When the massive canary diamond was unveiled, Ursula couldn’t hide her covetous gaze.

But this was about a piece valued at over ten million dollars here, not something the Larkins could just snap up with a wave of their hand.

And to think, the very same diamond ended up fashioned into a necklace, now adorning Stella’s neck? Who exactly snagged that diamond, and what was their connection to Stella?

Stella replied, “Aurora!”

Cloudia’s breath caught in her throat. She questioned, “Who gave this to you? What’s your relationship with them?”

“Is that any of your business?” Stella shot back with a biting retort.

“You…”

Cloudia felt her breath sink even heavier. She wanted to lash out, but remembering her purpose for coming, swallowed down her harsh words.

Lately, Stella had been nothing but cold towards their relationship. But no matter what, Cloudia was her mother. This repeated disdain was too much to bear.

“Just say what you came to say,” Stella’s voice was icy.

Feeling unsettled once more, Cloudia took a deep breath, “Tegan and Finley need to return, no more delays.”

The insistence from the medical team on these two being crucial was a clear sign to Cloudia. To save Ursula, they were indispensable.

Stella let out a scoff.

“You’ve been dodging my lawyer for days, I almost thought you’d given up on Ursula.”

Cloudia remained silent. Her already pale complexion turned ashen at the mention of the lawyer.

Anyone unaware of their story would think she truly cared about Stella.

Blocking her card or driving her to leave the house was futile, and she couldn’t shut down the studio either. Even a brainless person would realize what there would be behind her. And now here she was, acting as if there was much maternal affection to speak of.

Stella continued, “My studio pulls in seven hundred thousand a year, but all you see is the sources that contribute to my success.”

Cloudia seemed struck by the accusation, her face contorting in discomfort.

Even family ties had their price tags.

Yet, Stella was surprised. The Larkin family actually showed genuine concern for Ursula, a testament to her influence.

Being accused mercilessly, Cloudia was boiling with rage! The pretense of reconciliation shattered, and she snapped, “Do you really need me to sign the papers for them to return?”

Cloudia was done with the back-and-forth. If signing was what it took for Tegan and Finley to come back Ursula, she’d do it.

Done with Stella’s ingratitude, she was ready to sever ties. Let’s see if, without their backing, those people would still stand by her.

Stella remained silent, her gaze falling upon Cloudia.

Meeting her determined eyes, Cloudia gritted her teeth and nodded, “If that’s what you want, fine, I’ll sign. Are you happy now?”

As Cloudia finished her piece, Stella pulled the documents from a drawer and handed them over.

Chapter 152

“Sign it.”

Cloudia was speechless.

At this moment, Stella’s demeanor was clear-cut and decisive. It seemed like she had no attachment left for the entire Larkin family. This only infuriated Cloudia more, her chest heaving vehemently!

Cutting ties, huh? Fine, so be it. Then we’ll see who’s left picking up the pieces when regret kicks in.

Blinded by her anger, Cloudia completely overlooked the absolute control that underpinned Stella’s actions.

Finally, with a grit of her teeth, she picked up the pen and signed the disownment agreement.

The moment the last stroke was made, Stella immediately took the document, as if afraid Cloudia might change her mind.

Cloudia’s blood boiled at the sight, but she managed to hold back her fury. Barely containing her anger, she asked with as much patience as she could muster, “When will they be back?”

She had gotten her signature, Cloudia thought, everything should be coming to an end now.

However, Stella locked the document in a safe, and then turned to her with an expression of feigned ignorance, “Who? What are you talking about?”

Cloudia couldn’t speak, feeling her heart sink.

She asked about “who”? What did she mean by that?

“You, you…”

Cloudia was choking up; she started at Stella, hardly believing the conclusion she was coming to. Yet Stella looked back at her blankly, as if genuinely clueless about whom she was referring to.

Cloudia felt utterly deceived.

“Finley and Tegan, you promised me,” Cloudia stammered out.

Stella had said, clear as day, that once the agreement was signed, Finley and Tegan would be allowed to return.

Now, her blank stares were what? Was she going back on her word?

Mrs. Larkin, you’re quite the comedian. They’re people, not objects I can just hand over. Besides, they’re not my subordinates. Why would they listen to me?”

“You, you…” Her shaking finger pointed at Stella, her emotions teetering on the edge of collapse.

Stella chuckled lightly, “Mrs. Larkin, the disownment agreement has been signed. We’re nothing to each other now, right? Whatever happens to the Larkin family from here on out is none of my concern.”

Cloudia’s vision darkened with anger, her mind blank at the mention of the signed agreement.

Stella secured the agreement, “If you can persuade them yourself, be my guest. I won’t stop you. If you can bring them back, that’s on you.

As for asking me to help you? Ursula wants to take my life. Do I look like a fool, rushing to save her?”

Ursula had been flaunting her power these last few days. Demanding one thing while stepping on her the next? Well, if she enjoyed stepping on people so much, she could just save herself. Why beg anyone for help?

Cloudia trembled, “You, you, you lied to me. How could you…”

Her voice broke, unable to form another word. She couldn’t believe that Stella had actually deceived her.

“How can you be so malicious? That’s a human life we’re talking about! Do you understand how desperately Ursula needs Finley and Tegan’s help right now?”

Cloudia was beside herself with grief.

Stella replied, “And what’s that got to do with me? If she dies, she dies. People die every day around the world; am I supposed to cry for each one?”

Chapter 153

“You, you, you’re unbelievable.” Cloudia couldn’t catch her breath. She was so furious that she fainted.

Stella calmly dialed the in-house phone to Tabitha, “Call an ambulance, someone’s passed out.”

“What? Passed out?”

Cloudia passed out? She seemed so sturdy, to faint here, was she trying to pull a fast one on the boss?

“I’m on it.”

A scam?

Not on Tabitha’s watch.

She dialed 911 and made a few follow-up calls, getting an ambulance there in just over ten minutes. In a haze of concern, Cloudia was whisked away by the ambulance.

Tabitha returned her face a picture of discomfort.

“Boss, she might have a heart condition, maybe steer clear of such folks in the future, just in case they try to pull something.”

Relations were already strained, and if the other party harbored any ideas of deception, it would be quite the headache. And given the kind of people they were, scamming Stella seemed entirely plausible.

Stella uttered, “Heart condition? She just got irritated.”

“What?”

“By me!”

Tabitha was like, “…”

Well, to get someone that worked up, just how ruthless was the boss?

But thinking of what the Larkin family did to Stella, Tabitha felt it was deserved. They might as well drop dead for all she cared.

Stella instructed, “Enough with the schadenfreude, I’ve got a task for you, I’ve sent the details to your email.”

Saying this, Stella handed Tabitha the information Idris had found, including an address and a phone number.

“Print this out and mail it to this address.”

Jaxon sure was generous, probably because of the child that woman bore him, he had set her up in a nice place – a villa community. The file clearly stated that the woman now had a personal driver, and Jaxon was spending a good deal on her. Except for not granting her the title of Mrs. Larkin, it seemed he provided everything else.

Tabitha accepted, “Got it.”

Cloudia had been overwhelmed by anger. Then Yorick and Jaxon would definitely make trouble for Stella.

At the mention of Jaxon, Tabitha’s voice was noticeably contemptuous. She must have seen the file.

Stella answered, “Let him in. And add that woman on Twitter, send her a snippet.”

Tabitha understood Stella’s intention.

As Tabitha turned and left, Jaxon entered, his face stormy.

It had been days! In those days, although he hadn’t fully grasped the extent of the man behind Stella, he had felt their influence.

Especially recalling StarRiver Corp.’s words, ‘Her partnership? We can’t and wouldn’t dare to break it.’

And that wasn’t all, they had StarRiver Corp., such a huge conglomerate, claiming they couldn’t dare break off their partnership with Stella.

Who would believe that?

That last ‘And you are?’ was not just arrogant but hinted at the power backing Stella.

Was that man cherishing her so much?

It made all their plans against Stella fall through.

He had thought she was an easy target, but she turned out to be a prickly chestnut. Attempting to grasp her barehanded only got him a handful of thorns.

Jaxon, seething with anger, pulled out a chair and sat down, “You’re quite something, we all underestimated you.”

Stella replied, “Weren’t you saying you’d shut down my studio? It’s been a couple of days, yet I’ve seen no move from you.”

Chapter 154

The last comment was dripping with sarcasm, the thickest yet.

Jaxon’s face turned a furious shade of green on the spot. If he could, he would’ve shut it down once and for all, leaving her no chance of strutting around like now.

At the moment, Jaxon had no desire to engage in this infuriating exchange with Stella, “Mom was carried out from your place, what did you do?”

“Take a guess.”

Compared to Jaxon’s rage, Stella’s tone was utterly nonchalant. Her words were like a thorn stinging Jaxon’s already frayed nerves.

“That’s our mom. Riding on the coattails of a capable man, have you lost all basic decency and respect for your elders?”

Stella barely lifted her eyelids to glance at him, “Sorry, not anymore.”

These people dared to lecture her on decency? Did they even know what that meant?

Jaxon’s breath deepened as he heard this, “What did you say?”

Stella nonchalantly picked up the glass of water in front of her and took a sip.

“In less than an hour, after you leave this place, the news of her signing the disownment agreement will be all over Portis City.

By then, everyone will know you’ve cut ties with me. All these years, you and Ursula acted as if I was competing for Mom’s affection. Don’t worry, I’m not that interested.”

Cutting all ties, henceforth, they shared neither honor nor disgrace.

When she first returned, Ursula stirred up so much trouble, all because she was afraid Stella would take the Larkins from her. And Jaxon, even more ridiculous, was scared she’d take away the pathetic, pitiful love for Ursula.

As if she cared!

Jaxon couldn’t believe his ears; he absolutely refused to believe it. “What disownment agreement? You really want to cut ties with us?”

Jaxon slammed his hand down on the desk. That slap on the desk sent tingles throughout his body.

Stella gave him a cold glance, “I have nothing to do with the Larkins anymore. Who are you here yelling at me?”

“You…” Jaxon’s breath deepened.

Stella said, “Do you even know what ‘right’ means? To me, the Larkins are nothing now, you have no right. So, I’d advise you to get out of here right now, or else…”

Stella crossed her arms, “Know how Yorick got his hand and leg injured?”

“No, but I could.”

Before he could finish his sentence, his face took a solid punch.

“Stella!” furious, Jaxon roared at her.

Another punch landed solidly on his face, near his temple this time. Jaxon felt his brain rattle. Stella disdainfully wiped her wrist that he had grabbed.

“I’m your bro…”

“Hmm?”

The word “brother” was cut off halfway by Stella’s dangerous tone, forcing Jaxon to swallow the rest of his sentence.

It was then he remembered, Stella had never considered him brother.

Jaxon, chest heaving with rage, barely managed to stand up straight.

“You’ll pay for today’s actions!” he spat out the words venomously.

However, the next moment, the office door swung open.

Ronald stood in the doorway, an icy aura enveloping him, “And what price do you wish her to pay?”

His voice was light, but the oppressive atmosphere it brought was unmistakable.

Chapter 155

Jaxon turned around, locking eyes with Ronald in a stare sharp as an eagle’s talon.

Feeling the aura emanating from the man, Jaxon felt his heart shudder involuntarily.

The man’s presence was overwhelming. Even a single glance from him sent waves of danger coursing through Jaxon’s veins.

Ronald narrowed his eyes perilously, “Threatening her?”

Jaxon swallowed hard, his gaze shifting between Ronald and Stella.

Stella crossed her arms, “Threatening me?”

Their tones matched perfectly.

Jaxon felt not only oppressed but also realized how much of a stranger Stella was to him as if he had never truly known her.

The already frosty atmosphere of the office plummeted into an unprecedented danger.

Jaxon clenched his fists, his breathing unsteady, “I…”

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced towards the door, sensing the immense aura of the man standing there. Who was he? He had never seen him around Portis City.

Ronald strode over Stella with long strides, pulling her close, “He just said he’s who to you?”

“He said he’s my brother.”

Those words seemed to drop the temperature even further. Despite the heating, Jaxon felt a chill down his spine.

Why did this man’s aura become even more menacing upon hearing Stella call Jaxon her brother?

Ronald fixed him with a dangerous look, “You really want to be her brother?”

Jaxon was at a loss for words.

He was her brother! Or at least he had been until Stella mentioned their mom signing the disownment agreement.

With that, Jaxon was no longer her brother in any capacity, regardless of whether she ended up begging on the streets or vanished without a trace, she would have nothing to do with the Larkin family.

Jaxon scoffed, “As if I could ever deserve such a sister.”

Severing the ties, then? Fine, so be it. He was curious to see what Stella would amount to without the Larkin family’s backing.

Jaxon left the office fuming, his anger not subsiding until he stepped into the elevator, realizing only then that his back was soaked with sweat.

The thought of someone so formidable taking an interest in Stella infuriated Jaxon even more. Just as he exited the elevator, his phone buzzed. Glancing at the caller ID, he answered, “What’s up?”

Jaxon’s heart skipped a beat.

Before he could respond, she continued her tirade, “You lied to me? You told me to wait for you, promised that before our child started school, you’d legitimize him! Did you even tell your family about us?”

The woman’s bombardment of questions only frustrated Jaxon even more, making his head throb with pain.

Of course, he had told them, but not a single family member had accepted her. He rubbed his throbbing temples, “Are you at home? I’ll come over now.”

“Fine, come here and explain yourself properly.”

After the snarl, the woman hung up, leaving Jaxon by his car; eyes closed, he gripped his phone tightly.

Before he could drive off, Cloudia’s call came through, “Jaxon, what are we going to do?”

The pain was evident in Cloudia’s voice.

Despite his headache, Jaxon tried to sound soothing, “You’re awake?”

“Yeah.”

Cloudia was still furious about Stella’s role in her fainting spell.

“Ursula’s doctor just told me, that if Finley and Tegan don’t get involved in her treatment soon, she might only have three months left.”

Chapter 156

“Let’s just go ahead with the surgery. We can’t count on Stella,” Jaxon stated without hesitation.

If Tegan and Finley can’t make it, then what’s at risk can’t be saved, like Ursula’s health.

They had been trying to get Tegan back just to save her uterus. But now, when it was a matter of life and death, obviously, life mattered more.

As for Stella, he had realized that damn girl just didn’t care about them at all. Moreover, she seemed to wish Ursula had gone.

Cloudia sighed, “It’s no use.”

“What do you mean?”

“The doctor told me the spread has been severe these past few days, and they reckon it’s already past the optimal time for surgery. They’re trying to manage it, but the risk of this surgery is incredibly high. They might not be able to keep her alive through it. If we had operated sooner, maybe, but now it’s too late.”

In the end, it boiled down to getting Finley and Tegan involved.

Jaxon protested, “It’s only been a few days, hasn’t it?”

Just a few days!

How could that be too late?

Cloudia sighed, “To ordinary people, time flies, but for cancer patients, it’s always a matter of life and death.”

These few days could mean a lifetime for them. Especially since Ursula had a couple of other critical conditions.

Jaxon’s breathing became unsteady again.

Cloudia continued, “What do we do now? Stella tricked me. She said if I signed the disownment agreement, she’d make Finley and Tegan come back. She didn’t keep her word.”

Mentioning Stella only intensified Cloudia’s anger.

“She tricked you?”

Jaxon’s breathing became even more unsteady. He knew his mother had collapsed here, so he rushed over, initially to confront Stella. Instead, he ended up getting punched twice by her. The cold wind made him feel a chill between his teeth.

Cloudia’s voice was filled with sorrow, “She tricked me into signing, saying once I did, Tegan and Finley would return to treat Ursula.”

Jaxon was aware of this. He had even wondered why his mother hadn’t signed immediately, considering Ursula’s health was at stake.

Jaxon fumed, “That’s outrageous. I’m going to find her!”

However, just as he hung up, he remembered the menacing man in Stella’s office. If he went back now…

His phone vibrated again, this time it was a call from Blaise Larkin.

“What’s wrong?”

That seriousness made Jaxon feel uneasy. After hanging up and glancing at the entrance of the Orient Nexus Building, he decided not to go after Stella.

…

Meanwhile, Stella in her office was completely dumbfounded.

She instinctively tried to snatch the velvet box from Ronald’s hands, but it was too late.

Ronald smoothly dodged and had already opened it.

He glanced at the large diamond ring inside the box and then looked solemnly at Stella, “Star, what’s this?”

His tone was gentle. Yet, it made Stella’s heart shiver, and she began to stutter, “Ronald, don’t get it wrong, that thing, I tell you, the person who sent it is crazy, absolutely crazy!”

Jeremy said it was an apology gift, and she was baffled when she opened it.

Who sent a large diamond ring as an apology gift? This was just nuts!

Chapter 157

Ronald’s lips curled into a smile.

It was supposed to be a smile, yet to Stella, it seemed eerily terrifying. “Ronald, please don’t smile like that; it scares me.”

Stella stepped forward, and with a look of pure innocence, cautiously tugged at Ronald’s sleeve.

But Ronald, at this moment, wasn’t someone to be easily placated. He withdrew his arm, the smile vanishing from his lips, “Who gave it to you?”

His voice carried a chill.

Such an extravagant diamond ring clearly showed someone’s intentions.

Or was it that she had some secrets in Portis City he wasn’t aware of?

Did she already have a boyfriend?

The thought crossed his mind, and a colder shade passed through Ronald’s eyes.

Stella blurted out, “Jeremy.”

She didn’t even pause to think. She never covered for anyone, regardless of what Jeremy meant to Ronald as a business associate.

Nor did she care if there was some misunderstanding behind this ring; she refused to be caught in one, especially not with Ronald.

“Jeremy?” Ronald repeated as he heard the name, a flicker of surprise crossing his stern gaze, quickly replaced by a deeper coldness.

Jeremy, huh! How very generous of him.

Stella nodded, “Yes, Jeremy. He said it was an apology gift.”

Mentioning this made Stella’s headache.

An apology gift, really? Saying it out loud didn’t make it any more believable to herself, let alone Ronald.

What was Jeremy thinking? This was so unreliable.

As expected, Ronald raised an eyebrow.

“An apology?” his tone was clearly skeptical.

In her opinion, this was Jeremy trying to make connections. She had made her stance clear then; no matter what he offered, it wouldn’t change a thing.

With a snap, Ronald closed the velvet box and tossed it into the trash can. He looked at Stella, his gaze still chilly, “An apology with a ring? Do you buy that?”

“I know, right?! Do you think he’s out of his mind? When I saw it was a ring, I was stunned.”

That was so unreliable. No wonder Ronald was hesitant to engage with his business proposals.

Feeling a bit uneasy under his stare, she reached out again and took his hand, “Bro.”

At that moment, she was like a little girl who had done something wrong, not daring to act out in front of her parent.

Ronald reached out, pulling her into his embrace.

His warm fingertips gently lifted her delicate chin, and as their eyes met, Stella could clearly see a deep abyss in Ronald’s gaze, almost pulling her into his depths.

Her explanation seemed feeble to Ronald, but when he spoke again, his magnetic voice was noticeably softer.

“So you accepted it?”

Jeremy must be out of his mind. But her explanation was lucid. Knowing the ring couldn’t possibly be an apology gift, why would she accept it?

Stella replied, “I didn’t accept it. He insisted on leaving it, and by the time I opened it, he was already gone.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely. I swear, I barely interacted with him in Portis City, as you well know.”

Chapter 158

This was a testament to Stella’s will to survive.

Whenever Ronald interrogated her, she’d snap instantly, refusing to believe he wasn’t aware that there was absolutely no connection between her and Jeremy.

Seeing her panic, Ronald couldn’t help but tighten his grip around her waist.

“Ronald, you don’t believe me?” Stella asked.

“Of course, I believe you.”

He had always believed in his Star.

As for Jeremy…

Ronald’s gaze drifted to the trash can briefly, a clear chill passing through his eyes.

Hearing his affirmation, Stella felt a tad more at ease.

Finally, Ronald let her go.

“Why are you here now?” Stella inquired.

“Just thought I’d drop by,” Ronald said.

Stella thought to herself, given his busy schedule, this casual visit must have everyone else on edge.

Ronald didn’t mention he knew about Cloudia passing out and Jaxon showing up. The Larkin family clearly didn’t see his Star as one of their own. He wouldn’t put it past them to even consider taking her life over their adopted daughter.

…

Ronald spent the afternoon in Stella’s office while she held two meetings. Everyone in the studio treated her with the utmost respect.

Upon returning to her office, Stella was met with Ronald’s deep, indulgent gaze.

All the authority she had during the meetings dissipated, her hands fidgeting as she approached him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Ronald effortlessly pulled her onto his lap.

Stella tensed up immediately.

This wasn’t good.

Her authoritative demeanor earlier reminded him of her childhood. She was utterly spoiled by him, always leading the other kids in their games.

“Hmm? Don’t you like it, Star?”

Could he hold her like this forever if she confessed her liking?

Stella was in turmoil.

“Can I say I like it?”

She couldn’t bear to meet Ronald’s gaze, turning her face away as she spoke.

Her feelings for Ronald hadn’t always been pure. Sibling affection and romantic affection were different.

The mere thought of crossing the boundary into romantic territory was enough to stop Stella in her tracks, fearing the consequences if Ronald didn’t reciprocate her feelings.

Lost in her thoughts, Stella failed to notice the softening in Ronald’s demeanor at her admission. He chuckled softly, his long fingers toying with her hair. “I’ve asked our chef to prepare hot wings for you tonight.”

The mention of the food instantly perked Stella up.

“You do?”

“Absolutely.”

Back when Ronald wasn’t around, she and Susanna would indulge in them at least once a week. But Ronald had put a stop to it upon his arrival. Now that he was finally giving in, Stella’s excitement nearly drove her to plant a kiss on him.

Chapter 159

Closing time.

Ronald clasped Stella’s hand as they left the office together.

His presence, commanding and wolf-like, contrasted sharply with Stella’s meek, lamb-like demeanor, creating a visually striking dichotomy that seemed to tug at the heartstrings.

As soon as they entered the elevator, the colleagues huddled around Tabitha, whispering, “Is that the boss’s boyfriend?”

“He seems way better than Mr. Quarry, and nicer to the boss too.”

“Get out of here, you’re talking nonsense. That’s supposed to be the boss’s brother.”

Tabitha remembered hearing Stella calling him brother.

“Even if he’s her brother, Mr. Quarry wouldn’t dare bully our boss with him around. He’s in for a whooping.”

Tabitha snorted, “He’s already had one!”

She couldn’t believe anyone in Portis City would dare to mess with Yorick Quarry. The Quarry family had been throwing their weight around for years, but it seemed the man by the boss’s side was fearless. Served them right.

And then there was Jaxon. A classic case of a bad apple, keeping a mistress on the side while hoping to marry into wealth. The epitome of a scoundrel.

…

Stella and Ronald arrived back at Wave Residence.

As soon as they entered, Stella was greeted by the aroma of hot wings, and she bolted towards the dining room, letting go of Ronald’s hand.

Ronald felt his hand grow empty, looking at Stella’s joyful figure, his lips curving into a gentle smile.

Idris, following behind him, remarked, “Ms. Quinn’s appetite has improved significantly these past days.”

He had done his homework. Stella normally had a rather poor appetite, only really eating when Susanna took her out for hot wings. Otherwise, her meals were irregular and scant.

Ronald mused, “A good appetite is a blessing.”

His gaze lingered tenderly on Stella, who stood not far, as he uttered the words.

Idris remained silent, pondering why Ronald wouldn’t allow Stella to indulge more often. Whenever they were out and couldn’t make it back in time, Ronald would call the butler to ensure she ate. If Stella didn’t comply, Ronald would personally rush back.

Idris’ movement of accepting his coat paused.

But now?

Ronald didn’t elaborate further and headed towards the dining room.

Sitting beside her, Ronald reached out to ruffle her soft hair, “What’s wrong?”

Not a single spicy pepper in sight. She had been promised a hot-wing dinner, and felt deceived by her brother.

Ronald hummed in response, and then added, “Eating like this is healthier.”

“But having it once in a while won’t hurt, right? It won’t affect my health,” Stella reasoned.

“You used to have it every week. Isn’t that often enough?” Ronald uttered.

Stella pouted, casting a resentful glance at Ronald.

The servant respectfully offered Ronald a sanitized towel. After cleaning his hands, Ronald began to serve the food for Stella, observing her sullen expression.

He let out a low chuckle, “Don’t want to eat?”

Stella glanced between the dish and her plate, decisively nodding, “I’ll eat.”

After all, the table was set for a proper dinner, how could she refuse?

Especially since she hadn’t eaten much steak at lunch and was now quite hungry.

Chapter 160

Ronald’s chuckle grew louder as he placed a piece into Stella’s plate.

Stella, with an exaggerated gesture, stuffed the food into her mouth, chewing with a vengeance! Her gritted teeth and fierce determination made it clear she wasn’t so satisfied with this dinner choice.

However, as the flavors melded on her tongue, her look of utter betrayal swiftly melted away. “This is actually delicious.”

Especially the sauce – it was definitely something special.

Ronald asked, “Delicious?”

Stella nodded, “Yeah, really good.”

Her disappointment vanished, discovering for the first time that the non-spicy version could indeed be scrumptious.

The atmosphere around the dining table lightened instantly.

…

Meanwhile, at the office of the Patel Group, Jeremy felt an inexplicable shiver run down his spine as he stepped from the conference room into his office.

He called out to Harper, “Crank up the heat, will you? This weather’s turning bone-chillingly cold.”

Harper looked puzzled, “It’s cold?”

She didn’t feel it.

Jeremy glanced at Harper’s light office attire, “You’re not cold?”

Harper replied, “Not at all. Maybe you’ve caught a cold or something, Mr. Patel?”

It really wasn’t cold, with the office heating set to a constant, comfortable temperature.

Jeremy dismissed the idea, “I never get sick.”

Harper nodded without addressing further, thinking since the boss said he didn’t, she’d just drop it, and turned to sort through the stack of documents that had just been delivered.

“Did you manage to secure that ring?”

His expression froze. A second search turned up nothing but a small box in the other pocket, momentarily easing his panic.

On the other end of the line, Caius remained oblivious to Jeremy’s sudden tension and continued, “Thanks then.”

Jeremy was now grappling with a headache, “Are those two still at it?”

Ever since, they had been locked in a petty rivalry, each eager to outdo the other.

Caius had resorted to leveraging Jeremy’s influence to outmaneuver Kellan this time – knowing well that Kellan’s wife wouldn’t dare cause a scene with Jeremy involved, potentially giving both men a reprieve.

“Who knows? They were chatting over coffee just last week, and then two hours later, they were at each other’s throats again.”

Caius felt infuriated at the mention of it.

Gazing at the bracelet in the box, Jeremy was disinterested in their marital dramas and hurriedly ended the call.

After a futile search through his drawers for the ring box, Harper knocked and entered, “Mr. Patel, these documents need your signature urgently.”

Jeremy asked, “Have you seen that ring I brought back the other day while cleaning up?”

“A ring? Didn’t you give that to Ms. Quinn?”

Jeremy was stunned into silence.

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