Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 241 to 250)

Chapter 241

When Idris, Finley, and Hull arrived, they found Stella sitting across from Ronald, looking like a kid who had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Her head hung low, her pitiful appearance tugging at their heartstrings.

Finley stepped forward. “Why are you scolding her again? She’s all grown up now.”

Ronald shot him a chilling glance.

Finley stumbled over his words.

Great, Ronald hated it when anyone tried to speak up for Stella during his lectures. Finley shot Stella a look that screamed, ‘you’re on your own.’

Seeing them arrive, Stella dared not even lift her head.

Hull tugged at Stella’s arm. “Come sit by your brother.”

Stella didn’t move. She had picked the seat across from Ronald, assuming it would just be the two of them.

Hull hesitated. He knew better than to take a seat next to her. Ronald’s stormy glare would be quick to follow if anyone dared to sit too close to Stella.

“Just let it go. She’s not a child anymore.” Hull couldn’t help but defend her, seeing how scared she looked, barely daring to move in her chair.

Ronald’s voice, deep and commanding, broke the silence. “Come here.”

Stella hesitated, sensing Ronald’s anger. Had her kiss crossed a line and upset him?

The thought gnawed at her, filling her with guilt and vulnerability.

Slowly, she moved to sit beside Ronald.

The food arrived.

Ronald and Hull were already deep in conversation.

Hull asked, “What’s the plan with Lancelot now?”

Lancelot’s recent actions against the Lugar family were a clear provocation, something Ronald wouldn’t ignore.

Ronald, his gaze narrowing, casually put a piece of bacon onto Stella’s plate. “Let’s eat first.”

Hull glanced at Stella, marveling at how she was treated like a delicate flower, shielded even from these conversations.

Nodding to the server, he ordered, “Bring out the whiskey.”

A meal without a drink? Unthinkable for men.

Stella knew Lancelot well enough- a man infamous for stirring trouble in Ferrowland for years. Yet, until now, he’d never crossed paths with Ronald directly.

When it came to Finley and Idris, Idris declined, preferring to stay sharp.

Ronald looked at her. “What is it?”

Hull and Finley exchanged looks.

The words were barely out of his mouth when a sharp pain shot through his shin, cutting his mockery short.

Forcing a smile, Finley met Ronald’s icy stare and was at a loss for words.

Wasn’t it just the truth? Why couldn’t he talk about it in front of Stella?

“I know you always get a fever, but you…”

Before the words were finished, a sharp pain shot through his leg again!

Finley winced, barely suppressing a groan.

What the hell was going on?

Stella looked at Finley with a puzzled expression, then glanced at Ronald.

Ronald stood with his arms crossed, staring at Finley. Under Ronald’s gaze, Finley clamped his mouth shut, deciding not to continue.

He wasn’t wrong, though. Every time, it was just a fever—Ronald always stayed sharp as ever.

But of all times, Stella chose this moment to turn to him and ask innocently, “What’s wrong with you?”

Chapter 242

Watching Stella’s innocent, bewildered expression and then glancing at Ronald’s icy demeanor, Finley couldn’t shake the feeling that one wrong word might earn him a broken leg, courtesy of Ronald.

“Come on, use that brain of yours that supposedly made you seven hundred thousand a year!”

Stella quipped, “As if you have a brain.”

“Yes, I lack a brain,” Finley quickly conceded, deciding that admitting to being brainless was far preferable to a broken leg.

Still, ow, that hurt. Ronald really seemed intent on taking him down a peg or two.

Finley’s leg throbbed painfully.

Soon, the conversation turned to business matters among the men, touching occasionally on topics like military matters and the power plays of Ferrowland’s major families.

Stella sat quietly next to Ronald, obediently eating whatever he served her. She usually ate well, especially if Ronald was the one offering the food.

As the evening drew to a close, a commotion erupted from outside.

Cloudia complained, “How can you blame this all on me? Aren’t you, her father too?”

Stella instinctively glanced toward the door, spotting Cloudia and Blaise, along with Yorick and Orion, making their entrance, all looking far from pleased.

“I’ve been swamped with the company. Isn’t it your job to handle things at home?” Blaise retorted.

“I do handle it! And every time there’s something about her, I’ve always reported back to you. You never had any objections,” Cloudia defended.

Mentioning Stella always seemed to lead to headaches for both Blaise and Cloudia.

“So, what do we do now? We can’t even reach her by phone. Rick mentioned she’s gotten involved with… with the Lugar family…”

Blaise’s words trailed off as his gaze landed on Stella, and he cut himself off mid-sentence.

Stella had already averted her gaze, not sparing him a single unnecessary glance.

“Star?”

Blaise instinctively called out to her.

Following his gaze, Cloudia turned to see Stella as well.

Blaise approached. “Star, I… um…”

Ronald softly asked Stella, “Are you done with your meal?”

“Let’s go then.”

Ronald, pulling Stella along without giving Blaise a second glance, was already moving away.

His frustration was evident, especially when he saw Stella’s hand in Ronald’s. He barely managed to suppress the flash of anger in his eyes.

Ronald shot him a chilling glance.

In that brief moment of eye contact, Yorick felt the icy threat in Ronald’s gaze. The air seemed to freeze.

Ronald smirked before turning to Stella. “Tired?”

Stella nodded, almost imperceptibly.

Yorick, catching his breath, glanced at Stella, confused.

What did this mean?

Ronald then announced, “Let’s head back and get some rest.”

Yorick stood there, speechless, wondering since when had Stella’s tiredness become a matter of business?

Blaise and Cloudia were equally stunned. Who could have imagined that Stella, once easily dismissed by them, could now cause them such significant setbacks with just a few words?

Chapter 243

Cloudia’s breath hitched, a sign of her unease.

Seeing Stella about to leave, Blaise panicked. “Star.”

“What are you still standing there for?” Noticing Cloudia frozen in place, Blaise shot her an exasperated look.

That snapped Cloudia out of her daze, and she hurried after Stella.

Stella and Ronald were already at the doorstep.

Cloudia rushed forward, grabbing Stella’s other hand. “Star, Mom and Dad want to talk to you.”

Stella glanced sideways, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. “Mom and Dad?”

In the chilly air, her words seemed laced with irony.

Cloudia felt a tightness in her chest. Her gaze inadvertently fell on the man beside Stella, sensing the dangerous aura surrounding him.

Holding onto Stella’s hand, Cloudia instinctively tightened her grip. “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have treated you that way.”

Stella looked at her mockingly and tried to pull her hand away, but Cloudia refused to let go.

Stella raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about?”

Cloudia pleaded, “Can we talk, please?”

She was frustrated. She couldn’t believe Stella could cause such a stir.

Blaise and Jaxon had said the company’s troubles were her doing, but how could she have such influence?

Cloudia suppressed her discomfort. Trying to appear patient, she asked, “Is the company’s situation really because of you?”

Even though everyone said so, Cloudia found it hard to believe Stella wielded that much power.

Stella replied, “What do you think?”

Cloudia was at a loss for words.

She thought…

“Tell me, what do you want me to do to make you stop?”

But unfortunately the situation had spiraled far beyond her control.

Stella’s innocent smile contrasted with her despairing words.

Since the Larkin family cherished Ursula so deeply, helping to “repay” a few debts seemed only fair, didn’t it?

Stella scoffed, shaking off Cloudia’s grip, and glanced at Ronald, who was visibly colder.

Stella announced, “Let’s go.”

Cloudia instinctively reached for Stella again, but two bodyguards stepped in, holding her back. Her any attempts to approach Stella was now futile.

As Ronald and Stella’s figures disappeared into the night, Cloudia’s desperation spilled over. “Star, you can’t do this. I know her presence bothers you. We promise, once she’s better, we’d send her away.”

Her anxious voice echoed into the darkness, swallowed by the cold night air. Stella’s only response was her resolute, silent departure.

Not until Stella and Ronald had completely vanished did Idris and the bodyguards finally release Cloudia and Blaise.

Yorick stood frozen, chilled to the bone. He watched the drama unfold, especially struck by Stella’s icy demeanor.

He was completely immobilized now!

The group had gone, leaving Blaise and Cloudia in complete disarray. Especially Blaise, whose usually immaculate hair now seemed disheveled.

Chapter 244

Blaise glared at Cloudia, his thoughts racing. “You, you…”

What he wanted to say was that she should cut all ties with Ursula from now on. Stella was clearly upset because of Ursula’s actions.

But then his gaze fell on Yorick, who was still standing nearby, and he swallowed his words. He couldn’t ignore Yorick’s feelings for Ursula.

Even though Thane was currently giving the Larkin family the cold shoulder, Yorick might still represent an opportunity for continued collaboration.

Cloudia was fuming. “What exactly is her deal?”

“It’s you. If only you’d treated Stella better after bringing her back, none of this would have happened.”

Cloudia, already on edge, bristled at his rebuke. “How have I not treated her well? Wasn’t I kind to her in the beginning? Did she deserve my kindness?”

The tension between them crackled as their argument escalated.

Nearby, Yorick, feeling a chill settle over him, silently turned and walked away.

Orion noticed and hurried to follow him, leaving Blaise and Cloudia alone in their spiraling discord.

“Sir, what should we do now?”

Thane had given Yorick strict orders to handle Mr. Quinn’s matter. Yet considering how Ronald had disregarded Yorick, dismissing a significant partnership just because Stella said she was tired and leaving the scene…

Yorick stopped in his tracks and closed his eyes. “What can we do? And about Stella…”

As he mentioned Stella, Yorick found himself at a loss for words. Clearly, Stella was the key issue here.

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was an email from Max.

As Yorick read the message, his eyes narrowed, and his breath hitched.

Orion noticed his sudden stiffness and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Yorick’s knuckles turned white as he gripped his phone. “Stella… she grew up in the Lugar family?”

Orion was stunned. “What?”

That revelation hit them like a thunderbolt. Weren’t they always told she’d been raised in the countryside, rough and unrefined due to her upbringing?

Growing up in the Lugar family meant something monumental. Could she actually be Mr. Quinn’s sister?

Yorick’s gaze was cold and unwavering. “My father’s right-hand man sent it.”

Suddenly, the weight of their past interactions with Ronald and Stella came crashing down.

He trailed off, unable to finish.

Yorick’s breathing quickened. “Stop.”

His mood, already grim, deepened further.

What had he done? His mind replayed the scenes at Silk-River Residences and her studio – the accusations he’d hurled at Stella, the assumptions of indecency…

Yorick ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

What foolishness had he engaged in?

…

In the wooden house, Ronald immediately pulled Stella close, grasping her slender shoulders a bit too firmly.

Her heart skipped a beat under his intense gaze. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you have a car accident when you came to Portis City?”

Chapter 245

Blaise and Cloudia were at each other’s throats in Spring Hill, their voices rising and falling in the darkened streets, an echo of discontent under the moonlit sky.

Cloudia couldn’t shake her worry for Ursula, lying in a hospital bed, her condition gnawing relentlessly at her peace.

Yet, their hands were tied, as the resolution of their current predicament hinged entirely on Stella, a figure shrouded in complexity and now, seemingly, out of reach.

Blaise, in his frustration, laid the burden of their troubles at Cloudia’s feet, making it impossible for her to even think of returning to the hospital.

The clock struck one in the morning, and sleep eluded both of them as they grappled with the daunting question of how they could possibly approach Stella.

Suddenly, Cloudia’s phone buzzed, breaking the tense silence.

It’s a call from the hospital.

It was the voice of Ms. Miller, a nurse, her tone laced with urgency.

“Ms. Miller, what’s going on?” Cloudia asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

“Ma’am, the entire medical team for Ursula… they’ve been pulled off. What’s happening?” Ms. Miller’s voice was tinged with panic.

Cloudia felt her heart skip a beat, her gaze involuntarily darting to Blaise, whose face was etched with weariness and irritation.

Could he be behind this?

Before she could confront him, Ms. Miller continued, “Ursula’s in a lot of pain. I went to fetch some painkillers, only to find her dedicated overnight doctor is gone.”

Cloudia’s expression hardened, her worry turning into anger. “What do you mean, gone?”

She gave the hospital so much money, and this was how they treated her daughter?

Ms. Miller explained, “And the nurses’ station said you need to come in tomorrow morning to process Ursula’s discharge.”

Discharge? The way the nurse spoke, it was no different from telling them to get lost!

“What do you mean, discharge? No, what’s the meaning of this?”

Cloudia’s vision darkened, her chest heaving with anger.

The ensuing conversation only deepened her fears. Ursula’s condition was worsening, and the hospital’s dismissive attitude suggested they were being pushed out.

Cloudia instructed over the phone, “Take care of her for now. I’ll head back immediately.”

She hung up, then glared fiercely at Blaise. “This was your doing, wasn’t it?”

Blaise was taken aback, confusion written all over his face. “What are you talking about?”

Cloudia asked, “For Stella, are you abandoning Ursula? She’s still sick, and you instructed the hospital to pull her treatment team and discharge her. Are you trying to let her die?”

Blaise, hearing this, looked utterly confused. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been with you the whole time. How would I know anything?”

That’s right—she had been with Blaise the entire time, and he hadn’t instructed anyone to do this. Besides, he didn’t even have the authority to pull something like this off.

Thinking about Imogen’s current attitude toward Ursula, Cloudia felt it was a possibility.

With that thought, Cloudia’s breath caught again. “That Imogen, she’s completely insane.”

Yorick hadn’t slept either. Thinking about Stella and Ronald’s relationship, he was also in a state of distress.

When Cloudia explained her intentions, his face tightened. “The entire medical team has been pulled?”

“Yes, how could your mother do this? Ursula is in such a critical condition, is she trying to let Ursula die?”

Upon hearing that, a flicker of anger crossed Yorick’s eyes. He immediately dialed Imogen’s phone. He called twice and couldn’t get through, so he ended up calling the house landline.

The servant, upon hearing that he wanted to wake Imogen, seemed hesitant. “It’s so late, Madam…”

“Go get her right now.”

Yorick cut off the servant’s words with a cold, sharp tone.

The servant had no choice. “Alright, I’ll go now.”

They feared Imogen would curse them, but they were also afraid of Yorick’s wrath.

After what felt like an eternity, Imogen’s irate voice filled the room. “Yorick, have you lost your mind? It’s the middle of the night!”

Yorick was unmoved, his voice cold and resolute. “Did you pull Ursula’s medical team?”

Chapter 246

“What?”

“You put pressure on the hospital, didn’t you?”

Yorick’s question was blunt, his tone barely concealing his frustration.

Imogen retorted, “Are you out of your mind?”

“Mother!”

“How much longer does she have to live with all her ailments? Why would I bother meddling in her affairs?”

Imogen’s anger flared, her words harsh and sharp.

After giving Yorick a piece of her mind, she abruptly ended the call.

Hearing the ‘beep beep’ sound from the phone, Yorick looked at Cloudia with furrowed brows, “It can’t be her.”

From what Imogen just said, it was clear.

Cloudia pondered, “Then who else could it be?”

Besides Imogen, who seemed to wish Ursula would drop dead at any moment? Who else could it be?

Right… Stella.

The thought of Stella turned Cloudia’s face pale.

“It’s Stella. It has to be her, no doubt.”

If she could mess with the Larkin Group, she could certainly target Ursula.

Hearing Stella’s name, Yorick’s demeanor turned even colder.

Cloudia was frantic. “Rick, you have to save Ursula. What does Stella want, exactly?”

Wasn’t causing a major headache for the Larkin Group enough? Did she really want Ursula dead?

Yorick replied, “I’ll handle this.”

Cloudia was beside herself with worry. It was only now that she realized what Stella meant to her. She had always thought of Stella as a country bumpkin, lacking real skills or sophistication.

But now, this supposedly insignificant person was causing her this much distress.

Yorick instructed, “You head back first.”

“They want Ursula discharged first thing in the morning, Rick. She’s practically sending Ursula to her grave,” Cloudia said, choking up.

Yorick nodded. “I know.”

At that moment, Yorick, too, was struggling to contain his anger, taking a while to persuade Cloudia to leave.

Orion replied, “In a secluded wooden house up on the hillside.”

It’s a place that had never been open to the public, befitting the heir of the Lugar family. Always the best.

He realized he had forgotten to mention this to Cloudia, but he had to deal with Ursula’s situation first.

Yorick stood up, grabbing his coat.

He couldn’t possibly be going to see Stella at this hour, could he? And with Mr. Quinn likely there, wasn’t this akin to seeking death?

Stella, perhaps due to the afternoon drinks, had fallen into a soft sleep after Ronald received a call and left.

But she was too tired and turned over to sleep again.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Yorick and Orion found themselves in a predicament.

Orion warned, “Sir, won’t this anger Mr. Quinn?”

Yorick retorted, “What other choice do we have?”

It was undoubtedly Stella’s doing, and her phone was unreachable. Other than shouting, there seemed to be no other option.

“Stella,” he called out loudly.

Orion sighed inwardly, feeling like his life was on the line tonight.

Yorick continued shouting for three minutes with no response, his anger mounting.

Just as he was about to shout again, a car engine roared behind them, its headlights illuminating the area.

Yorick turned to see Idris stepping out of the car, respectfully opening the door for the man in the back seat.

Ronald emerged, exuding an aura of menace, with Hull following closely behind.

Orion exchanged worried looks with his boss. This was bad- really bad!

Ronald’s already cold gaze turned icy as he spotted Yorick. “What are you doing here?”

Yorick clenched his jaw, taking a moment to assess Ronald. His gaze finally settled on the few drops of blood on Ronald’s scarf, causing his breath to catch.

Chapter 247

Orion also caught sight of the bloodstain on Ronald’s scarf.

Even without uttering a word, Ronald exuded an aura of danger so intense, it felt almost tangible, laced with an undercurrent of lethal intent.

When Yorick remained silent, Ronald shot him a dangerous glare. “Came to bother Stella?”

Snapped back to reality, Yorick held his breath, a tad too involuntarily. “I had… questions for her.”

Ronald’s gaze narrowed as he strode towards Yorick, his presence so overwhelming that even Yorick, towering at about six feet one, couldn’t help but step back in the face of Ronald’s six-foot-three frame. The sense of menace emanating from Ronald was palpable, especially up close.

Yorick could distinctly smell the mix of blood and alcohol on Ronald, and the unusual crimson in his eyes was unmistakable.

Yorick looked up, his breathing unsteady. “Mr. Quinn, there’s been some…”

Before he could finish, Ronald’s hand shot out, gripping Yorick’s throat tightly.

Yorick’s face tightened.

Orion exclaimed, “Mr. Quinn!”

Yorick’s complexion turned ashen. Instinctively, he tried to retaliate, but Ronald’s grip drained all his strength away. The murderous aura around Ronald thickened.

“Who gave you the audacity to harass her again and again, huh?”

As Ronald’s grip tightened, Yorick felt both suffocated and utterly drained.

Orion, witnessing the flicker of murderous intent in Ronald’s eyes, felt a chill run down his spine. He mustered all his strength and grabbed Ronald’s wrist. “Mr. Quinn, it was all a misunderstanding, all of it.”

Ronald’s icy gaze was fraught with danger. His lips parted slightly, uttering coldly, “Misunderstanding?”

Yorick, truly sensing Ronald’s intent to kill, closed his eyes, barely managing to utter, “Yes, a misunderstanding.”

The word “misunderstanding” tasted bitter, humiliating even. No one in Portis City had ever dared to treat him this way.

Ronald, already on edge, found his anger further stoked by Yorick’s presence.

As his grip tightened, Yorick felt the life being squeezed out of him, his attempts at fighting back futile against Ronald’s overwhelming strength.

Orion’s breath hitched. “Mr. Quinn.”

Just as Orion began to break into a sweat, Hull stepped forward, whispering to Ronald, “Maybe after all this blows over?”

Ronald knew what Hull meant, chuckling, “And what of the Quarry family?”

His eyes burning with anger, Yorick had never been so disrespected in Portis City. But remembering Ronald’s stature, he struggled to catch his breath.

Ronald’s eyes narrowed.

Hull was right. Whether it was the Quarry or the Larkin family, neither posed a significant threat. Especially the Larkin family, now struggling just to stay afloat.

Finally able to breathe fresh air, Yorick gasped, lifting his head to look at Ronald.

Ronald leisurely adjusted his cuff, saying, “Bother her again, and I won’t hesitate to end you.”

His words, a menacing threat!

With that, he turned and walked away, and Idris followed close behind.

Hull gave Yorick a cautionary pat on the shoulder. “Mr. Quarry, you better watch yourself.”

Challenging Ronald over Stella had been a dangerous move. If not for Hull’s intervention, Ronald might have actually killed Yorick.

With Hull also gone, only Yorick and Orion remained.

Orion rushed to his side, helping him up. “Sir.”

Yorick, his fists clenched, trembled with rage.

Chapter 248

Ronald had just stepped into the house, slamming the door shut behind him, leaving Idris stranded outside. If Idris hadn’t reacted quickly, the door would’ve smacked him right in the face.

Hull caught up and asked, “Should we call Finley over?”

Idris froze for a moment, recalling the spiked drink Ronald had earlier. He quickly fished out his phone, intending to call Finley, but Ronald’s earlier action of shutting him out made him hesitate.

What did he mean by this?

Idris glanced at Hull and said, “Um… we should check with the boss first.”

Hull was baffled.

“You need his permission for this? Do you think he can handle it? Damn, Lancelot daring to drug him- he deserves to be in a world of pain tonight,” He said through clenched teeth, clearly enraged by the situation.

Even though Ronald had been drugged before, Finley was always there to handle it.

After a moment’s thought, Idris dialed Ronald’s number. As soon as the call connected, he hurriedly asked, “Hey, should we get Finley?”

“Get lost.”

Idris was taken aback.

Before he could say anything else, the call was abruptly ended.

Hull looked at him, “What did he say?”

“He told me to get lost.”

Hull’s lips twitched. “So he thinks he can handle it? This isn’t a joke.”

The drug wasn’t something to be taken lightly; it was potent and dangerous.

Without waiting for Hull to say more, Idris turned and walked away, almost as if he were literally rolling away as Ronald had suggested.

Hull stood there, pondering, “Is this something Star’s hangover soup can fix?”

Seeing Idris leave without a word, Hull, still worried, decided to call Finley himself.

…

Blinking her eyes open, she saw Ronald sitting by her bed. In the dim light, his gaze was murky, deep with an unsettling aggression.

Why was he sitting by her bed late at night instead of sleeping? And something about Ronald’s eyes seemed off.

“Where did you get to drinking? And are you hurt?”

She hurriedly reached for the bedside lamp to turn it on.

Stella exclaimed in shock.

Trying to sit up instinctively, she felt Ronald’s body press down on hers from behind. Clad in a silk nightgown, she could feel the scorching heat from his chest against her back, the firmness of his muscles evident even through the thin fabric.

Stella’s mind went blank. “What are you…”

This wasn’t just about being drunk; it seemed like he was drugged.

Two years ago, she’d fallen for Ursula’s trick and experienced a similar burning sensation throughout her body.

“I’ll call Finley right now,” Stella said in a panic, her voice stuttering as she struggled to turn and reach for her phone.

But as soon as she turned, Ronald’s hot palm cupped her face, his dominating kiss silencing her protests. His breath was searing, his lips scorching against hers.

Stella’s eyes widened in shock, her breath hitching. “Ronald, snap out of it, plea…please…”

Her words were swallowed by his kiss, drowning not only Ronald’s lucidity but her own as well. Her sanity was teetering on the edge.

Chapter 249

Stella had been head over heels for Ronald for what felt like forever. She couldn’t pinpoint exactly when her feelings had shifted from sibling affection to something deeper. Her fondness for him, built up over the years, had seeped deep into her bones.

Catching Ronald’s slightly hazy gaze, Stella’s heart skipped a beat.

“Ronald,” she whispered, her voice barely a tremble.

If he were sober, maybe she…

But he wasn’t. Especially after those nights when he’d drink himself into oblivion, forgetting everything that happened. If they crossed a line now, despite him being the initiator, she couldn’t help feeling like she was taking advantage of him.

“I’m no saint. Please, snap out of it,” Stella choked out.

But in the next moment, her small hand was effortlessly pinned above her head. As her nightgown was pushed up, Stella felt as though her blood had turned to ice.

She grabbed his strong wrist firmly. “Ronald, Ronald.”

But then, he seized her hand in his, leaving her no room to struggle.

The room’s temperature seemed to rise with the heat emanating from Ronald’s skin. Desire filled the air, making Stella’s breaths quicken.

“Star, just relax,” he murmured in a deep, slightly raspy voice.

Hearing him call her ‘Star’ sent Stella’s mind into a frenzy. Did he know who he was with?

Looking at Ronald’s face—the most beautiful she’d ever known—Stella whispered back, “Ronald.”

At that moment, her last shred of reason snapped.

Ronald held her wrist with one hand while gently tracing the outline of her cheek with the other.

“Good girl,” he said, his eyes clouded yet gleaming as if he’d found a treasure.

Their warm breaths mingled, and Stella was lost in Ronald’s tender, blurry gaze, her last bit of sanity slipping away.

…

At six in the morning, Stella looked at the sleeping Ronald and was completely dumbfounded. She noticed the bruises on her chest and arms—vivid marks of the previous night’s wildness.

Then she noticed Ronald’s gray scarf, tangled beneath her, stained with vivid red reminders of last night’s escapade.

“This is a disaster,” she muttered, her voice laden with panic.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a call from Finley.

Finley’s frantic voice came through. “Were you guys sleeping like the dead? I almost broke your doorbell. How’s your brother?”

Stella froze, speechless. What could she possibly say?

Seeing the marks on her neck in the mirror, she was even more startled. She had really done it with Ronald…

What now?

“Star, Star?”

“Huh?”

“I asked how your brother is doing. Hull mentioned someone might have drugged him.”

Stella choked on her response. So, it had been drugged. No wonder Ronald hadn’t been himself. If he couldn’t even remember last night…

The thought that Ronald might not recall anything brought Stella a strange mix of relief and despair.

Chapter 250

Her world had totally blown up.

“He’s fine. I found some medicine, and he took it,” Stella blurted out, trying to calm Finley’s nerves with a hastily concocted lie.

Finley raised an eyebrow. “Medicine? Where’d you get that kind of medicine?”

“Just… found it in the medicine cabinet,” Stella muttered, barely convincing even herself. Who keeps that kind of stuff in their medicine cabinet? Especially here in Spring Hill?

“In the medicine cabinet?” Finley’s skepticism was palpable.

“Yeah, exactly.”

Stella’s tone was serious as she tried hard to sell the lie, almost convincing herself in the process.

Finley wasn’t buying it. “Just let me in. I need to see him. Don’t mess around, okay?”

Stella fell silent. The deed was already done.

“Hold on, just a sec.”

After hanging up, Stella glanced at her reflection in the mirror, her mind racing. She gave herself a light slap on the cheek. “Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into?”

How did last night even come to this? Was she taking advantage of him? After all, Ronald had been out of it.

Her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Quietly, she cracked open the bathroom door and peeked at Ronald, still lying on the bed, clearly worn out.

No wonder he was exhausted; it must have been at least two hours, right?

Her legs felt like jelly, both sore and achy. She needed a doctor more than Ronald at this point.

Even knowing Ronald wouldn’t wake up easily, Stella dressed quietly, taking care to also tidy him up a bit.

Before leaving, she didn’t forget to hide that gray scarf in the bathroom and straightened up the room.

…

Opening the door, she found Finley rubbing his hands together to ward off the cold, clearly having waited outside for a while.

Finley did a double-take at Stella, wrapped up in a thick, fluffy robe, her neck buried in a fuzzy scarf.

“What’s with the get-up?”

“I get cold, okay?” Stella replied defensively.

Though puzzled, he cut to the chase. “Where’s your brother?”

At that, Finley’s gaze sharpened, concern flashing in his eyes.

“Well, he just barged in, got drunk, and passed out. I couldn’t move him by myself.”

Finley remained silent, his stare intensifying, making Stella squirm. Suddenly, he stepped closer, reaching for the scarf around her neck.

She clutched the scarf. “What are you doing?”

Could he be suspicious? If even Finley doubted her, what would happen when Ronald woke up?

Panic set in, making it hard for her to breathe.

Finley’s voice was stern. “Do you know what drug your brother took? You understand the gravity of this, don’t you?”

As if she could fool him.

“Of course, I told you, I gave him the medicine,” Stella insisted, her voice barely hiding her fear.

Finley was relentless. “Show me your neck.”

Stella hesitated, her heart pounding. “You…”

“Let’s see it,” Finley pressed.

Stella felt like her heart was about to leap out of her chest. This was how panic attacks started, wasn’t it?

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