Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 271 to 280) 

Chapter 271

That was true.

Stella pondered for a moment. “What about going abroad?”

“That’s the only option. Otherwise, she won’t last long here in Portis City, not with her condition. You didn’t see her when she was discharged, still in a wheelchair, all weak and frail. And yet, she’s still trying to compete with you. How do you think she’s going to handle Yorick? She doesn’t even have the strength.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Was that a dirty joke?”

“Girl, please. As if you’ve never heard of such things.” Susanna snorted, “What? Can’t handle a bit of adult talk? Never been laid, but surely you’ve heard of the birds and the bees, right? No experience.”

Stella was at a loss for words.

Indeed, she couldn’t argue with that. Especially not after last night. Now, she was officially a woman through and through.

“Let me tell you, the Larkin family will be all over you now, annoying you to no end.”

After all, whether it was the Larkin Group’s business or Ursula’s treatment, it all tied back to Stella.

Stella huffed, “They won’t be able to find me.”

Her tone was crisp and merciless.

Susanna admired her. “I love your attitude. Why should anyone volunteer to be a guinea pig, right?”

Susanna knew all too well how the Larkin family had treated Stella over the years, and it infuriated her.

But thankfully, Stella wasn’t one to be easily pushed around. Back then, they looked down on her, and now they were practically begging for mercy.

With Stella’s fiery temper, however, there was no point in engaging. Push her too far, and you might just end up with a black eye.

…

Just as Susanna predicted, the Larkin family was frantically trying to locate Stella, but to no avail.

Yorick’s attempt to secure Wave Residence had fallen through. Ursula, forcefully discharged from the hospital, was taken back to the Larkin estate by Cloudia.

Without proper medical care, Ursula’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.

“Mom, is all this Star’s doing? Did she get her brother to do this to me?”

Ursula, fighting through the pain, her forehead beaded with sweat, looked desperate.

Seeing her daughter in such a state broke Cloudia’s heart.

“Ursula, don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Ursula finally started to panic. She never imagined that Stella would have such control over her life. Where did she get this power?

“Okay, Mom will save you. I promise I will save you, don’t worry. I won’t let you die. I won’t…”

After being discharged, instead of going directly home, they had taken Ursula to another hospital, hoping to get admitted. But as soon as those hospitals heard the patient was Ursula, they refused with various excuses!

Now, what were they supposed to do?

Tears streamed down Ursula’s face.

“Mom, please tell Star… tell her I’m sorry. I won’t fight with her over you anymore.”

Cloudia embraced Ursula. “My dear Ursula.”

“I really am sorry. I was wrong. It was me who hurt Star. I admit my fault.”

After being turned away by four different hospitals, the reality of their situation had finally sunk in for Ursula.

She was truly terrified.

…

Cloudia and Ursula, desperate and at their wit’s end, tried calling Stella.

But they couldn’t get through.

Just as they were about to give up hope, Stella’s call came through, directly to Ursula’s phone.

“You didn’t move into Wave Residence. You lost the bet, remember? Send me one hundred thousand.”

Ursula was speechless. Her breathing was heavy, her face pale, a deep sense of dread weighing on her chest.

Chapter 272

“Where you at?”

“Wave Residence. I live here. Did Yorick really drop the ball and not tell you?”

Hearing that Stella was living in Wave Residence took Ursula’s breath away. It was like a punch to the gut!

She had been bragging about Yorick buying her a place at Wave Residence to help her recover from her illness, even taunting Stella about it.

But now…

“Did you move there right after leaving Silk River?”

“Yeah, so don’t forget you owe me one hundred thousand.”

In just a few sentences, Stella managed to rub salt in the wound twice.

And that wasn’t the end of it.

She added, “When are you going to pay up? Remember, you have to pay for it!”

“I… I don’t have that kind of money,” she trembled.

The killer had been bleeding her dry, demanding money left and right. She was at her wit’s end.

On the other end, Stella casually enjoyed some oranges. “No money, huh? You weren’t saying that when you bet against me.”

Ursula fell silent.

She had been so sure of her victory, overestimating Yorick’s capabilities and dreaming of getting a slice of Stella’s earnings from last year. But her plans had backfired spectacularly, leaving her fuming with frustration.

Stella pressed on, “What, planning to bail on the bet?”

When Ronald walked in, he saw Stella lounging on her bed, enjoying a plate of oranges that he had asked to be sent up.

He’d once heard from a doctor that high-vitamin C fruits could aid in recovering from a fever.

Seeing Ronald, Stella was about to hang up. Then Ursula’s plea came through, “Star, I was wrong before, I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.”

Stella paused, puzzled by the sudden change of tone.

“Thinking of dodging the debt?”

Ursula could really stoop low to avoid paying, Stella thought.

Ursula was panicking, feeling utterly cornered.

With that, Stella hung up.

Ronald sat beside her, moving the fruit plate away. “You shouldn’t eat like that; it’s bad for your stomach.”

Ronald raised an eyebrow.

“Who were you talking to?” Ronald asked.

Ronald raised an eyebrow. “You’re short one hundred thousand?”

“Not short, I won, right? I have to claim it.”

Whether she was short or not was another matter, but she had to claim it. The most important thing was that she had managed to provoke Ursula.

Wasn’t she so arrogant before? It was time to knock her down a peg.

Ronald smirked. “She doesn’t have money to give you now.”

“How do you know?”

“The guy who hit you with his car has been extorting her for money. He took a million from her just today.”

Stella’s smile faded. “How did you find out?”

Was Ronald keeping tabs on Ursula?

At that moment, Stella realized Ronald was seriously upset about her accident.

But the fact that the assailant was demanding money from Ursula seemed off.

Leaning closer to Ronald, she asked, “Are you keeping something from me?”

Chapter 273

Ronald eyed her for a moment before gently touching her forehead to check her temperature. Thankfully, it hadn’t risen again.

His eyes softened as he asked, “What could I possibly hide from you?”

“Was Ursula getting kicked out of the hospital your doing?”

If anyone suggested it wasn’t Ronald’s handiwork, Stella would have laughed.

In a swift motion, Ronald pulled her into his arms, causing Stella to lose her balance and end up sitting on his lap.

“Ow!”

It hurt so much it was almost exhilarating.

Seeing her wince, Ronald asked, “Does it hurt again?”

Stella complained, “Be gentle, will you?”

It really did hurt.

Ronald apologized, “Sorry, I forgot.”

“Forgot?” Stella couldn’t help but shiver at the thought. How could he forget something like that?

“You better not forget.”

Thankfully, he didn’t claim to have forgotten about last night’s ordeal, or she’d have nowhere to turn for justice, no way to hold him accountable.

Ronald massaged her leg, asking, “Does it hurt here?”

Stella responded, “It’s really sore.”

Her legs felt like they didn’t belong to her anymore.

Ronald continued to massage gently, teasing, “So delicate.”

Stella pouted in response.

Ronald then asked, “Haven’t you been exercising these past few years?”

The question made Stella feel guilty; Ronald was implying daily exercise was a must. Ever since leaving Ferrowland, she had let herself go.

“No?”

Stella nodded, feeling guilty.

Ronald declared, “Once you’re better, you’ll run for an hour every day.”

Stella internally screamed at the thought. An hour? That sounded like torture.

“Was the Ursula situation really your doing?”

“Last night, Idris visited the driver responsible for your accident two years ago. Whatever was said, I wasn’t informed.”

Stella didn’t buy it. He had to know; claiming otherwise was ludicrous.

“Do I look innocent to you?” Stella rolled her eyes.

Ronald chuckled at her reaction.

“She won’t be leaving the country,” Ronald stated flatly, his voice still gentle but his words carrying the weight of a death sentence.

In Portis City, Ursula would struggle to find a doctor willing to treat her. Knowing she couldn’t leave would drive her to despair.

Ronald stayed with Stella for a while before leaving.

Seeing the caller ID, her heart skipped a beat. She answered with a whisper, “Yvonne?”

Stella’s heart trembled. “You’re coming to Portis City?”

Yvonne’s tone was fiery. “You think you can run from me, huh? I’ve been on edge searching for you these past two years. Ronald found you, and you still play hide and seek with me?”

Yvonne was particularly frustrated about the search for Stella, having turned the world upside down without success.

This time, Ronald had gone to Portis City for such a long time, and it turns out it was to find Stella.

When she asked him for Stella’s number, he refused to give it to her. Just trying to track down Stella’s number had already made Yvonne furious.

In short, right now, she just really wanted to tear someone apart.

Upon hearing Yvonne’s threat, Stella trembled again. “Where are you now?”

Arriving in Portis City in three hours meant she had left Ferrowland. The thought sent a shiver down Stella’s spine.

The she-devil was coming.

Yvonne sneered, “Planning to warn Ronald? Betray me, and I’ll break your legs.”

Stella felt a wave of fear.

Yvonne continued, “I’ll be in Portis City in three hours. I expect to see you when I land.”

The threat was as menacing as Ronald’s had been when he came to Portis City last time. Indeed, they shared the same blood, both equally formidable in their warnings.

Stella rolled in her bed, asking “So you’ve already left Ferrowland?”

Yvonne huffed, “Thinking of betraying me to Ronald? Watch your legs.”

Chapter 274

Right now, Yvonne really wanted to break Stella’s legs. Running off so quickly three years ago was bad enough, but she even had the audacity to hide.

Stella, ever the timid one, barely managed a whisper, “I didn’t dare.”

Oh, the terror of facing Yvonne was real.

“Hmph, you better not have,” Yvonne retorted sharply. “Just wait and see how I deal with you this time, you sneaky brat. Hiding all the way out here. Why not just run off to Mars? Would’ve served you right to starve out there.”

Stella remained silent, a lump forming in her throat.

“See you in three hours,” Yvonne declared before hanging up with a sharp click.

In Yvonne’s mind, Stella was the weakest of them all. During the past two years when she couldn’t find her, she even suspected Stella had starved to death somewhere out there.

Hearing the “beep-beep” sound of the disconnected call, Stella endured the pain and got out of bed. There was no way she could keep this from Ronald.

With Yvonne coming, how was she supposed to explain her injuries?

Putting on a coat, Stella stepped out of her room.

The study was empty, and so was the living room.

The butler, spotting Stella, approached respectfully. “Miss.”

“Has Ronald stepped out?” Stella inquired.

“He is in the billiard room,” he informed her.

Billiard room? They had one?

Having recently moved in, Stella hadn’t had the chance to explore much.

“Where is it?”

“Just straight down this way, Miss. Allow me to show you,” the butler offered.

“No need. I’ll find it myself,” she said, turning towards the living room’s left passageway.

Outside, the snow in Portis City piled high, the lights casting a serene glow on the thick white blanket. The warmth of the glass corridor contrasted sharply with the chilly scene outside.

Inside, Idris stood with his foot pressed on the back of a bloodied man- clearly a member of the Ferrowland gang.

The man on the floor pleaded, “Mr. Quinn, please, I swear I don’t know where our boss is. Spare me.”

“Kaku, do you really want to die here tonight?” Idris menacingly asked, his hand already drawing a gun and pressing it to the man’s head.

A gunshot silenced him.

Idris, realizing Stella’s presence, paused, “Miss?”

Ronald’s eyes deepened as he lifted his gaze to Stella, the lingering coldness in his expression not yet concealed.

This wasn’t the first time Stella had seen Ronald like this, but it had been so many years since the last time. However, seeing him like this again after years brought back a flood of memories of his menacing presence.

“Star,” Ronald called out softly, his voice losing its earlier edge.

Stella’s eyes lingered on the bloodied man before finally meeting Ronald’s. “Ronald,” her voice barely above a whisper.

Ronald’s stern demeanor melted away. “Come here,” he said gently, no longer the fearsome figure from moments before.

This time, she didn’t run away, and he didn’t have to rush after her like last time to console her.

She was going to stay by his side for a lifetime. Scenes like this were bound to be witnessed sooner or later. She needed to understand, deep in her heart, what kind of person Ronald truly was.

As Stella approached, Ronald pulled her into an embrace, asking softly, “Were you scared?”

Chapter 275

Was she scared?

Truth be told, after countless encounters of this sort within the Quinn family, Stella no longer felt the raw fear that had gripped her the first time she witnessed Ronald take a life.

Her gaze casually drifted to the lifeless body on the floor. “Was he one of Lancelot’s guys?”

Lancelot – a name she’d heard Ronald and Hull mention back in Spring Hill.

Ronald hummed in acknowledgment before leaning in to press a kiss to her cold lips- tender, lingering, and entirely unexpected.

Stella’s mind buzzed as she instinctively pushed at Ronald. “There’s- there’s a body right there.”

Seriously, big guy, there’s a dead man just feet away.

And Idris and the others were right there, too.

What was he thinking? Making it blatantly obvious that the girl he’d been raising for years had now become his woman?

Even Idris, who usually kept his emotions under wraps, felt his brain short-circuit.

Despite having an inkling about what had transpired the previous night, this outright show of affection…

Idris, along with the bodyguards, discreetly turned away.

It wasn’t just Idris, Stella was equally flustered.

Considering the less-than-glorious events of last night, she thought she and Ronald needed time to sort things out.

But he was leaving no room to breathe. Not for her, not for anyone.

As Stella attempted to wriggle free, Ronald caught her hand. His voice, now tinged with desire, broke the silence. “Trying to escape, huh?”

Stella stammered, “No, it’s just…”

She couldn’t muster a complete sentence.

After a moment, when Stella was nearly out of breath, Ronald finally released her.

She gasped for air, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.

Ronald rested his forehead against hers. “Why did you come here, hmm?”

She always needed extra sleep and plenty of food to recover from a fever, and he had just fed her some fruit.

He thought she’d take a good long nap, which was why he had Idris bring Kaku over.

Stella nuzzled into his chest, her muffled voice emerging, “Yvonne’s coming.”

“She called you?”

Yvonne had threatened her over the phone not to tell Ronald about her visit. Yet, Stella turned around and spilled the beans without hesitation.

“Idris.”

Idris, having turned his back on them, pivoted respectfully at the sound of his name. “Yes, sir.”

For years, Yvonne had turned the world upside down looking for Stella. Her frustration…

Idris nodded. “Understood.”

Ronald’s tone was especially stern.

Yvonne had been relentless, insisting on coming to Portis City to get Stella’s number, pestering them day and night.

Sneak out like this, she was truly pushing her luck.

With a nod, Idris left to carry out the order.

Meanwhile, Ronald, carrying Stella in his arms, strode out of the billiards room.

They passed the lifeless Kaku without a glance, but Ronald instinctively tightened his hold on Stella, drawing her closer into his embrace.

Feeling the pressure on the back of her head, Stella stayed still.

Ronald carried her through the glass corridor, all the way back to her room. “What do you want for dinner?” he asked softly.

Stella replied, “Anything’s fine.”

She was still shaken from the earlier scene, her compliance a clear sign of her lingering unease.

Ronald suggested, “With the snow coming down like this, how about…”

Chapter 276

“How about we grab some hot wings instead?”

Before the man could finish his sentence, Stella chimed in.

Back in the day, whenever the weather turned particularly chilly, she and Susanna would always hit up their favorite spot for hot wings.

Ronald tapped her forehead gently. “You think that’s a good idea right now?”

Stella pouted. “Alright, then.”

She was still nursing some injuries, and given where they were, spicy food was definitely off the menu.

Ronald leaned in, his forehead gently resting against hers as he felt her temperature. “You’re still not quite stable.”

Instinctively, Stella stepped back, lost her balance, and ended up sprawled across the bed.

Ronald raised an eyebrow “What’s this supposed to mean, Star?”

Stella’s face froze.

“I, uh, I just lost my balance.”

Oh, this was maddening. The way she lay there, it almost seemed like an invitation.

But it really wasn’t!

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, recalling everything that had happened since last night. It all felt like a dream.

She still hadn’t fully processed the shift in their relationship.

Instinctively, she reached for the blanket, intending to pull it over herself.

But Ronald leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin.

When his lips finally met hers, it was with profound tenderness, as if he’d been holding back for years, finally giving in to the moment. His longing was palpable, a mix of desire and remembrance.

Just as things were about to escalate, Ronald suddenly pulled back.

Stella, already flushed with nerves, stared at him with wide, innocent eyes.

His warm fingertips gently traced her tear ducts. “Save that look for me in the future.”

Still a bit dazed, Stella could only manage a confused, “Hm?”

He sighed, a mix of frustration and affection, before abruptly standing up and leaving without another word.

As he left, Stella noticed him deliberately pulling his shirt down, as if trying to cover something.

Later that evening, feeling somewhat better, Stella headed down to the dining room for dinner.

Seeing her already downstairs, he frowned. “Why are you down here? You could have had dinner brought to your room.”

She didn’t like eating in her room. Plus, if food was sent up, Ronald would likely control the portions. She needed more nutrition, especially now.

Ronald watched her, a silent observer.

“You’re on your second bowl already.”

“I’m injured. I need all the nutrition I can get, so of course, I need to eat more.”

Ronald paused, then smiled, amused. “Not a bad excuse.”

Stella muttered, “It’s the truth.”

With that, she grabbed a forkful of beef and added it to her plate.

Ever since Ronald had been around, she hardly ever felt full at night.

Tonight’s dishes were light, but they didn’t affect Stella’s appetite in the slightest.

After dinner, Ronald escorted her back to her room and then reached for the medicine cabinet, intending to apply ointment to her wounds.

Stella’s breath hitched. “You… I… I can do it myself.”

Ronald raised an eyebrow. “By yourself?”

Stella nodded vigorously. “Yes, I can manage on my own.”

Ronald chuckled, a mix of indulgence and a newfound playful edge she hadn’t seen before. It made Stella feel a tad uneasy about what might come next.

Chapter 277

Since being discharged from the hospital this morning, Ursula had been relying solely on medication to ease her suffering.

Back at the hospital, she had daily consultations with specialists who prescribed her minimal amounts of oral medication.

Today, they had brought home only enough for two days. And it seemed the medication wasn’t making much of a difference.

Since returning, Ursula hadn’t eaten anything all day. The pain made it impossible for her to eat.

After Ursula was officially discharged in the morning, Cloudia had called Jaxon and Blaise. But they didn’t get back until the evening.

Yorick knew about Ursula’s discharge too, but he hadn’t shown up yet. When Cloudia called him, Imogen answered again.

As usual, Imogen gave her a piece of her mind over the phone.

Jaxon, with a grimace, asked through clenched teeth, “So now, the whole of Portis City doesn’t have a single hospital willing to admit Ursula? Not even a doctor who makes house calls?”

Damn that Stella!

It was one thing to target the company, but now she was going after Ursula’s treatment?

What unforgivable sin had the Larkin family committed to deserve this from her?

Cloudia nodded, her voice is heavy with hatred for Stella. “Yes, Stella is not just going after the company; she’s after Ursula’s life. Now, not a single doctor in Portis City will make a house call. Even our previous family doctor has resigned.”

When Cloudia said these words, her tone was filled with hatred for Stella.

She refused to be a proper daughter herself. Now, she wanted to take away the daughter Cloudia had raised with her own hands as well?

She was truly heartless!

Jaxon, visibly outraged, suggested, “Then we’ll send Ursula abroad for treatment.”

Cloudia and Blaise exchanged a look, both agreeing it was a good solution.

Ever since Ursula’s return, Stella had caused nothing but chaos. Maybe if Ursula was out of sight, Stella would stop her antics.

He had always been against Ursula’s return. When Ursula had first mentioned her illness over the phone, he had suggested she stay abroad for treatment.

The company’s losses only added to his frustration. And now, he was beginning to realize that Ursula, whom they had always kept close, might not be as straightforward as they had thought.

Before leaving, he told Jaxon to stay home for the night.

He went to Ursula’s room, and in just one day, she looked significantly weaker.

Back in the hospital, Jaxon and Yorick had been by her side, but today had been bleak. Cloudia was in a state of panic, and by now, they hadn’t even managed to get a doctor to see her. She was in so much pain.

Seeing her like this, Jaxon asked, “Did you take your medicine?”

There was no need to ask if she was okay; Ursula’s pallor said everything about her dire condition.

Ursula, struggling for breath, said, “It hurts so much. The medication doesn’t work at all. Am I going to die?”

She was in agony, and Cloudia kept insisting she eats, but how could she?

Jaxon tried to comfort her. “No, silly, don’t talk like that.”

“But it hurts so much. I can’t eat anything.” Tears streamed down Ursula’s face. “Can we find a specialist to come see me at home?”

She was in unbearable pain, barely able to cope. The hospital medication, without the necessary intravenous fluids, was utterly ineffective.

Jaxon felt helpless hearing her plea for a house call.

Chapter 278

“I’ll arrange for you to get out of the country as soon as possible. Once abroad, you can stay in a hospital there.”

Who could have imagined that Stella would stir things up so much that even admitting Ursula to a hospital in Portis City had become an unattainable luxury?

Ursula’s eyes widened at the suggestion. “Out of the country?”

Jaxon nodded. “Yeah. Things are pretty tough here in Portis City. Mom’s called every doctor she could think of, but no one’s willing to help.”

“The Lugar family is going this far… just for Stella? But she’s just an adopted daughter. How did she manage to…”

She cut herself abruptly.

No, she couldn’t risk giving Jaxon or anyone else the wrong impression about Stella. If they turned their focus on Stella now, it would only backfire on Ursula.

But Jaxon’s mind was already wandering.

Just an adopted daughter, yet Mr. Quinn was willing to go such strengths against the Larkin family? What did she do to earn such loyalty?

Ursula thought about the situation in Portis City and finally nodded. “I’ll go abroad, then.”

She had no choice but to give in.

Jaxon murmured a quick, “Alright,” and started making arrangements.

After a brief conversation, Jaxon left the room.

Once Ursula was alone, her eyes hardened with determination.

“Stella, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

If it weren’t for her illness, would Stella have had the chance to strike like this?

Just wait. Once she recovered, she would make sure Stella regretted this.

…

Stella sat, looking pitifully at Ronald. The entire process of applying ointment had been anything but pleasant for her.

Calling it “applying ointment” was a stretch…

“What are you still doing here?” she mumbled, noticing that Ronald hadn’t left.

Her cheeks were flushed like ripe apples, partly from the embarrassment of the ointment process.

The last thing she wanted now was to face Ronald; she just wanted some time alone.

But Ronald didn’t seem in any hurry to leave. Instead, he shrugged off his robe, revealing silk pajamas underneath, and climbed into bed.

Stella blinked, her mind racing.

Hold on…

Ronald raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”

Her mind flickered back to the billiard room, where he had treated her so tenderly in front of everyone. She was baffled by how much had changed between them. They had grown up together, yet now everything felt so different.

“What’s on your mind?”

“I’m just wondering… is this really okay?” Stella asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she wrung her hands nervously.

Stella bit her lip.

Why? That was a loaded question.

Last night, and again in the early hours of this morning, she’d thrown caution to the wind.

But now, with a clearer head, the reality of their situation was sinking in. Everyone in Ferrowland believed they were siblings. Even though they weren’t related by blood, Ronald’s status made her worry about how this might affect him.

For the past two years in Portis City, she’d lived recklessly, unconcerned with what others thought or how Ursula had smeared her reputation.

She didn’t care.

But when it came to Ronald, she was terrified of the damage rumors could cause. She could handle it, but she didn’t want anyone or anything hurting him.

“Star.”

Seeing her reluctance, Ronald pulled her into his arms. With a swift motion, he held her, pressing her head to his chest.

His voice, deep and soothing, was like a balm to her nerves. “Weren’t you the one demanding I take responsibility for you this morning? What’s changed, hmm?”

“Ronald, haven’t you heard of the power of gossip?” Stella asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Around Ronald, she couldn’t keep secrets. Even if she tried, he’d effortlessly unravel her thoughts.

Chapter 279

Ronald rolled over, pinning her beneath him. “So, Star, is this what’s got you all worried?”

Stella shrank back a little, feeling timid under his weight.

Seeing her curled up like a frightened little bird, Ronald chuckled softly and pecked her lips.

“Star, do you really think anyone can drown us with mere words?”

Stella remained silent, her eyes wide.

Ronald ruffled her hair affectionately before rolling over to pull her into his arms. “Silly girl,” he murmured, a mix of fondness and exasperation coloring his tone.

Stella snuggled closer, finding a comfortable spot against him. She knew there was no way to get Ronald to leave now. Whatever he said went, just like always. Since they were kids, Ronald’s word had been law in her world.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, an insatiable need to be closer to her rising within him.

Stella, sensing his intent, stiffened.

“Ronald, I’m still hurt,” she said, her voice trembling.

The way she said his name, laced with apprehension, only made his smile deepen. He hadn’t realized until now how much he loved hearing her call him by his name.

“I know,” he replied, his voice rich and soothing.

“Then why are you still…”

Still here, still so close that it might lead to something they couldn’t control. Especially after last night’s incident, which had left things awkward and intense between them. Ronald’s touch had been unfamiliar and commanding, and it seemed as though he had discovered a new side of himself in that moment.

“It hurt when you applied the ointment,” Stella whispered, hoping her words would encourage him to leave.

“So what should we do about it?” Ronald’s voice took on a teasing edge, his self-control clearly slipping.

“Huh?”

What did he mean by that? Of course, it meant he should leave. She was still injured, after all.

Stella’s eyes were pleading as she met Ronald’s gaze. “I’m scared.”

Her tearful eyes only fueled the fire in Ronald.

“You really are a delicate little thing.”

Stella’s voice wavered with emotion. “And that’s because you spoil me.”

She was genuinely afraid that Ronald might force things, and if he did, she wouldn’t be able to escape.

He kissed her forehead once more. “Yes, I spoil you. All of this is because of me.”

Stella pushed against his chest. “Then go back to your own room.”

Still, Ronald showed no intention of leaving.

Stella was left speechless, her mind racing with confusion.

Meanwhile, across town at the Larkin family home, Ursula spoke to her brother Jaxon.

Jaxon sighed. “Ursula, you…”

No matter what, Ursula couldn’t let Stella stay with the Lugar family. If she did, Ursula’s future would be as good as gone.

“Then find a way to bring her back. In our world, anything can happen. No one knows what tomorrow might bring.”

If Stella returned to the Larkin family, Ursula could play the role of the good sister, and maybe things would finally settle down.

Even though they talked about going abroad, she couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling creeping over her. Would everything really go smoothly?

Jaxon finally spoke up. “Alright, enough about her. I need to focus on getting you out of the country.”

For Jaxon, after everything that had happened recently, he had no goodwill left for Stella.

Her life or death? He didn’t care in the slightest.

…

As Jaxon left Ursula’s room, Cloudia kept talking about how difficult Stella was making things for Ursula.

Jaxon could only promise, “I’ll get Ursula out of here soon.”

The arrangements were already in motion, and if everything went smoothly, Ursula would leave Portis City the next day.

Sending her abroad seemed like the only viable solution.

At the very beginning, they had never imagined that Stella was the beloved little princess raised by the Lugar family.

Chapter 280

Over the years, the Lugar family’s relentless search for Stella had only proven how much they treasured her.

Cloudia was livid, her heart pounding with rage. “Why did I ever bring her into this world? I should have never brought her back. Growing up with the Lugars, she’s brought us nothing but trouble.”

The thought of all the company issues Stella had stirred up made Cloudia’s anger boil over.

Jaxon opened his mouth, about to respond, when his phone rang. He answered curtly, “Hello?”

“Sir,” came the assistant’s voice, heavy with unease.

Jaxon, cold as ice, spat out, “Speak.”

“Miss Ursula can’t leave the country.”

Jaxon’s eyes widened at the words. He instinctively glanced at Cloudia before pressing on with a strained voice, “What do you mean by that?”

“No country is accepting her. Her passport has been flagged, and she can’t buy a ticket.”

Jaxon’s heart pounded. He wasn’t naive; with everything happening around Stella, it was clear who was behind this. Was she really trying to trap Ursula?

“Then go to another city,” Jaxon growled through gritted teeth.

If leaving the country wasn’t possible, at least they could move Ursula to another city—anywhere but Portis City. They’d figure something out once they were out of there.

“That’s impossible too. She’s restricted to Portis City. I’ve tried everything—land, sea, air—there’s no way out.”

Jaxon felt a sinking weight in his chest.

No way out? Even hospitals were refusing to admit Ursula, and no doctor would make a house call. Stella was truly pushing them to the brink.

His face turned ashen as he ended the call.

Cloudia had overheard the conversation.

“Ursula can’t leave the country, or even the city?” she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

Jaxon closed his eyes, anger simmering beneath the surface, and gave a stiff nod.

“Yes.”

“How could she do this to Ursula? She’s practically killing her!” Cloudia exclaimed. “I need to call your father.”

She dialed Blaise, but after just two rings, the call was cut off. Frustrated, she tried again, only for the same thing to happen.

Just then, Jaxon’s phone buzzed again. It was someone from the company.

As soon as he picked up, a project manager’s tense voice came through. “Mr. Larkin, our partnership on the Windmere project is being terminated.”

“They’re adamant, sir. They’re not even willing to pay the penalty and are threatening legal action.”

“Where’s my father? He should be at the company by now, right?”

Jaxon’s breath quickened. He glanced at Cloudia, who was too consumed by her worry over Ursula to notice the conversation.

His father had mentioned working late before he left- so why wasn’t he at the company now?

Meanwhile, in Mist Bay, Stella was sulking, her glare fixed on Ronald.

Stella huffed and turned her face away, her expression as stubborn as ever.

Stella pouted. “I’m not talking to you.”

He had the nerve to make her do something like that.

Ugh!

Ronald smirked. “You don’t really have a choice.”

Frustrated, Stella rubbed her head against his chest. Ronald’s low laughter rumbled above her. “Alright, alright. Let’s not start a ruckus.”

Stella grumbled, “No more of that next time.”

Ronald didn’t respond. Instead, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Stella narrowed her eyes. “Did you hear me?”

What was with his silence? Did he plan on doing it again?

Ronald warned, “If you don’t sleep, I might come up with something even more mischievous.”

Stella blinked in surprise. What could be worse than what he’d already done?

Though thoroughly annoyed, she decided not to challenge him further, fearing he might actually follow through on his threat.

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