Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 201 to 210)

Chapter 201

Stella had slept peacefully through it all. No matter the turmoil the Quarry and Larkin families had found themselves in, she remained untouched by the mayhem.

She was up at the crack of dawn, planning to head to her studio. But instead, Ronald took her to the hospital.

Stella was puzzled. “Why does Old Mrs. Zeller want to see me?”

Old Mrs. Zeller, the elderly lady who had previously helped Ronald at the hospital had called him last night, expressing a desire to meet Stella.

And so, bright and early, Ronald had brought Stella over.

Ronald said, “Probably because she’s taken a liking to you.”

“Huh? But we’ve only met twice. Does she have a grandson or something?”

It’s often the case that when elderly women take a special interest in a young woman, matchmaking is usually their intention.

Ronald chuckled.

Affectionately pinching Stella’s cheek, he said, “If that was the reason, do you think I’d bring you here?”

Stella was left speechless.

Well, no, of course not.

She remembered back in Ferrowland, when she was just fifteen or sixteen, how the noble families had nearly broken down the Quinn family’s door, all in hopes of securing a marriage alliance with her.

The Quinn family heir and their biological daughter were out of reach, so many had set their sights on Stella. Unfortunately, all were turned away by Ronald on the grounds that she was still too young!

Back then, she had indeed been young, but what about now?

Thinking this, Stella couldn’t help but give Ronald a few extra glances.

The car came to a stop.

Ronald said, “Let Idris accompany you.”

“Oh.”

Knowing Idris was there for additional plans besides driving, Stella hadn’t expected it was to accompany her to see Old Mrs. Zeller.

Idris got out of the car and respectfully opened the door for Stella.

She glanced at Ronald. “Then off I go.”

“Wait.”

Just as Stella was about to step out of the car, Ronald suddenly called out to her, his voice tinged with a restrained desire.

Ronald pulled her back in, her back against the car door as he reached towards her chest.

“Ron… Ronald….”

However, Ronald was merely adjusting her clothing.

Stella was at a loss for words.

Stella’s face turned even redder.

Looking up, Ronald saw Stella’s flushed face and stiffened. “Why are you blushing?”

Shoot! His sudden move had made her think he was about to do something else.

Catching on, a hint of amusement appeared in Ronald’s eyes. “Did you think I was about to do something to you?”

Stella’s already red face turned a deeper shade at Ronald’s words.

“Stop it.” She quickly turned to leave the car.

But as she did, Ronald caught her wrist, pulling gently, and Stella found herself crashing into his embrace.

“You…”

A low chuckle escaped Ronald, his voice coming from above.

“So you’ve grown up, even learned to be shy.”

“Stop talking.”

Ronald pinched her cheek. “Tell me, what did you think I was going to do?”

“I don’t know, stop asking.”

The embarrassing thoughts that had flashed through her mind in that instant, she couldn’t let Ronald know.

Chapter 202

If he wasn’t into her, she’d be the butt of the joke forever.

Being a joke or things falling into place naturally, Stella feared becoming the former and didn’t dare gamble on the latter.

“I’ll go see Old Mrs. Zeller myself. Why don’t you have Idris keep you company?”

Right now, Stella couldn’t face anyone familiar. Breaking free from Ronald’s embrace, she jumped out of the car like a bat out of hell, not daring to look back, and ran off as fast as she could.

Watching her lively departure, Ronald’s smile deepened.

Idris glanced in the direction Stella had gone. “Ms. Quinn is all grown up now.”

“Grown up? She’s still a little goofball,” Ronald’s tone was full of indulgence.

Idris couldn’t help but give him a look, thinking that teasing Stella like this might backfire on him someday.

But then he thought better of it; as long as his boss is happy.

“Go after her,” Ronald said. “Don’t let those Larkin folks bully her.”

“Roger that.”

Idris nodded and followed.

He figured, who in the Larkin family could bully Stella? She’d probably be the death of them.

That kick she gave Yorick? He’d probably need another hospital run.

Yorick was a mess, with a broken hand, a leg injury, and his face turning blue. Probably internal injuries too, basically bruised from head to toe.

…

Stella didn’t really want to come to the hospital, especially since visiting Old Mrs. Zeller meant walking past Ursula’s room. What that old lady saw in her, she didn’t know.

Just as she stepped out of the elevator, she heard a commotion not far away.

“Let me out! I want to leave, move!”

“Yeah, what right do you have to keep us here? Let us go.”

Stella was tempted to turn back.

From a distance, Stella saw several suited bodyguards outside Ursula’s door. Judging by their reaction, they weren’t sent by Blaise Larkin for protection.

It made sense, given the Quarry family’s current disdain for Yorick and Ursula’s association, not just Yorick’s parents, but four other elders were against it too.

The elevator next to Stella dinged, and Idris stepped out. “Miss, let’s go.”

She walked past without sparing Cloudia and Ursula a second glance. In her mind, the Larkin family was already history, since the disownment letters had been sent.

Blocking Stella’s path, she said, “I have something to ask you.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me, ma’am, do I know you?”

Cloudia was taken aback.

Ma’am? Is that how she referred to her now?

Thinking of the public disownment and the ongoing uproar, with the whole Larkin family becoming the laughingstock of Portis City, Cloudia was seething.

“Stella, I agreed to your disownment, but why make it such a public spectacle?”

Now the whole city knew, turning the entire Larkin family into a joke in Portis City. From last night until now, Blaise had called her three times, pressing her to sort this out. Even the Larkin Group was affected.

These bodyguards by the Quarry family were undoubtedly because of this mess.

Stella smirked. “Didn’t I say? I was just saving you all from leeching off me in the future.”

Chapter 203

She already stated this in the phone call—how many times did she have to repeat it for her to understand?

At that, Cloudia’s breath hitched! She was visibly struggling to keep her composure. “You, you…”

Right, she had used the same excuse over the phone, and here she was, using it again.

Stella was done engaging in this pointless conversation and attempted to walk past her.

However, Ursula blocked her way. “Star, what exactly did you say to the Quarry family? Why are they treating me like this?”

Stella remained silent. Idris didn’t say a word either.

As soon as Ursula voiced her concern, Cloudia’s gaze sharpened as she turned to Stella. “Yeah, what did you tell the Quarry family? Why did they send so many bodyguards over here?”

All these bodyguards were here to keep an eye on Ursula.

Stella glanced at them briefly before her gaze settled on Ursula. “You really think too highly of yourself.”

What did she say to the Quarry family? Please!

“Ursula, you don’t still believe that your precious Yorick and the Quarry family are something I’d covet, do you?”

“You…”

Ursula was at a loss for words. Facing Stella’s gaze, she clenched her teeth. “If not you, then who?”

Cloudia was livid upon hearing this.

Though the Quarry family had previously had their reservations about Ursula, the current situation was directly orchestrated by Thane himself – a man who rarely meddled in the younger generation’s affairs.

If Stella hadn’t escalated the matter to Thane, shaking him to his core, none of this would have happened.

Thinking about how Stella had made their estrangement public throughout Portis City, Cloudia was struggling to breathe. She choked up looking at Stella. “What exactly did you tell the Quarry family? Are you still hung up on Yorick?”

Stella remained silent.

Idris could hardly believe what he was hearing. He stared at Cloudia and Ursula as if they were fools.

Still hung up on Yorick? Impossible! What were these people even thinking?

“Get your hands off me!”

Ursula stumbled and fell to the ground, crying out in pain.

“Ursula! Ursula!”

Cloudia, heartbroken, attempted to help Ursula up, but Ursula looked as pale as a ghost.

Stella was speechless.

Idris just shook his head.

What kind of drama was this? As for Ursula’s current act, Stella was genuinely baffled. Whether she cared for Yorick or the Larkin family was beside the point. Hadn’t she cleanly cut off her engagement with Yorick and severed ties with the Larkin family?

So why was she putting on such a dramatic display now?

Stella crossed her arms. “If you don’t want me to hit you, you’d better drop this act right now.”

Seeing Ursula’s pale face, Cloudia’s anger flared. She turned to Stella. “Just leave. Get out of Portis City!”

She had never regretted anything as much as bringing Stella back.

In a fit of rage, Cloudia whipped out her phone and dialed Jaxon Larkin.

He answered quickly, his voice tired. “Mom?”

Chapter 204

“I don’t care how you do it, but I want Stella out of Portis City. Make her leave.”

Stella was left speechless. Was that what they wanted?

It dawned on her that Ursula’s antics were all about getting her out of Portis City.

So, cutting ties with Yorick and the Larkins wasn’t enough; they wanted her gone from Portis City too?

Hmph.

The memory of Ursula’s mysterious ten-thousand expenditure that she had Idris investigate flashed through her mind.

That must be it, right?

There was more to her leaving Portis City than met the eye.

Jaxon rubbed his temples, exasperated. “What’s the problem now?”

Business had been hectic these past few days, and pulling an all-nighter at the office had only added to his frustration. Just hearing Stella’s name made him irritable.

Cloudia’s voice was shrill with hysteria. “If she stays in Portis City, it’s curtains for Ursula. She’ll be the death of her, mark my words.”

That did nothing but amplify Jaxon’s headache.

“Why is she stirring up trouble with Ursula again? I thought she was done with the Larkins?”

Once ties were cut, they should have remained that way.

“I don’t care. Just get her out,” Cloudia demanded, her voice seething with the desire to see Stella banished from Portis City forever.

Jaxon was livid. Thinking back to the debacle with Stella’s studio, he hesitated to make any promises.

Closing down a studio was one thing, but exiling her from Portis City? After the last time, he was well aware that the man backing Stella was no small fry.

“Are you even listening?” Cloudia’s rising temper was evident. She pressed on, “Do you want to see Ursula dead?”

That statement hit Jaxon hard, making him take a deep breath.

“I’ll handle it,” he finally mustered.

“Wait? I thought with all the influence the Larkins wield, I’d be out of Portis City by now.”

Idris couldn’t help but give Stella an admiring glance as she arched an eyebrow toward a visibly shaken Ursula in Cloudia’s arms, her lips curling into a smirk. “Idris.”

“How’s the investigation into that ten thousand going?”

As she locked eyes with Stella, fear flashed across her face, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Was Ursula panicking over the very ten thousand she had secretly funneled away?

Cloudia, catching on to the mention of the money, looked puzzled. “What ten thousand?”

What was Stella implying? And why was Ursula shaking like a leaf?

Cloudia’s gaze shifted to Ursula, who was as pale as a ghost, trying desperately to compose herself but failing miserably.

Stella’s smile deepened. “Well, that’s a question for Ms. Larkin, isn’t it?”

Ursula was petrified, her face losing any color it had left. She knew Stella was referring to the money she gave away.

But how?

How did Stella find out?

Questions raced through Ursula’s mind as her breathing grew labored and her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Chapter 205

Cloudia’s gaze darkened with suspicion. Baffled, she turned to Ursula. “Ursula, what’s she talking about? Who did you give that money to before?”

Even if she had been clueless before, Cloudia now realized Stella was referring to the mysterious disappearance of ten thousand from Ursula’s account.

But how did Stella know?

Caught off guard, Ursula stared back blankly. “Oh, that? Got scammed by a con artist.”

Cloudia chimed in, “Did you hear that? She was scammed!”

Stella sneered. “Really? Are you sure she didn’t give it to a murderer?”

The mention of ‘murderer’ made Ursula’s breath hitch!

Stella tilted her head slightly. “Idris, didn’t your digging reveal it actually went to a murderer?”

“Yes, to a top-tier fugitive!” Idris confirmed.

Stella gasped, “A top-tier fugitive? What did you give him that money for? Was there some sort of deal?”

Ursula was speechless. Hearing this made her mind spin in panic, her complexion turning even paler, fear flickering in her eyes.

She knew—Stella knew everything!

Cloudia, utterly confounded, looked from Stella to Ursula. “Wait, Ursula, how did you end up mixed up with a top-tier fugitive? Why were you giving him money?”

“I…I…”

“Yeah, why were you giving a fugitive money?”

Barraged by questions from Cloudia and Stella, Ursula’s mind went blank.

All she could think was: It’s over!

Looking at Stella, her heartbeat skyrocketed, until she couldn’t take it anymore and fainted into Cloudia’s arms.

Cloudia, initially puzzled, panicked when she saw Ursula faint.

Especially when Ursula’s lips turned purple, she screamed, “Ursula, oh, Ursula! Someone call a doctor, quick!”

Cloudia’s cries were frantic.

Seeing Ursula’s lips turn purple and her collapse made Stella lose interest.

She turned away. “Let’s go.”

“Right,” Idris followed.

Idris glanced at Stella, concerned.

The money had ended up with a murderer, but it wasn’t a direct transaction from Ursula’s account. It had passed through several hands, likely laundered along the way.

Seeing Ursula’s condition, Stella recalled Tegan’s assessment that her illness wasn’t faked. If Ursula were in good health, she would’ve been on Stella’s hit list.

Ursula had always prided herself on her looks. Now, the race against time for her life was torture enough.

“You really scared her earlier.”

This light-hearted mood was infectious, making Idris understand why Ronald was so drawn to Stella. She had a way of making even those shadowed by darkness feel alive.

“Buzz, buzz”

Her phone buzzed. It was Ronald.

Stella answered, “Hey.”

“Don’t cause trouble, and don’t linger.”

Stella was at a loss for words. At that, she glanced at Idris trailing behind her.

Idris pretended to be absorbed in his thoughts, looking away.

Well, Mr. Quinn was worried about her being bullied by the Larkin family, so he recorded her scaring off the Larkin family members and sent it to Ronald.

Stella muttered, “I wasn’t causing trouble.”

Ronald said, “Good girl.”

The man seemed genuinely busy and hung up after a few words.

Stella eyed Idris. “Did you send him the clip where I was the fiercest?”

Chapter 206

Idris didn’t know how to respond.

“Let me tell you, next time you wanna catch me on camera behind his back, catch me when I’m the underdog, will ya?”

Idris was left speechless.

But that never happens! Whenever he’s tagging along with her, she hardly ever gets picked on. That little firecracker of hers, was way too fierce.

Besides, if he really did catch her getting bullied on video for Ronald, there’d be hell to pay in Portis City.

…

When Cloudia saw Ursula surrounded by a medical team, fighting for her life, she panicked.

First, she called Jaxon, and the moment he heard Stella had knocked Ursula out cold, he said he was on his way to the hospital.

After hanging up, she dialed Yorick. Barely had she said “Rick” when someone from behind snatched the phone right out of her hands.

Cloudia, already on edge, spun around in anger, only to find Imogen standing there.

Seeing her, Cloudia’s breath hitched. “Mrs. Quarry?”

Imogen glanced at the caller ID, her expression darkening, and promptly ended the call.

Faced with Imogen’s grim demeanor, Cloudia stiffened involuntarily.

Imogen gave her a stern look and tossed the phone back to her. Cloudia failed to catch it, and it crashed to the floor.

Imogen snapped, “Didn’t I tell you not to contact Rick these days?”

Cloudia stammered, “But Ursula, she…”

“Who do you think she is, that you always drag Rick into her mess?”

Before Cloudia could finish, Imogen’s words pierced through her.

The words hit Cloudia like a punch to the gut, and she choked up, unable to respond.

Ursula was still in critical condition, yet Imogen, who had watched her grow up, spoke so coldly.

“Mrs. Quarry, before Stella returned, Ursula was always close to Rick, even a frequent visitor at your home. You watched her grow up. How can you be so indifferent?”

She scoffed. “Indifferent? Cloudia, what kind of person have you raised? Do you even know? Or are you truly unaware of how she lived abroad these past two years?”

The Larkin family might trust Ursula, but Imogen was skeptical. With Ursula suffering from multiple conditions and her own son so deeply attached, she had every reason to investigate Ursula’s past abroad.

Cloudia, picking up on Imogen’s sarcasm, grew even more distressed. “What are you implying, Mrs. Quarry? Are you trying to tarnish Ursula’s reputation?”

“You’re out of line!”

Returning from a chess game with Old Mrs. Zeller, Stella stumbled upon Cloudia and Imogen in the middle of a heated exchange.

Imogen was livid. “She could well be leftovers from the Lugar family, playing the innocent in front of Rick. You’ve taught her so well that she learned how to snatch her sister’s fiancé. You’ve truly opened my eyes!”

Cloudia was nearly knocked off her feet by the anger.

“How could you say such things? Ursula has been nothing but decent abroad. She…”

“Decent? Should I remind you why she left Portis City two years ago? Wasn’t it because her attempt on Stella’s life came to light, forcing you to send her away?”

Imogen cut her off sharply.

Cloudia’s breathing faltered once again.

But Imogen continued, “Your adopted daughter nearly kills your own, and yet you shield the former. Cloudia, having you as a mother, Stella really hit the jackpot of bad luck.

No wonder she disowns you. If she acknowledged you, that’d be the real insanity.”

“You… you…”

Chapter 207

Suddenly, Stella passed by.

Upon seeing her, Cloudia’s expression hardened even further.

Stella’s face was set in a mask of cold indifference, sparing not a single glance for anyone deemed unworthy of her attention.

Following closely behind her, Idris’ expression was stormy, a clear sign that not all was well.

Stella breezed past Cloudia without a word, leaving Imogen momentarily speechless, her lips parting as if to say something but finding herself at a loss for words.

Stella was gone.

Imogen turned to Cloudia with a chilling tone. “You think you’ve struck gold, but it’s merely fool’s gold. The real treasure, its value beyond measure, remains unrecognized. Mark my words: if you dare involve Ursula with Rick again, I’ll ensure it’s the end of her.”

Her words were laced with a dangerous edge, no trace of jest.

Cloudia, visibly shaken, was rendered speechless by Imogen’s threat. Leaning against the cold wall, she trembled uncontrollably.

…

Over at the Larkin Group, news of Ursula fainting from an argument with Stella had Jaxon rushing to the hospital to check on the situation.

However, no sooner had he stepped out of his office than he was intercepted by Blaise.

“You heading out?”

Jaxon nodded. “Mom said Stella got into an argument with Ursula at the hospital and made Ursula faint. She’s being resuscitated now.”

Blaise’s expression darkened.

“Do you not see the pile of urgent matters needing attention here at the company?” Blaise chided, alluding to the myriad of challenges they were currently facing, none of which were minor or easy to handle.

For two days, they’d been grappling with an unknown adversary targeting the Larkin family business, with partners abruptly seeking to terminate their collaborations.

“Head to TrueVision Inc. right now and meet with their CEO. We need to understand why they’re pulling out of the partnership,” Blaise instructed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Blaise instructed, “Make it quick.”

Once Jaxon left, Blaise dialed Cloudia, his tone harsh as he immediately questioned, “How many people do you plan to send to the hospital for Ursula?”

To him, if someone in the family was sick and hospitalized, the Larkin family could easily afford the medical expenses. Why did it have to throw the whole family into chaos?

Blaise had been particularly dissatisfied with Cloudia’s behavior lately. His abrupt question made Cloudia freeze for a moment, her breathing faltering. “What do you mean?”

Blaise continued, “If Ursula’s sick, treat her. Why are you constantly dragging Jaxon into it? Is he a doctor?”

Cloudia was speechless, her breathing growing heavier.

Blaise pressed on, “And about Stella, what on earth are you doing? How are you even acting like a mother?”

The recent public fallout with Stella, especially with Cloudia’s signed statement, had been magnified across all of Portis City. It was impossible for this not to impact the Larkin Group. Thus, Blaise was particularly angry about this.

Cloudia, feeling cornered and blamed for everything, retorted, “How am I supposed to manage as a mother? You know exactly what Stella is like. Haven’t you also found her impossible to handle?”

Chapter 208

“I just can’t, okay? I’ve been swamped! You’re the one at home, raising the kids, nurturing them. But when she came back, did you ever really sit down and patiently teach her?”

Cloudia was at a loss for words.

Patience? She wanted to be patient, but was she ever given the chance?

Blaise was visibly frustrated. “Forget it. You handle the home front for now. The company’s in a real mess.”

“How bad is it?”

The moment Cloudia heard the company was in trouble, her concern grew.

Blaise sighed. “We’re on the brink of bankruptcy- that’s how bad.”

“Is it really that serious?”

Cloudia felt her heart skip a beat.

Blaise continued, “We’ve hit a major snag. Looks like someone’s got it in for us.”

At this point, Blaise was convinced this wasn’t just a stroke of bad luck.

“Someone’s targeting Larkin Group? Could it be Quarry Group?”

“It doesn’t look like it.”

Blaise was exasperated; some of their partners had no ties to Quarry Group at all.

Hearing it wasn’t Quarry Group made Cloudia even more anxious. “Could it be something to do with Stella?”

Blaise was taken aback. “What did you say?”

Cloudia speculated, “She must have some powerful figure behind her. You know her studio made over seven hundred thousand last year. How could she pull that off without some big shot backing her?”

Blaise frowned deeply at the suggestion.

Could Stella really be involved?

…

Meanwhile, Stella had just arrived at her studio when her phone rang. It was Ronald, his voice as gentle as ever.

“Get ready, I’m coming to pick you up.”

“To the hot springs.”

“I’m busy. Are you trying to distract me?”

Ronald chuckled. “Busy with what?”

“What client?”

Stella was taking this project very seriously, especially since the fee was several times the market rate, not to mention the reasonable demands.

Stella was surprised. “You know the CEO of StarRiver Corp.?”

It seemed Ronald had connections she hadn’t anticipated.

Ronald confirmed, “Yeah, we’re close.”

Stella opened her mouth to object, but he cut her short. “Just get ready.”

Stella sighed. “Okay, fine.”

She closed her laptop, packed it, and prepared to leave.

Considering the distance to Spring Hill, if they went today, they probably wouldn’t be back anytime soon.

…

In the car, Idris looked over at Ronald. “Ms. Quinn’s leg should be much better by now.”

After the accident years ago, doctors recommended regular hot spring baths to alleviate the pain, especially during winter. When they were in Ferrowland, Ronald made sure to take her several times each season.

Ronald gazed out the window. “She had trouble sleeping last night; her leg was hurting again. The bad weather often made her pain worse.”

Idris sighed, realizing the severity of lingering injuries.

Chapter 209

When Stella was ready to step out the door, Tabitha couldn’t help but notice her limp.

“Boss, isn’t there anything you can do about that leg? Have you seen a doctor?”

Stella shrugged it off. “Old injury. It’s nothing serious.”

It really only troubled her when the weather changed. Most of the time, she barely noticed it.

Doctors? Of course, she’d seen them. Whenever the pain became unbearable, she’d end up in a clinic.

But aside from some physical therapy, the medications never seemed to help much. Probably just how her body is wired.

Last night, the pain had jolted her awake, leaving her groggy and disoriented. Yet at some point, it had eased, giving way to warmth that lulled her back to sleep.

Thinking back, she recalled a strange sensation- cozy, slightly damp, and oddly comforting.

…

Just after giving Tabitha a quick rundown of some work matters, her phone buzzed again.

Stella assumed it was Ronald calling and answered without looking.

Before she could even speak, Cloudia’s voice rang out, sharp and accusatory.

“Stella, it’s you, isn’t it?”

Stella was baffled. “What are you on about?”

Cloudia was on the warpath. “The mess at Larkin Group… you’re behind it, aren’t you?”

Stella sighed, realizing what this was about.

If the Larkin Group was in turmoil, the Quarry family would naturally be the first to fall under suspicion. And now, with them apparently cleared, Cloudia had turned her focus on her.

Cloudia continued her tirade without waiting for an answer.

Her voice quivered with a mix of anger and desperation.

Stella scoffed. “What do they want in return? They certainly don’t want your scraps.”

Cloudia was so infuriated that she wanted to tear her lips off.

Cloudia’s breath hitched at the accusation, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“Shut up!”

Cloudia lost it. She couldn’t stand hearing that the Larkin family was just a pawn to the Quarry, despite their families’ longstanding relationship.

Stella seemed to understand Cloudia’s naive hopes. “The Quarry family is the top dog in Portis City. You Larkins held valuable mines, yet why is it that you hold no sway here? Ever wondered?”

Cloudia couldn’t breathe, her anger boiling over. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Since when had they lacked stature in Portis City?

Stella pointed out the painful truth. “If you truly held any real standing in Portis City, then why have you spent years sucking up to those ladies? If you were their equals, shouldn’t they be the ones courting you instead?”

Cloudia was livid, her pride wounded by the undeniable truth Stella laid bare.

Stella didn’t let up. “Or are you going to tell me those were just friendly get-togethers? If the Larkins were truly on par with the Quarry family, wouldn’t those ladies be flocking to you instead?

Look at you, all these years trying to break into their circle, and they barely give you the time of day.”

Cloudia was at a loss for words, her frustration boiling over into silence.

Chapter 210

Stella’s laughter was tinged with sarcasm. “Oh, please, don’t pretend it’s nothing major.”

Her sharp words, dripping with irony, hit like daggers.

“Stop babbling. Just admit it- are you the one stirring up trouble for the Larkin Group?”

Cloudia was done arguing with Stella; every exchange left her fuming.

She had to admit, Stella’s tongue was lethal, reminiscent of a no-nonsense country girl.

Stella teased, “Why don’t you guess?”

Cloudia seethed. “You…”

But Stella cut her off. “We’re done here. Stop calling me over every little thing. People might think you miss me or something.”

Cloudia felt her blood pressure spike, but before she could retort, the call was abruptly ended. It was always like this with Stella, Cloudia never managed to gain the upper hand. She couldn’t help but wonder who had taught Stella to wield her words so fiercely.

…

At the studio, Ronald arrived just in time to see Stella limping toward the elevator.

Without a word, he strode over and effortlessly scooped her into his arms.

And because of it, the office crowd collectively sighed, charmed by the romantic gesture.

Stella clung to Ronald’s neck. “What are you doing? Put me down. I can walk just fine.”

The weather in Portis City had been dreadful lately, making her days particularly challenging.

Ronald ignored her protests, carrying her into the elevator.

…

Inside the office.

A young designer whispered to Tabitha, “The boss’s brother is such a dreamboat. That aloof charm, ugh, absolutely irresistible!”

Tabitha rolled her eyes. “Dream on.”

” What’s wrong with a little fantasy? It’s not like I can have him.”

Tabitha shot back, “Be careful or the boss will have your head!”

…

Ronald placed Stella in the car, covering her with a blanket even though the car was already warm. Stella always struggled with the changing weather.

Stella replied, “I’m used to it.”

Stella avoided his gaze. “Well, you know, it hurts.”

Ronald instructed Idris, “Ask Finley to bring the supplies.”

“Ronald.”

Ronald’s tone was gentle, having an excellent calming effect on Stella.

Idris called Finley, then took another call.

“Mr. Patel is on his way to Spring Hill,” he informed Ronald.

Today was the day they were supposed to go over the contract. Jeremy had no choice but to follow Ronald’s schedule.

Ronald hummed in acknowledgment, then said, “You and Yates handle it.”

“Got it,” Idris nodded.

By the time they arrived at Spring Hill, it was nearly noon.

As Ronald moved to carry her again, Stella caught his hand. “I can walk.”

“Oh? Grown up now and don’t want to be carried?” Ronald teased.

Stella was speechless.

Did he finally realize she had grown up?

Indeed, she had, and it wasn’t fitting to be carried anymore.

Seeing her dazed expression, Ronald chuckled softly and effortlessly lifted her, striding towards the wooden building.

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