Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 181 to 190)

Chapter 181

Ronald reached out and scooped her into his arms, settling her comfortably against his chest.

He fondly ruffled her soft hair. “Not bad, you do have a conscience after all.”

Stella’s lips twitched in response.

Ronald’s warm fingertips gently traced the ‘love bites’ on Stella’s neck. “Wow, those bugs really went to town on you, didn’t they?”

Stella’s mind went blank. As if something exploded within her, her blood heated up instantly. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she grabbed Ronald’s wrist. “Stop it, will you?”

“Oh? Should I not mention it?”

Stella was at a loss for words, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.

Ronald lifted her chin with his long fingers, their eyes meeting in a moment filled with unspoken depths.

Stella’s already tense nerves frayed even more under his intense gaze. “You…”

“Why are your cheeks so red?”

Stella was speechless. The memories of the previous night flashed through her mind, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Resting her chin on his shoulder, she mumbled, “Just pretend I have a fever.”

She wanted to end the conversation. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to navigate. Moreover, his questioning implied that he didn’t remember anything that happened after he got drunk last night.

This realization made Stella somewhat upset.

“Feeling feverish? Let me feel your forehead,” Ronald said with concern.

Stella’s grip tightened around his neck, his words unexpectedly stirring a flutter in her heart.

“Don’t touch me. I’m not feverish,” she protested more forcefully than intended.

“Why is your face so red, then?”

Stella was at her wit’s end. Could he not keep asking?

Feeling cornered, she quickly changed the subject. “Didn’t you say you were taking me somewhere fun to eat?”

The mention of food made Ronald chuckle softly. “You’ll see when we get there.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Mysterious, aren’t you?”

After a half-hour drive filled with sporadic conversation, they arrived at their destination.

Stella made sure to wrap her scarf tightly around her neck, hiding the marks that could lead to awkward questions. Could she ever live it down if someone noticed?

Feeling her gaze, Ronald asked, “What are you looking at?”

If there hadn’t been, then his ignorance about the marks would make sense.

Stella stammered, “I…I was just asking. Can’t I even ask?”

His laughter made Stella involuntarily swallow hard.

“Star, do you hope I’ve had someone, or not?”

Trying to wriggle free, Stella realized there was nowhere to run while in Ronald’s embrace.

His voice, deep and probing, made her heart skip a beat. “Do you hope I’ve been with someone, or not?”

Could she admit she hoped not?

They were so close that she could almost feel the warmth of his breath. Stella swallowed hard, “I, um…”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

As Stella struggled to find a response, Ronald’s phone began to vibrate. He let go of her, took out his phone, and glanced at the number.

Stella seized the opportunity to move away as she was free. That was really terrifying!

Ronald answered the call. “Hello?”

“How’s my darling doing?”

It was the voice of a middle-aged woman- Lottie Lugar, Ronald’s mother.

She had always held Stella dear, never wanting her to face any hardship. Back in the day, when Yvonne decided it was time to take Stella for some real training, she had been the most vocal in her disagreement.

Chapter 182

Watching Stella hop and skip away with a joy that reminded Ronald of her childhood days, he couldn’t help but smile.

“She’s in good spirits,” he assured.

“Bring her back soon, or Yvonne will come after you,” Mrs. Lugar said from the other end of the line.

Ronald couldn’t help but reply, “Tell her not to bother.”

Yvonne was a tough cookie. If she knew Stella had slipped out of Ferrowland, she’d definitely have it in for her. And Stella might not be able to handle Yvonne’s tactics.

“I’m on it. Otherwise, it won’t just be just a three-month training; it could turn into three years.”

The mention of three years made Ronald’s face fall. He was determined to keep a close eye on Stella this time, not giving Yvonne any chance to exploit the situation.

After a bit more chat over the phone, Mrs. Lugar added, “Keep a close eye on her for me, will you? We can’t afford to lose her again.”

Her words were a testament to how much Stella’s absence from the Quinn family had affected everyone.

“Got it,” Ronald replied before hanging up.

Idris caught up after parking the car, remarking, “Seems like Ms. Quinn really isn’t into Yorick.”

Given how fiercely Stella had fought back earlier, Idris was convinced she might have taken Yorick down if Ronald hadn’t intervened.

Ronald chuckled. “She’s not blind.”

Not to mention Yorick was still hung up on Ursula. Even without Ursula in the picture, Stella probably wouldn’t give Yorick a second glance.

Idris then mentioned, “Yorick is still trying to buy Wave Residence.”

“Why doesn’t he just pitch a tent by the beach?” Ronald retorted sarcastically.

He wondered if Yorick was so obsessed with Wave Residence that he didn’t even worry about Ursula running out of time.

Idris agreed, “Exactly, why obsess over Ms. Quinn’s place?”

“Not a clue.”

“Send out the disownment agreement Star signed with the Larkin family. Let everyone know.”

Idris nodded, understanding Ronald’s intent. The Larkin family’s coldness towards Stella was evident from their willingness to sign such an agreement.

Susanna got the message loud and clear. This was more about severing ties with the Larkin family in the most public and undeniable way possible.

“You’re rushing this to prevent the Larkin family from coming after you in the future, aren’t you?” Susanna guessed.

Stella confirmed it. She knew all too well the kind of people the Larkin family were. If they found out about her upbringing with the Quinns, they’d be all over her.

Though the Larkin family probably wouldn’t get a penny out of them, Stella was determined to protect Ronald’s interests at all costs.

“Alright, that’s it for now,” Stella said.

She hung up the phone, staring at a pool of water nearby, feeling a bit bewildered. What did Ronald bring her here to eat? To do?

She turned around to look for Ronald, only to bump into him with a ‘thud,’ landing right in his arms.

Rubbing her head, she looked up at him, slightly aggrieved. “Why were you standing right behind me? Now look, I’ve got a bump.”

Ronald, with a smile tugging at his lips, tenderly touched her forehead, clearly amused and endeared by how in sync their thoughts were. He heard everything she said to Susanna on the phone.

Chapter 183

Jeremy had just settled into a cozy dinner with Caius at their favorite local bistro when his phone buzzed with a call from Idris, lighting up his face with anticipation.

Idris had news: they were set to review a contract tomorrow with their lawyer in tow.

Jeremy couldn’t hide his excitement. “Absolutely, thanks a ton, Idris. You’re a lifesaver.”

As soon as the call ended, Jeremy was all smiles when looking at Caius, who was equally intrigued. “What’s the scoop?”

Jeremy leaned back, swirling his glass of red wine. “We’ve got a meeting with Mr. Quinn about the contract tomorrow.”

Caius nearly choked on his drink. “Seriously? That’s big news!”

Indeed, Mr. Quinn had been the talk of Portis City, scouting for a local collaboration. Everyone wanted a slice of the pie he was offering.

Jeremy nodded. “Looks like we’re almost there.”

Caius, now thoroughly impressed, couldn’t help but add, “Just make sure to keep an eye on Sirena. We don’t want to upset Mr. Quinn’s sister again.”

Jeremy’s excitement waned at the mention of Sirena, a thorn in his side he planned to deal with once this deal was through.

“Didn’t the Quarry family also want to collaborate with Mr. Quinn? Now that Mr. Quinn has chosen you, the Quarry family is completely out of the picture, right?”

Jeremy replied, “They’ve always had no chance.”

With the relationship between Yorick and Stella, if Ronald had chosen his family, it would have been a miracle.

“Wait and see, the Quarry family’s drama is far from over. Right now, he’s still buying Wave Residence desperately for Ursula.”

Caius asked, “Is that a problem?”

Jeremy replied, “Ronald and Stella are living there now. Do you think there’s no problem?”

“Are you saying that’s Ronald’s turf? Didn’t Orion go over there before? How come he doesn’t know about this?”

Jeremy smiled. “If he knew, do you think he’d still be messing with this mess?”

Caius fell silent.

Yeah, if he knew, he’d definitely not be involved in this mess.

Caius looked at Jeremy in shock, thinking that if Yorick was truly this clueless, he was doomed.

“Unless something unexpected happens, right now, Stella and Ronald are probably treating Yorick and the Larkin family like clowns.”

Caius laughed. “They’re definitely being treated like clowns. Just look at what Yorick’s doing right now, totally clueless. Who knows, the Quarry family might even implode next!”

Jeremy was feeling pleased. He made a call to his family, instructing them to keep Sirena under tight surveillance these next few days and make sure she didn’t cause any more trouble.

Meanwhile, Stella, gazing at the calm surface of the lake and then glancing at Ronald beside her casually swinging his fishing rod, voiced her complaint, “Ronald.”

“Mm.”

“Is this fun?”

She had given up lunch with Susanna, only to be brought here for fishing?

Ronald glanced at her. “Isn’t it fun?”

Stella was at a loss for words.

Fun?

She knew Ronald was an expert in fishing, and he really enjoyed it.

Back in Ferrowland, he would often make plans with his friends to go out on the sea for fishing.

Stella wasn’t keen on joining—seasickness was one thing, but more importantly, it was boring. And she didn’t like the smell of raw fish either.

Chapter 184

Stella glanced at Ronald and then back at the tranquil pond. “Are there any fish in here?”

“Don’t underestimate this place, Star. There are some big fish in here that I’ve been taking care of.”

When Finley and Hull arrived, they found Stella staring at the pond with a despondent look.

Finley noticed the swelling on Stella’s lips and let out a surprised, “Whoa, what happened to your lip? Did something bite you?”

Stella remained silent, her eyes darting away, filled with evasion. She coughed awkwardly and turned her face away.

However, Finley, either genuinely clueless or pretending to be, remarked to Ronald, “How did she get hurt on your watch? Not exactly the protective brother, are you?”

Ronald shot him a cold stare.

Finley continued, “Did I say something wrong? The Wave Residence is by the sea; didn’t you take care of pest control?”

Hull, noticing Ronald’s displeasure, nudged Finley. “Dude, zip it.”

Wasn’t it obvious to anyone how she got that wound?

Finley, still confused, looked at Hull.

Hull, seeing his cluelessness, whispered, “Don’t you have a girlfriend?”

Finley’s eyelid twitched. “What’s that got to do with me having a girlfriend?”

Hull just shook his head. He really felt like pushing him into the pond; maybe a good soaking would clear his head.

Seeing Hull unwilling to engage further, it finally dawned on Finley.

He looked at Stella, then back at Ronald.

Stella, feeling uneasy under his gaze, worried he might say something shocking, quickly excused herself. “I’m going to check out the flower field.”

She needed an escape.

As Stella hurried away, Finley’s curiosity was piqued. He turned to Ronald and asked, “Did you…”

At that moment, Ronald gave Finley a chilling stare, causing him to swallow his words.

If it had been any other guy, Ronald would have probably dealt with him harshly! His calmness now was a definite giveaway.

Suddenly feeling a sharp pain in his shin, Finley nearly collapsed.

Hull stepped forward, patting Finley on the shoulder. “She’s of age.”

Considering how patient Ronald had been with her over the years, it was a miracle he hadn’t been more forceful when he finally found her.

Fish on the hook, and a big one at that!

“Ronald, don’t you think you’re going too far?” Finley tossed the fish into a bucket, grinding his teeth in anger.

Ronald warned, “Don’t talk nonsense in front of her. If you scare her, you’ll have me to answer to.”

Finley shivered at the thought.

“You’re worried about me scaring her? You should be more concerned about what she might do to me.”

The wolf king doesn’t raise a cub without a bite. Just look at how Stella’s been with Yorick and the Larkin family lately?

Yorick’s injuries were all because of Stella.

Before coming here, Finley heard that Yorick was rushed to the hospital with severe fractures.

To say Stella had nothing to do with those injuries? Finley wouldn’t buy it for a second.

And the Larkin family? They’ve been practically begging on their knees lately.

Chapter 185

At the hospital.

When they announced that Yorick’s arm was shattered, he was so mad, that his heart nearly burst!

He told Orion to dig up everything he could on that guy, no matter what it took.

In a place like Portis City, for someone to pull a stunt like this was bold.

Orion had already put in a ton of effort looking into this guy. If it was easy, they’d have had something by now.

Just after Yorick was patched up, his phone buzzed.

It was Thane.

“Get your ass over to the office now.”

“You’re at the office?”

Hearing that Thane was at the office, Yorick’s face hardened. Ever since Thane had handed over the reins of the company, he hadn’t set foot in the office for ages.

Half an hour later.

Yorick arrived at the company, and the employees of Quarry Group couldn’t even breathe easy seeing him so banged up. The CEO in this state didn’t look like he just had a fall.

Yorick stormed toward his office, and as soon as he opened the door, something flew at him.

A water glass hit him square on the forehead!

Yorick was dazed, water splashing all over his face, instantly looking like a mess.

Orion, who had followed him, tensed at the sight.

Thane was furious, indicating the situation was serious.

“Get in here!” Thane roared.

Not giving Yorick any slack in front of the company just showed how genuinely pissed he was.

Yorick, with a grim face, entered, and Orion quickly shut the door behind them.

Not that anyone dared to rubberneck. Who’d want to catch Yorick’s bad side?

Thane’s face was stormy. “What the hell are you playing at? Getting involved with the Larkin family’s adopted daughter?”

Yorick’s tone was equally frosty as he wiped the water off his face, he words cold and sharp.

Yorick was taken aback, “What?”

“You had no clue about something this big?”

Seeing Yorick’s silence, Thane realized he was completely out of the loop.

Yorick asked, “Who is it?”

“The Lugar family’s choice for the Portis City project, who are they?” Yorick asked coldly.

At that question, Thane felt a lump in his throat.

If he knew who it was, he wouldn’t be wasting time arguing with Yorick here; he’d have gone straight to meet the Lugar family’s heir.

So far, that person had only shown interest in meeting their potential partners, turning everyone else away.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be here wasting my breath. You’d better figure it out fast. Yorick, let me tell you, if we can’t find a replacement, you know the kind of loss we’re facing.”

That ore was critical for them; without it, many operations would grind to a halt.

Thinking of the current predicament, and Yorick wasting time on that sickly girl, Thane’s anger flared.

“If the company doesn’t get through this, then forget about Ursula making it.”

Thane’s icy glare bore into Yorick, his tone laden with threats.

And Yorick, upon hearing this, his already cold demeanor felt a jolt at his core. He knew his father well; threats weren’t made lightly. And he understood just how vital that alternative ore was!

“I understand,” Yorick barely managed to respond.

Thane took a drag of his cigarette. “Your mom was right, she’s nothing but trouble.”

Chapter 186

By “trouble,” Thane meant Ursula.

Over the years, Imogen had seen through the Larkin family’s charade crystal clear. The Larkins were no saints. And Ursula, their pride and joy, was a whole other story.

It’s just too bad Yorick was blindfolded and brainwashed.

Yorick announced, “I’m off to meet the heir of the Lugar family. Don’t worry, the ores we need aren’t going anywhere.”

“Oh, for that woman, you do seem genuinely concerned.”

Now realizing the urgency, Thane could see that Yorick was anxious for Ursula.

The moment Yorick turned, Thane’s tone grew colder. “If tomorrow they really do sign a contract with our competitor, as for Ursula…”

Thane paused, letting the unspoken words hang in the air, but they were enough to convey endless danger to Yorick.

He looked back at Thane, “Don’t touch her.”

Thane flicked ash from his cigarette. “That’s up to you.”

…

Yorick had no idea how he made it out of the office.

Orion, ever respectful, followed closely behind. As they got into the car, he handed Yorick a jacket.

Yorick’s shirt was still drenched from the cup of water.

“Should we head to the hospital first to take care of that wound on your head?”

His old man had really thrown a punch as if he wasn’t hitting his own son.

Yorick’s face was a storm. “Find out where the Lugar family heir is. Now.”

Orion hesitated.

The Lugar family heir!

Hearing this, Orion couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. That person was as difficult to deal with as the guy orbiting Stella.

“I got a call earlier,” Orion said with a nervous tone.

Yorick raised an eyebrow. “What call?”

Orion replied, “The Lugar family’s chosen partner for the deal might be the Patel family.”

Yorick questioned, “The Patel family? Jeremy Patel?”

It seemed likely, though the news wasn’t completely confirmed yet.

Jeremy, always competing with him over the years, never changed.

“You’re partnering with the Lugar family?”

Still brimming with frustration, he retorted without a hint of pleasantry, “Got a problem with that?”

“Neurotic as ever. If you want it, go get it yourself. Let’s see you try,” Jeremy snapped back.

Jeremy scoffed. “But let me make it clear, whatever you try, you won’t get the deal.”

Because Stella wouldn’t allow it.

Ronald treated Stella like a treasure. If he allowed Yorick to compete, it would be a cold day in hell.

…

Meanwhile, Stella was at the manor.

The moment she saw Ronald lifting his wine glass, her body tensed.

Just as Ronald was about to drink the red wine, Stella grabbed his wrist.

Ronald looked at her, puzzled. “Star?”

“Let me drink it for you.”

Saying so, Stella tried to take the wine glass from Ronald’s hand. She couldn’t let him drink anymore. Dealing with someone who forgot everything when drunk was infuriating.

Twice already, his drinking had led to him crossing the line.

Chapter 187

Ronald’s lips curled into an indulgent smile.

Nearby, Finley joked, “Wow, someone’s getting protective of their brother? All that upbringing’s paying off.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “Focus on your food, will you?”

Finley pouted.

Was she always this prickly? She seemed extra feisty today.

Stella was adamant about Ronald not drinking any alcohol today, and ironically, she wasn’t great at holding her liquor either.

After two glasses, she started to feel tipsy.

By the end of the evening, Finley and Hull were off to play some basketball.

Stella, her vision blurry, turned to Ronald and called out in a soft, slurred voice, “Ronald.”

Her voice carried a hint of discomfort.

Ronald swiftly pulled her into his arms. As he leaned in, the sweet aroma of red wine lingered between them.

With a warm tone, he asked, “Feeling sick?”

Stella nodded. “Yeah, I wanna go home.”

That phrase, ‘go home,’ unexpectedly struck a chord in Ronald’s heart.

He grabbed his coat from a nearby chair and gently wrapped it around her. “Alright, let’s head home.”

Ronald lifted her in his arms.

Stella rubbed her face against his chest, mumbling discontentedly, “You lied. You said it would be fun.”

“What do you want to do?”

Stella mumbled, “Something fun, something tasty.”

But there was nothing fun.

Her misty, water-like eyes gazed up at Ronald, who chuckled softly. “You need to calm down.”

Feeling even more wronged, Stella squirmed unhappily in his arms.

Outside, the wind was strong and cold. Yet wrapped in Ronald’s coat, Stella didn’t feel the chill at all.

Ronald carried her to the car.

From the rearview mirror, Idris glanced back at them. “Ms. Quinn had too much to drink?”

Ronald looked down at Stella, her cheeks flushed a deep red.

Who knew she’d get this drunk from just two glasses of wine.

Ronald snorted with a laugh. “Good. Let them panic. The more they do, the more they’ll suffer.”

Ronald smirked. “Looks like their people really are useless!”

Seems that’s not the case.

Idris pondered for a moment before adding, “Thane hasn’t reached out to me yet. He probably doesn’t know you’re the one behind this.”

Once Thane contacts Idris, he’ll convey Ronald’s original intentions to Thane.

…

Meanwhile, Yorick had barely ended his call with Jeremy when his phone buzzed again. Cloudia’s voice came through, fraught with tension.

“Rick, what’s with your family? Do they want Ursula to die?”

Yorick frowned. “What’s going on?”

“Your dad! He’s stationed ten men outside Ursula’s hospital room. What’s he trying to do?”

Cloudia’s tone was nearing hysteria. Ursula was already gravely ill, and the behavior of his family was only worsening her condition.

Cloudia was deeply upset. “Rick, Ursula can’t handle this kind of stress right now. Please, get your dad to call them off. What’s he trying to achieve?”

Just seeing Thane’s men had made Ursula faint.

She was supposed to be discharged in two days. She was looking forward to moving to Mist Bay’s Wave Residence after getting discharged, but instead of being released, she was greeted by Thane’s men!

What was Thane thinking? With the entire Quarry family against Ursula, it was clear these men weren’t there for her protection.

They were there to monitor her!

Hearing that his father had stationed ten men outside Ursula’s hospital room also gave Yorick a headache.

“I’ll handle it.”

Cloudia’s voice was heavy. “Rick, I know your family doesn’t support you and Ursula right now, but she’s sick. How can she rest and recover with them pulling stunts like this?”

Chapter 188

Yorick massaged the bridge of his nose, wincing as a tension headache took hold. “I know.”

Cloudia, her voice tinged with concern, replied, “We should get Ursula discharged. Is everything set up at Wave Residence? If it is, she should go there to recuperate.”

Now that the Quarry family had done something like this, it was clear they couldn’t stay at the hospital a moment longer.

At the mention of Wave Residence, Yorick’s expression turned grim.

He quickly said into the phone, “Still arranging. Tell her to stay calm and not overthink things.”

“Still arranging? What do you mean? Isn’t everything ready yet?” Cloudia’s tone sharpened, a note of unease creeping in.

Yorick frowned. “That’s it for now. I’ve got to go.”

Unable to provide a solid answer and pressed by Cloudia’s probing, Yorick ended the call hastily.

The car was enveloped in a heavy silence.

After a moment, Yorick spoke in a cold voice, “To Wave Residence.”

Orion, who was driving, hesitated.

“But we just got word that the Lugar family heir is fishing near the Butterfly Garden.”

It hadn’t been easy tracking down his whereabouts. Shouldn’t they head to the Butterfly Garden first?

Yorick insisted, “To Wave Residence!”

His words carried an unmistakable weight.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Orion nodded. “Alright.”

Approaching a crossroads, Orion didn’t dare go against Yorick’s wishes and swiftly turned the car around.

However, he couldn’t help but remind Yorick, “Tomorrow, they’re going over the contract with Jeremy. If everything checks out, they’ll sign it on the spot.”

If Jeremy secured those mining rights, it would be impossible for Yorick to get a piece of the action, especially since Jeremy and Yorick were known rivals.

Yorick remained silent.

Clearly, news of Thane stationing bodyguards outside Ursula’s hospital room had rattled him.

His phone buzzed again. This time, it was Ursula calling.

Even through the phone, Ursula’s distress and fear were palpable.

Yorick reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

Her plea was desperate, especially after witnessing the Quarry family’s intimidating stance.

“Can I leave tomorrow?” Ursula asked, hope lacing her words.

Yorick, feeling a throb of pain at her words, conceded, “Fine, tomorrow.”

Just as he ended the call with Ursula, Thane called. Yorick glanced at the phone and silently declined the call.

…

Predictably, they were stopped upon reaching Wave Residence.

Orion looked to Yorick, who commanded with an icy tone, “Negotiate. I need to see the owner.”

His voice held an unyielding resolve.

As Orion prepared to step out, another car passed them and entered the estate smoothly.

Was that Wave Residence’s owner?

Why did the car seem so familiar?

Realization dawned on Orion.

“Sir, isn’t that the car Ms. Quinn got into at the Orient Nexus Building?”

They had just seen it at noon.

Chapter 189

When Yorick heard the news, he was visibly shaken.

Instinctively, he glanced over at the car, catching only a glimpse of its tail. But that was enough for him to recognize it as the same car Stella and that man had gotten into at noon.

“Does that guy live here too?”

Orion hesitated before replying, “Probably.”

If he wasn’t a resident, how had he gotten past the tight security so easily?

Yorick’s breathing became erratic, his expression hardening.

“Could this man be the owner of this place?”

Orion didn’t know for sure, but considering how respectfully the security had treated the car, he concluded, “Seems like it.”

The atmosphere in the car turned icy.

“I thought you said he was a 66-year-old geezer?” Yorick nearly roared the question.

Orion felt a chill run down his spine at Yorick’s fury. Indeed, their earlier investigation had pointed to a 58-year-old man completing the paperwork eight years ago.

Fuming, Yorick pulled out his phone and dialed Stella’s number, only to be met with a cold voicemail. She had already blocked him.

Yorick was livid, with no outlet for his anger!

…

Meanwhile, in Portis City, a scandal was unfolding.

By 3 p.m., several trending topics had taken over social media:

#The Larkin Family Disowns Daughter Over Lack of Merit#

#Stella No Longer a Daughter of The Larkin Family#

#Between Adopted and Biological, The Larkin Family Chooses Adopted#

The Larkin family’s controversy swept through Portis City like a storm.

With the news spreading like wildfire, several of her friends called, their words feigning concern but dripping with sarcasm.

“Stella, how could you do this? You wanted to sever ties, and now it looks like we’re the villains. Clearly, it was you who used Finley and Tegan to tempt me into signing. You deceived me, and now I’m the one facing infamy.”

On the other end, Stella, groggy, pondered for a moment before asking, “Are you not the villain?”

“You…”

Cloudia was on the verge of fainting from anger.

“What exactly do you want? Where have I wronged you for you to treat me this way?”

Now, she truly regretted bringing Stella back into her life. Had she known Stella would turn out this way, she wouldn’t have bothered, regardless of whether Stella lived or died.

“You want money, is that it?” Cloudia choked out the words. She assumed Stella’s dramatics were a desperate cry for financial help.

That had to be it.

Cloudia grew more infuriated by the thought. “Just say you need money. Or is it that new family of yours after the Larkin family’s wealth?”

In her rage, Cloudia completely lost her composure, forgetting that Stella owned a lucrative studio, earning millions annually.

Chapter 190

And just like that, she had forgotten about the necklace around her neck, worth millions. At that moment, she was convinced that Stella’s antics were all about getting her hands on the Larkin family fortune.

“You must be desperate for cash!”

Stella listened quietly as Cloudia vented her frustration.

Lazily turning over in bed, she responded, “Oh really? Going back to the Larkins nearly drove me to the poorhouse.”

Poor? She threw that word right back at the Larkins.

Two thousand a month, and even that wasn’t guaranteed. Thank goodness she hadn’t relied on that money to live. If she had, she’d have starved to death.

“You…”

Hearing Stella’s words, Cloudia was so angry she saw spots.

Stella retorted, “After your wealth? Do you even have any wealth?”

And to think of including the Quinns in this bloodsucking scheme?

“Stella, you’re way out of line! Then tell me, what’s the meaning of this stunt you’re pulling?”

Stella remained silent.

What did she mean? She hadn’t even seen the content of what was released yet.

“It’s obviously because I feared you’d leech off me.”

Even though she disdained the little wealth the Larkins had, what if they found out she’d been raised by the Quinns and decided to leech off them?

So, making a big scene to cut ties was naturally for the best.

Upon hearing this, Cloudia was livid. “Us, leech off you? Your measly seven bucks? You’re underestimating us, the Larkins. Your little bit of cash isn’t something we would fuss over.”

Stella concluded, “Then Mrs. Larkin, remember what you said today.”

“It’s you who should remember it!”

Cloudia was so angry she hung up.

Stella, hearing the dial tone, pouted. “Remember it then. Whoever forgets isn’t worth a dime.”

Hmph!

The maids had just dressed her in a nightgown, and her rolling about had exposed her calves.

“What’s got you so upset?” he asked, stepping closer with a bowl of hangover soup.

She was all grown up now. What if she had been changing?

“What part of you haven’t I seen, huh?”

She snatched the covers back, intending to hide.

The neckline of her nightgown was loose, giving Ronald a glimpse of how much she had grown.

He cleared his throat, adjusting the blanket to wrap her more securely, before handing her the soup. “Drink up.”

Stella struggled to free herself. “I can drink it myself.”

Ronald insisted. “Be good!”

He held her waist with one hand, his tone gentle but carrying an undeniable command.

He knew she disliked the taste of hangover soup. If he let her go now, she’d come up with all sorts of excuses not to drink it.

Stella sniffed the soup. “Can it cool for a bit before I drink it?”

“How about I feed you?”

Stella was speechless.

Feed her? How?

She cautiously glanced at Ronald. Meeting his serious, earnest gaze, Stella’s heart skipped a beat.

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