Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 361 to 370) 

Chapter 361

The assistant standing behind the man noticed Ronald and quickly whispered something in his ear.

At the words, the man handed off his pool cue, turned around with a broad, welcoming smile, and strode over to Ronald, extending his hand.

“Mr. Quinn, I didn’t think you’d actually show up.”

Ronald glanced at the outstretched hand but didn’t shake it. Instead, he said coolly, “Mr. Bernie, you know why I’m here. I’m here to collect what Lancelot left with you.”

No pleasantries, no small talk, Ronald cut straight to the point. He could sense Stella’s discomfort in this setting.

Bernie raised an eyebrow, his grin widening, making his scruffy beard shift slightly.

“Ha, Lancelot, huh? Mr. Quinn, why don’t we discuss this over here?”

The emphasis on “discuss” made it clear to Ronald that retrieving the item wouldn’t be straightforward.

Bernie gestured toward a nearby couch and led the way. He sank into it casually, and within moments, a tall, slim woman perched herself on his lap. Bernie’s large, tanned hand rested on her waist, his fingers idly tracing circles.

The assistant from earlier handed Bernie a lit cigar.

Taking a slow puff, Bernie exhaled a thick plume of smoke, directly toward the woman.

Stella, witnessing this scene, slightly regretted coming along. In hindsight, staying on the plane and catching some sleep might have been a better idea.

Ronald narrowed his eyes slightly. “Alright, what’s the deal?”

Bernie took another drag from the cigar. “That item seems to be quite significant for you, Mr. Quinn?”

Ronald didn’t respond, his silence implying agreement.

Bernie’s grin was almost friendly as he shifted his gaze to Stella. He had noticed her the moment he turned around. She was petite and appeared not fully mature.

Stella, sensing his scrutiny, instinctively moved closer to Ronald.

Bernie flashed a set of yellowed teeth. “Rumor has it that Mr. Quinn isn’t interested in women. Turns out you just have a particular taste. Quite the rarity.”

Finding a small woman wasn’t the challenge, but locating one so petite with such delicate features was no easy feat, especially with cherubic cheeks that seemed impossibly soft.

“Where did Mr. Quinn find this little treasure?” Bernie’s tone was flippant, as though he were assessing merchandise rather than a person.

Clearly, he had no idea that Stella had grown up at Ronald’s side, assuming instead that she was some plaything he’d brought along.

The moment those words left Bernie’s mouth, Ronald’s gaze deepened, chilling and dangerous.

But Bernie, too engrossed in his brazen stare at Stella, remained oblivious to the shift in the atmosphere.

Finley’s mouth twitched as he glanced at Bernie, thinking, “This guy’s asking for trouble.”

Idris, overhearing Bernie’s comment, exchanged a quick look with Finley. Evidently, even he hadn’t imagined someone could be more reckless than Finley.

Ronald checked his watch. “State your terms.”

His tone was laced with impatience. The icy edge in his voice snapped Bernie’s attention back to him. With a lazy gesture, Bernie pointed his cigar at Stella.

“Let me have her for a day, and the item is yours. Fair trade, wouldn’t you say, Mr. Quinn?”

Stella’s mind reeled. She wanted nothing more than to throttle Bernie, but the importance of their mission kept her rooted. Whatever the item was, it was clearly crucial.

Stella bit back her anger, staying put.

Then, without a word, Ronald reached for his waist. In one fluid motion, he placed a gun next to the wine glass on the table, its cold, dark barrel aimed squarely at Bernie.

The air is electrified with tension.

Bernie’s bodyguards instinctively moved their hands to their waists, but Bernie stopped them with a dismissive wave. Stella tense, her entire body on high alert.

Ronald’s large hand came to rest reassuringly on her knee, grounding her even as his voice turned dangerously low. “I didn’t come here to negotiate.”

Bernie’s expression hardened in an instant.

Ronald continued, “I’m taking that item with me. As for your conditions…”

He paused, the silence heavy with threat.

Fixing Bernie with a gaze as cold and perilous as a winter storm, Ronald concluded, “I gave you a chance. But since you’re not willing to name your price, I’ll assume you don’t want anything from this deal.”

Chapter 362

Finley exhaled in disbelief. Don’t want any perks, huh?

Bernie was notorious on Cyris Isle for his greed, -those who came to negotiate with him often left feeling squeezed dry.

With one man reluctant to give an inch and the other hungry for more, Finley wondered what could possibly result from such an encounter between Bernie and Ronald.

Seeing the pistol casually placed in front of Ronald’s wine glass, Finley couldn’t help but think to himself, “That’s Ronald for you- never losing an ounce, no matter the situation.”

“Well, if that’s the case, we really have nothing more to discuss.”

With that said Bernie pushed the beautiful woman on his lap aside and stormed off in a huff. The entourage of women followed suit.

At the door, Bernie paused and cast a glance back at Ronald. “You know, Mr. Quinn, you’re not the only one interested in that item. You might want to give it some serious thought. A man’s greatest mistake is letting a woman ruin important affairs. As the head of the Lugar family, surely you understand that.”

Thinking himself a good decade older than Ronald, Bernie spoke in a patronizing tone.

Ronald shot him a cold, unimpressed look.

Their eyes clashed fiercely in the air until Bernie let out a derisive laugh and left with his entourage.

Soon enough, only Ronald’s people remained.

Stella looked at him. “Is that thing really important?”

Ronald reached out and gently ruffled her soft hair.

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come. I would’ve just stayed sleeping on the plane. Or, you know, you could tell me what it is, and I’ll help you steal it back.”

Finley, standing nearby, let out a loud chuckle.

He couldn’t help but laugh at Stella’s suggestion. “What are you planning to use to steal it? Your height advantage?” Stella froze. Could this man not keep quiet for once?

Still chuckling, Finley waved a hand dismissively. “Besides, Xander’s also on Cyris Isle. If you were sleeping on the plane, what if someone stole you away?”

Both Idris and Stella fell silent. Ah, Finley, always managing to hit exactly where it hurts.

Ronald shot a glance at Finley, but this time he didn’t kick him. Instead, he just gave him a warning look-partly because he was sitting too far away to make it worth the effort to get up.

After a brief moment, Ronald turned his attention back to Idris standing behind him. “Go toss them all overboard.” Idris nodded. “Yes.”

Stella blinked in surprise. “Oh? This yacht is yours?”

Earlier, when she was talking to Susanna, she’d thought the yacht looked familiar. But facing Bernie, who had strutted around as if he owned the place, she’d assumed it was his turf.

Ronald’s lips curled into a smile, the earlier displeasure on his face dissipating. “It’s yours.”

Stella was confused.

Hers?

Wait a minute… So Bernie had been on her turf, trying to hit on her?

Stella was stunned.

“Yeah, tossing them overboard is definitely the right call.”

If she hadn’t thought that “thing” might be important to Ronald, she might have dealt with that creep herself. Idris went off to arrange the tossing.

Finley looked at Ronald, clearly shocked. “How much of what you’ve bought over the years is in her name?” Hearing that, Stella turned to Ronald, her curiosity piqued.

Portis City’s Mist Bay had been a birthday gift from him. And this yacht…when had he gotten that for her?

Ronald glanced down at Stella. “I don’t know.”

He genuinely didn’t know. In truth, he’d even forgotten when he’d started the habit of putting everything he bought under her name.

Finley was at a loss for words.

So Stella didn’t even know her own net worth?

“Aren’t you worried she might change her mind? Run off with everything?”

Both Ronald and Stella fell silent. They turned to glare at Finley, their eyes sharp enough to cut steel. For a moment, it seemed as though they might tear him apart on the spot.

Chapter 363

Stella couldn’t find the words to describe Finley anymore. Wasn’t his leg injury still fresh? How could he be so reckless? As if that wasn’t enough, Finley added, “I mean, you keep getting her hurt. Be careful, or she might just leave you.” Stella was at a loss for words. She had officially given up on expecting any emotional intelligence from Finley. Ronald narrowed his eyes, signaling to a nearby waiter. The waiter approached with a respectful nod. “Sir.”

Stella was surprised. Even the waitstaff on this yacht were Ronald’s people?

Ronald gently squeezed Stella’s hand. “You should go with the waiter to your room.”

Stella nodded. “Okay.”

She obediently stood up, ready to follow the waiter.

Finley, seeing Stella about to leave, immediately panicked. “Hey, hey, hey, Star! You can’t just leave!”

If she left, Ronald might actually kill him this time.

Finley’s instincts weren’t far off- after several close calls, he’d developed a good sense of when Ronald was about to “deal” with him. Especially now, as Ronald was calmly sending Stella away.

But what could Finley do? His mouth always worked faster than his brain.

Stella gave Finley a sympathetic glance. “I just want to get some sleep.”

After being dragged around by Ronald, she felt like she was going to fall apart.

“But seriously? You slept the whole flight here and still need more sleep? Wait, has he been bothering you again? Doesn’t he care that you’re hurt?”

Stella didn’t know how to respond. She decided to let Finley learn the hard way.

Before leaving, she looked back at Ronald. “Are you sure you can still get what you need from Bernie after kicking him off the yacht?”

She worried it might affect his plans.

Ronald, seeing her concern, ruffled her hair gently. “That’s not something you need to worry about. Go on.”

“Okay.”

Stella nodded and left with the waiter.

As she passed by Finley, he desperately grabbed her wrist

“Star, don’t leave me!”

Stella met Finley’s gaze, and he tried his best to look pitiful and helpless.

Ronald’s eyes zeroed in on Finley’s hand gripping Stella’s wrist, his expression hardening and exuding danger.

Stella said, “If you don’t let go, your arm’s gonna be bruised.”

Scared out of his wits, Finley immediately released her.

Stella turned to Ronald.” He’s been by your side for so many years, and now he’s acting so thoughtlessly. At the end of the day, it’s because you’ve spoiled him.”

Finley panicked. “Wait, are you trying to get me killed?”

Stella was at a loss for words.

This guy, low emotional intelligence and lacking common sense too? Couldn’t he see she was actually trying to help him? How he managed to become a medical genius was beyond her.

Stella quickly left the scene.

Now it was just Ronald and Finley.

Finley chuckled nervously. “Hey man, I messed up.”

Ronald turned and headed towards the pool deck, peeling off his shirt.

Then, his pants.

Finley gasped. “Whoa…”

Seeing Ronald’s muscular back and the scratches on it, Finley couldn’t help but wonder how intense things had been with Star. Clearly, he had really pushed her to the edge.

Wail, hold on… Why was Ronald stripping in front of him?

Just then, the long-legged lifeguard beauty climbed out of the pool, her lips pale from the cold water. But when she caught sight of Ronald, her eyes lingered on his chiseled abs, and her cheeks flushed bright red.

With a hint of shyness, she called out, “Sir.”

Ronald shot her a look of disgust a coldly barked, “Scram.”

The beauty, startled by his harshness, stumbled and quickly fled.

Ronald turned his gaze back to Finley.

With that look, Finley clutched his shirt tightly. “What are you implying? I’ll have you know, I’m not into that sort of thing.”

Chapter 364

“Ronald, have you seriously decided to try everything now that you’ve had a taste of sex freedom? I’m telling you, I’d rather die than bend to your whims.”

With a smirk, Ronald gave Finley a swift kick to the thigh, making him stagger and grimace in pain.

“You…what are you doing?” Finley stammered as Ronald grabbed him by the collar and started dragging him toward the edge of the yacht.

“We’re going for a swim, Finley. You’ve been talking too much lately, you need to burn off some of that energy.”

“No, no, I can’t swim!” Finley protested, panic creeping into his voice. But before he could finish, Ronald tossed him overboard with a hearty splash.

Finley flailed in the water, panic setting in as the cold waves enveloped him. He tried to scramble back to the surface, but Ronald’s hand pushed him back under, the icy water searing into his lungs.

Ronald dove in after him, effortlessly pulling Finley further away from the yacht. When Finley finally managed to gasp for air, he realized they were already twenty yards out.

Finley sputtered, “Ronald, you’re crazy! Let me go, I can’t swim!”

Ronald, clearly intent on teaching a lesson, kept moving, dragging Finley along for what felt like miles before finally letting go.

Finley gasped.

Wait, wasn’t he responsible for dragging him back?

“No, no, no, I don’t have that kind of stamina, you can’t just…”

Before he could finish, Ronald dove into the water and vanished. The next time Finley spotted him, Ronald was already at least fifty meters away.

His stamina was absolutely insane… No wonder Star couldn’t handle it. With stamina like that, even ten women would struggle to survive.

Thinking of Stella, Finley grew even angrier. “Ungrateful little thing. I’m out here speaking up for her, and this is what I got.”

He was completely abandoned, and as for Ronald, that lunatic wasn’t even human, he just left him stranded here.

Was this some kind of death sentence?

…

Meanwhile, Stella followed a waiter down the corridor. Suddenly, a door flew open with a loud ‘thud.’ The waiter was thrown against the wall, slumping to the ground, unconscious.

Startled, Stella took a step back, her heart pounding. Before she could turn, a strong hand gripped her arm and yanked her into the room. The door slammed shut behind her, and she was shoved against it, a firm hand clamped over her mouth to silence her.

Her wide eyes darted upward, locking onto a figure in a black mask. The lower half of his face was obscured, but those piercing eyes and chiseled features were unmistakable.

It was Xander!

Stella struggled, her voice muffled. “Mmm! Mmm! Let me go!”

“Stay quiet, or you’ll regret it,” Xander’s voice was smooth but carried a menacing edge.

As expected, under Xander’s intimidation, she quieted down.

But Xander knew her obedience was only temporary. During the Patrina incident, he had seen just how clever and cunning she could be.

Xander pinched her small face, smirking. “Using a dog to fool me? Stella, you’re really something.”

Stella’s face turned red from his grip.

Xander, finding it amusing, pinched harder, making Stella let out a muffled sound of pain.

But as soon as she made a sound, Xander pressed the cold, black barrel of a gun against her forehead. “Go ahead, scream. Try it,” he taunted.

Stella glared at him fiercely.

Xander sneered, “Daring to glare at me? Want me to pop those eyes out of your head?”

Stella fell silent.

This bastard!

Chapter 365

Stella was glaring daggers.

Xander flicked her forehead, his tone is sharp yet oddly playful. “Have I been too nice to you lately?”

Stella’s eyes widened in disbelief. Nice? Seriously? The concept of him being “nice” was laughable, and yet here he was, acting like he deserved a medal.

“Speak up,” Xander demanded.

Stella pouted, her gaze filled with even more discontent.

The moment Xander saw that look in her eyes, he knew she was plotting to bile him again. Having grown up together, he hadn’t realized just how sharp this little brat’s teeth were.

The marks she’d left on his neck and the back of his hand hadn’t even healed yet, and there was still an indent on his wrist.

“I said speak up! Are you deaf?” Xander snapped, his frustration simmering.

Her silent stare spoke volumes, though. It was as if her big, expressive eyes were calling him an idiot, mocking him without saying a word.

Oh, she had the nerve to curse him inwardly. If only she had the guts to say it out loud.

Xander’s patience snapped. He thumped her head with the butt of his gun. “I said talk. Didn’t you hear me?”

Finally, Stella couldn’t hold it in anymore. “What do you want me to say?”

Honestly, what was there to talk about? He kept demanding she speak, but he never bothered to explain what he wanted. Xander replied, “Didn’t I tell you what to say?”

Stella rolled her eyes. Was he serious? Had he lost his mind?

Her big eyes darted around as she plotted her silent rebellion.

Xander noticed her scheming look and, in a fit of anger, grabbed her by the neck.

“What are you calling me in that little head of yours?”

Stella smirked. “I think you’re a bit… dense?”

Xander was speechless. This girl had no fear of death, did she?

“You don’t think I’ll snap your neck right here?”

“Sure, but then you’ll be buried with me,” Stella retorted fearlessly.

Xander was more afraid of death than she’d ever been. He’d been running scared for years, hiding out in places like Patrina. She remembered Yvonne’s advice from long ago: never show fear in the face of danger. Fear makes you lose your cool, and once you do, you’re at your enemy’s mercy.

“Fine, fine, you’re tough. Now tell me, did Bernie hand over the thing to your brother?”

He practically spat the word “brother,” a pointed reminder of her connection to Ronald. Stella shot him a fierce glare. I have no clue.

Xander was skeptical. You’re practically glued to Ronald’s side, and you don’t know?” “I really don’t.”

Xander’s grip tightened on her neck. If he could, he’d strangle her right now.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their standoff.

Stella seized the moment to yell, “Hel…”

Xander quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, his eyes threatening.

Stella struggled, but then a familiar voice called from outside, “It’s me, Shawn.”

Hearing Shawn’s voice, Stella calmed down, and Xander removed his hand from her mouth, making a mock slap gesture.

Stella flinched, covering her face instinctively.

Xander didn’t follow through with the hit. Instead, he yanked her off the door and opened it.

Shawn burst in, eyes wide in shock upon seeing Stella. “What the…? How is she here? Are you out of your mind, bringing her here?”

His first thought was how close he’d come to losing his sanity. Then, he remembered they were on Ronald’s turf, and Ronald was somewhere on this yacht.

Going anywhere with Xander felt like playing Russian roulette – you never knew when you’d lose it all.

Xander shot him a glare. “Coward.”

“I’m not as brave as you, risking it all. No way I can compete with that.”

This was madness. Of all places to mess with Stella, why right under Ronald’s nose? Last time at Misty Bay, they’d managed to whisk Stella away, but this time…

“So why are you still here, not running? What’s keeping you?” Shawn asked.

Xander shot a cold look at Shawn. “Who says I have to run?”

“You’re messing with the Quinn family’s little princess. Are you planning to return her?”

Xander didn’t answer.

“I’m telling you, it’s either me or Stella. If she’s here, I’m gone. If I’m here, she’s not. We either leave together or not at all.”

Stella felt the absurdity of the situation. Why did that sound so weird? It was like something out of a cheesy love triangle.

Before Xander could boot Shawn out, Stella jumped up, exclaiming, “I’m not getting off this yacht, dead or alive.”

Xander was speechless.

Shawn was flabbergasted.

Both of them turned to stare at her.

Shawn gritted his teeth and stepped forward. “You little troublemaker, we still haven’t settled the score over the dog. You nearly broke my leg, and you owe me for that.”

Chapter 366

Stella snorted. “Why isn’t it broken? It should’ve been.”

Shawn stammered, “Y-you… it wasn’t enough that you nearly broke my leg, now you’re trying to get Xander killed? If your brother finds out you’re in his hands, it’s over for all of us.”

Stella rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I walked into his hands willingly. If anyone’s to blame, it’s him.”

Trying to manipulate her? Not a chance.

Shawn was seething, seeing stars from his rage.

Xander stepped forward, grabbed Shawn by the collar, and dragged him to the door, closing him with a loud bang.

The door slammed shut, leaving only Stella and Xander in the room.

Xander took long strides toward her, his eyes catching the increasingly visible red marks on her neck. In an instant, his demeanor turned dangerous. His eyes narrowed slightly.

“I told you before, didn’t I? You’re my fiancée,” Xander said.

Stella scoffed. “Just because you say so? What kind of nerve does it take to say something like that without even considering the word ‘consent’?”

“You…” Xander was infuriated, grabbing her and dragging her towards the bathroom.

“What are you doing? Let go of me, you jerk!” Stella yelled, hitting and clawing at him in anger.

Xander tossed her into the bathtub, aimed the showerhead at her, and reached for the faucet.

“You wouldn’t dare, Xander!”

Xander chuckled. “Dare to threaten me, huh? You’ve got guts.”

With that, he turned on the water, soaking Stella as he roughly scrubbed at the marks on her neck with his thumb.

Stella was livid. In a desperate move, she grabbed the showerhead from him and swung it at Xander’s head with all her might.

Xander felt a sharp ‘clang’ as it struck his skull, the pain reverberating through his head.

Gritting his teeth, he spat, “You crazy woman…”

This woman must have eaten too much jalapeño growing up, she was fiery enough to give anyone a run for their money.

Xander, his head ringing, lunged to grab Stella again. But Stella wasn’t one to back down. The two of them soon found themselves grappling in the bathroom.

Suddenly, the buzzing of Stella’s phone broke through the chaos.

Stella locked eyes with Xander’s piercing gaze, defensively clutching the phone to her chest. She shot him a fierce glare.

Xander demanded, who’s calling?”

“None of your business!” Stella snapped.

Xander was momentarily speechless. This girl really had no fear! Had he been too gentle, too accommodating when they were back in Ferrowland?

He decided it was time she saw his tougher side.

Xander moved forward, pulling her wet form into his arms. Instantly, Stella went wild, struggling against him. “Let me go, you bastard! Let go!”

In the next moment, Xander snatched her phone from her grip.

It was a video call from Ronald.

Xander glanced at Stella before answering the call, positioning his face close to the screen.

“Hey, Ronald.”

The line went silent for a moment.

Then Ronald’s voice came through, cold and sharp. “Where’s Star?”

Xander flipped the camera, revealing Stella, soaked and disheveled, with the barrel of his gun resting against her forehead.

Stella reached to swat it away, but Xander shot her a warning look.

When Ronald saw Stella on the screen, wet and bedraggled, the tension in his voice escalated.

“What did you do to her?”

The deadly warning in Ronald’s tone was all aimed at Xander.

Xander chuckled. “Ronald, I want what’s mine.”

“Alright.”

Stella blinked in disbelief.

Xander was equally surprised. This was too easy. It seemed this girl really was important to Ronald now.

His gaze lingered on the marks on Stella’s neck. He spoke again, his tone now icy. “When can I expect it?” “It’s with Bernie. Haven’t you already heard?”

Stella was confused. Didn’t Lancelot steal the thing from Ronald? How had it become something Xander was seeking?

Could it be that this was what Xander had been asking Ronald for all along? Stella was starting to get a little curious about what it was.

Xander pressed on, “Then I’ll need you to retrieve it for me, Ronald. Until then, I’ll take good care of Star.”

He emphasized his point by nudging the gun against Stella’s head.

Ronald’s voice turned even more dangerous. “Move that gun away from her head. This is your last warning.”

“Ronald, it seems you still don’t realize the upper hand isn’t yours in this chase.”

Xander smirked, leaning back.

Ronald’s voice came through, “Is that so?

The screen shifted, revealing Shawn, crying and pleading for help.

“Help me!

Xander’s eyes widened in shock.

How did that useless guy end up in Ronald’s hands so quickly?

Chapter 367

Just then, the unmistakable voice of Finley echoed through the room.

“Mr. Schultz, do you really think Shawn, this delicate little flower, can handle my research?”

Xander’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Shawn, who had been pleading for Xander’s help moments earlier, snapped at the insult.

“Are you talking about me, you insensitive jerk?”

Insensitive? What did he mean by that?

Finley didn’t quite get it. “Yeah, I’m talking about you.”

Without missing a beat, he pressed the scalpel to Shawn’s neck and glanced back at Xander on the phone screen.

“Mr. Schultz, how about I start the dissection from the carotid artery?”

Stella’s eyes widened in alarm. The carotid artery? That was a death sentence…

Xander’s expression turned icy as he let out a dry laugh.

“You all think Shawn matters that much to me?”

“Xander, you…”

Xander cut Shawn off. “Why don’t you just kill him? He’s not that important to me. But this little princess here… She’s got a lot of value. Bro Ronald should really think twice. I’m not exactly the gentle type, can’t promise she’ll come out of this unscathed. If she ends up scrawny and hurt, don’t blame me.”

Finley chuckled. “Fine, I’ll take care of him now.”

Without hesitation, Finley dragged the scalpel across Shawn’s neck.

“Ahhh…”

Shawn screamed in agony, lunging to grab the scalpel from Finley. At that moment, the two of them began a fierce struggle.

Meanwhile, Stella grabbed Xander’s wrist and bit down hard.

Xander grunted in pain. “Ow, Stella, you’re biting me again!”

Chaos erupted on both ends of the phone call. Finley roared, “Shaw you bastard, I’m gonna kill you today!”

Xander shouted, “Stella, you crazy woman, let go of me!”

Earlier, she’d hit him with a steel showerhead, leaving his head ringing, and now she’d sunk her teeth into him! Again!

Stella, determined, wasn’t about to let go.

A loud ‘thud’ resounded, and for a moment, the line fell silent.

Shawn’s eyes widened as he stared at Ronald. Blood trickled down Shawn’s leg, and for a second, the pain didn’t register. Then came the scream- a shrill, banshee-like cry that echoed through the room.

Ronald eyed Xander through the phone. “Not important, huh?”

Xander’s demeanor shifted. “You leave him alone.”

Ronald was firm. “Return Star to us, and you’ll get what you want.”

Xander was furious. “I need my stuff first.”

Stella was his only leverage. If he returned her, how was he supposed to retrieve the stuff he’d been after?

“Xander…”

Xander huffed, “Just hurry up.”

Ending the call abruptly, he grabbed Stella’s chin.

“You dare bite me again? I ought to knock your teeth out.”

Xander was genuinely pissed. Why had he never realized Stella could resort to such unscrupulous tactics? Biting, of all things. Was there anything she wouldn’t do?

Stella defiantly replied, “Go ahead, do it.”

She opened her mouth, still stained with a bit of his blood.

Xander’s blood boiled with frustration.

“Hmph, if I mess you up now, Ronald will be on my case. I’ll deal with you once I get what I want.”

With that, he tossed Stella to the side. She rolled her eyes at him.

Grinding his teeth, Xander knew she was banking on the fact that he wouldn’t actually harm her. And, annoyingly, she was right.

He glared at Stella, exasperated. “Tell me honestly, does Ronald have the thing or not?”

Even though Ronald had said on the phone that the thing was still with Bernie, Xander wasn’t convinced. Stella smirked. “And you’d believe me if I told you?”

Xander was incredulous. Of course, he wouldn’t believe her. Everyone in Ferrowland knew this little troublemaker was in cahoots with Ronald.

Meanwhile, back with Ronald, his presence exuded a chilling danger.

Finley, exhausted from his earlier scuffle, had just climbed out of the fray only to find Ronald holding Shawn captive.

Chapter 368

Now that Shawn had injured his leg, he was pretty much out of commission and couldn’t cause any trouble. Finley was so exhausted he just plopped down on the floor.

Idris returned and was a bit taken aback when he saw Shawn.

“Sir.”

“Go fetch Bernie back.”

Idris hesitated. “Fetch him back?”

They had just kicked the guy out.

Idris had a pretty good idea of what Ronald was planning. It was classic Ronald trying to get something for nothing.

Kicking Bernie off the yacht was just the first move, a way to show him that no matter where they were, Ronald was in charge.

Based on what Idris knew of Ronald, there was definitely a plan in place. But right now… it was best not to overthink it. “Yes, sir. I’ll get on it.”

They’d already made the necessary threats. Grabbing Bernie back at this point should achieve the desired effect. Idris left to carry out his orders.

Finley glanced over at Ronald. “Relax about Star. Xander wouldn’t hurt her.”

Everyone knew Xander had a thing for Stella. Things could have been fine between them all.

But somehow, Xander and Ronald ended up on opposite sides and seeing Stella became a rare occasion.

Back when the old man was still alive, he’d shown a clear interest in Stella.

Who would have guessed the old man would meet an untimely end, and the Schultz family would undergo such drastic changes at the same time? Xander and Ronald found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of change and chaos.

……

Soon enough, Idris returned with Bernie in tow, looking worse for wear. He was sporting a couple of bruises and it was clear he’d been roughed up a bit before being tossed off the yacht.

Seething with anger, Bernie spat, “Mr. Quinn, what’s the meaning of this? Are you trying to sever all ties with Cyris Isle?”

Crossing him meant crossing the shadow power on Cyris Isle – his brother.

Ronald didn’t flinch. Instead, he shot Idris a cold glance.

Idris caught on immediately, stepping forward and kicking Bernie’s legs out from under him.

Bernie went down hard on his knees. His anger was palpable, but he held his tongue.

Ronald clasped his hands, leaning forward slightly. His gaze was calm, yet menacing. “I told you before, Bernie, I want the thing.”

There was no offer of negotiation, no pretense of civility. If Ronald had played it polite earlier, his true intentions were unmistakable now.

Finley, long accustomed to Ronald’s forceful ways, sat off to the side, unfazed.

But Shawn felt the pressure mounting in his chest. If Xander kept holding onto Stella, Ronald might just decide to take it out on him.

Bernie picked up on Ronald’s threat. “It’s not on me.”

“Oh?”

“Let me go, and I’ll take someone with me to get it.”

Ronald chuckled darkly. His eyes locked onto Bernie, turning even more dangerous.

“It’s really not on me,” Bernie insisted.

Ronald turned to Shawn. “Did you hear that?”

Shawn froze. He suddenly realized his role in all this.

“Shawn,” Ronald said, his voice soft yet chilling, “I’ve watched you grow up. You know what Star means to the Quinn family, don’t you?”

The gentle tone sent a shiver down Shawn’s spine. Glancing nervously at the gun Ronald was casually toying with, he nodded “I understand.”

“Do you want Xander to live?”

Shawn felt his heart sink.

See? He knew they couldn’t touch Stella. With just one word from Ronald, they might not make it off this yacht alive.

“I’ll call him right now.”

Wasting no time, he looked at Finley, who had confiscated his phone.

Finley tossed it back to him. “Talk some sense into your brother. Of all people, why go after Star? If he needs a hostage, he can take me instead. I’m a rough man. Ronald won’t get this worked up over me, right?”

It was like snatching food right out of Ronald’s mouth. He was bound to be furious.

Shawn sighed inwardly.

But wasn’t this exactly what Xander wanted?

Chapter 369

He must have been careless to end up right next to Ronald.

The moment the call was placed, Ronald issued a cold warning. “You can take Bernie with you.”

Shawn nodded in agreement.

Bernie, confused, asked, “Mr. Quinn, what do you mean by that?”

That thing didn’t belong to Mr. Schultz. What did it mean to hand him over to Xander Schultz?

Bernie thought about the rumors concerning Patrina over the past two years. If he landed in Xander’s hands, wouldn’t he be in deep trouble?

Bernie couldn’t help but shiver at the thought.

Shawn, dialing the number nervously, stole a glance at Ronald. After thirty long seconds, he swallowed and muttered, “He, uh… didn’t pick up.”

Ronald’s face hardened instantly.

Shawn stammered, “I’ll try calling again right away.”

He recalled the bullet Ronald had put in his leg earlier. His stomach twisted at the thought- what if the next one went between his eyes?

Bernie, meanwhile, was sweating bullets. “Mr. Quinn, I’ll get the item from my brother right away. I’ll give it to you. Please don’t hand me over to Mr. Schultz.”

With all his men neutralized by Ronald’s team, Bernie didn’t dare stir up any more trouble.

Ronald gave Idris a knowing glance, and Idris nodded in understanding before leaving the scene.

Seeing Ronald remain silent, Bernie grew anxious. “Mr. Quinn?”

Finley chimed in, “Do you even know who the woman you were eyeing is?”

“Who?” Bernie asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Someone in Ronald’s circle, besides being a plaything, what else could she be?

Having lived on Cyris Isle for so long, Bernie clearly wasn’t in the loop about Stella’s identity.

Finley continued, “That’s Mr. Quinn’s precious little jewel, the one he raised himself. You really thought you could mess with her?”

Bernie’s pupils shrank in shock as he looked a Ronald. “She’s the Quinn family’s little princess?”

Even with the news being as scarce as it was, Bernie knew about Ronald raising a little girl. Wasn’t there talk that she had gone missing? And the girl from earlier… that was her? They had found her?

Finley snickered. “Oh, and you might not know- she’s also Xander’s fiancée in name. If he finds out, just imagine the thrill when you land in his hands!”

Ronald shot him a cold glare. A tightness gripped Finley’s chest under that piercing gaze. “Did I say something wrong again?”

Shawn, still on the phone, was sweating bullets.

When Stella had been taken to Patrina, Shawn had already figured out that she was likely Ronald’s woman now.

Yet, here was Finley, casually throwing out that she was Xander’s fiancée in name. Seriously, his inability to keep quiet was worse than ever.

“Seriously, man, did I say something wrong?” Finley asked, feeling uneasy under Ronald’s stare.

Ronald was in no mood to engage with him.

Shawn kept dialing Xander, but the call went unanswered.

Meanwhile, in the room, Xander turned on the TV, engrossed in his game. He was confident Ronald wouldn’t act so quickly.

Stella could hear the incessant buzzing from another phone in his pocket.

“Your phone’s been ringing,” she pointed out.

“Shut up,” Xander snapped.

What a jerk!

Stella rolled her eyes. She felt disheveled and wanted to go freshen up, but of course, this jerk wouldn’t even let her go to the bathroom, let alone return her confiscated phone.

And yet, here he was, playing games, completely unfazed, as if Ronald wasn’t about to burst in and turn him into Swiss cheese.

“I’d like to play too,” Stella said.

Xander scoffed. “Women shouldn’t play games. You should learn to cook and arrange flowers.”

Stella was taken aback. Cooking and flower arranging? Like a perfect little housewife?

To be fair, her mother had never pressured her and Yvonne into such things. While other high-society ladies focused on elegance and poise, their mother had let them grow freely.

Facing Xander’s outdated mindset, Stella chose not to engage, turning her attention to the TV instead.

But Xander wasn’t done yet. “So, since you’ve been in Portis City all these years, can you cook?”

“I can,” Stella replied matter-of-factly.

Sure, she could cook. Whether anyone would survive eating it was another matter entirely.

Xander smirked. “You should cook for me sometime.

“Sure,” Stella agreed without hesitation.

Xander raised an eyebrow. “You’re not planning to poison your husband, are you? And don’t forget, you blew up my kitchen once.

Remembering that incident, Xander felt his anger flare up.

This woman had certainly become more unpredictable during her time in Portis City, her personality more fiery than ever.

Chapter 370

Xander lifted his head from his phone, noticing that Stella hadn’t responded to him. She was staring intently at the TV, as if she’d discovered something groundbreaking.

Curious, Xander got up and walked over to see what held her so captivated. It was a live broadcast of a boxing match on a cruise ship.

Nothing special, he thought.

“What are you watching?” he asked, perplexed as to why she seemed so engrossed.

Stella’s eyes were fixed on a man sprawled out on the ring, bloodied but oddly familiar. Despite the mess, she could see a resemblance to someone she knew.

He looked a lot like Yorick. No, he looked even more like Thane.

Xander noticed it too. “Isn’t that your fiancé from Portis City? What’s he doing, trying to be a punching bag?”

It was less of a legitimate boxing match and more a place for rich people to blow off steam. The poor guy on the floor clearly wasn’t there to win.

Stella turned away, refusing to engage, but Xander wasn’t one to be ignored. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“Stella, you’re getting bolder these days, aren’t you?”

“Let go,” Stella snapped, grabbing his wrist.

This time, Xander released her almost reflexively. He knew she could bite, and he preferred to keep a safe distance from her mouth.

“Your phone’s been ringing,” Stella pointed out, breaking the tension.

Xander shot her an annoyed look before checking it.

It was from Shawn.

He answered, “Is he dead?”

“Bro, you’re heartless,” Shawn’s voice came through, full of frustration. “You practically set Ronald on me. What’s your game here?”

“Get to the point,” Xander said, not in the mood for his theatrics.

“Ronald’s using me as collateral for Stella,” Shawn explained.

Xander raised an eyebrow. “And you think you’re worth it?” “You’re impossible! Aren’t we supposed to family?” Shawn’s anger was palpable.

Xander didn’t bother replying. Instead, he took a drag from his cigarette, his gaze shifting to Stella. He considered blowing the smoke her way but decided against it when she shot him a warning look. Instead, he exhaled in another direction.

“Plus, he’s got Bernie,” Shawn added.

Xander paused, taking in this new piece of information. He took another drag, then glanced at Stella, who was watching him with a knowing smile.

Too calm. Too mocking.

He didn’t like it.

“Deal,” he finally said, then hung up.

Turning to Stella, Xander said, “Remember what I told you before you went to Portis City?”

Stella didn’t answer, recalling that he had asked the same thing back in Patrina

“You’re my fiancée, and I’ll come to get you,” he had said.

Stella had understood then that Xander intended to send her back to Ronald. She still wasn’t sure if the item Lancelot had taken truly belonged to Xander.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed when Xander grabbed her and led her out the door.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“To find your brother,” Xander replied, emphasizing the word “brother” to remind her of her ties to Ronald.

Xander knew where Ronald was and took her straight to a golf lounge.

As soon as they entered, Stella instinctively wanted to run to Ronald, but Xander held her back by the neck. “What’s the rush?”

Ronald stood up, eyes dark with warning as he looked at Xander.

Xander pressed a gun to Stella’s head.

“Shawn, come over here.”

“Mr. Quinn, Mr. Quinn!” Bernie shouted, panicked.

Ronald ignored him, instead exchanging a look with Finley.

Understanding the silent command, Finley grabbed Shawn and Bernie, dragging them over to Xander.

Bernie cried out again, “Mr. Quinn, Mr. Quinn!” but it was no use.

Finley dumped the two at Xander’s feet, then looked at Stella, clearly indicating a trade.

Xander glanced at Stella, then leaned in to whisper, “Star, we’re not done. Remember that.” Then he pushed Stella towards Finley, who caught her.

Without waiting, Xander pulled Shawn away along with Bernie, disappearing from the scene.

Before Finley could react, Ronald pulled Stella into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his lean waist.

“Ronald,” she murmured.

Feeling the dampness of her clothes, Ronald took off his own shirt and draped it over her.

“Let’s get you to a room,” he said softly, picking her up and carrying her away from the chaos.

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