Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 371 to 380)

Chapter 371

Stella changed out of her clothes in the room, and Ronald immediately took her and Finley off the yacht.

“Where are we headed now?” Stella asked.

Ronald replied with a reassuring smile, “To find someone. Trust me.”

He led her away, his grip firm yet gentle.

Finley and Idris exchanged knowing glances; they were well aware of who Ronald intended to meet. Xander had taken Bernie, but Ronald was determined to reclaim what was rightfully his.

Stella fell the cool determination emanating from Ronald and decided to keep quiel, obediently following his lead.

As soon as they were in the car, Stella’s phone buzzed.

It was Susanna calling.

“Hey, Susie,” Stella answered.

“Stella, you won’t believe this!” Susanna exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. “They’re at it again!”

Stella’s eyes widened. “Who’s fighting now?”

“Lola and Ursula! It’s a full-on brawl!”

Stella shook her head in disbelief. “Seriously? How do you even know this?”

“I’m right next door to the Larkin estate,” Susanna explained. “I left some stuff here after the interview and came back to get it.”

“Wow, you really do stumble across the wildest things,” Stella chuckled.

“I’m sending you a video,” Susanna said before hanging up.

Stella could hear the thrill in Susanna’s voice, which meant this scene at the Larkin estate was something remarkable.

Meanwhile, Susanna’s hands trembled with excitement as she captured the chaos on her phone, eager to share the drama with Stella.

Lola had been a firecracker ever since insisting on moving into the Larkin household. Susanna knew the place was bound to be a madhouse.

Back at the Larkin estate, Lola was pulling Ursula out of bed.

“Get out! You’re leaving this house right now!”

With a dramatic flourish, Lola flung open the closet and began tossing Ursula’s belongings onto the floor.

Ursula, already frail and bedridden, was in no condition to defend herself. Lola’s rough handling seemed to push her to her limits.

Ursula coughed weakly.

Lola hurled a pile of clothes at her. “Accuse me of stealing your diamond necklace, huh? You’re really something, Ursula. Just a foster daughter, causing all this trouble.”

“Stella might have put up with your nonsense, but not me,” Lola sneered. “You think you can drive me out of the Larkin family? I’m the mother of the Larkin grandson. Who do you think you are?”

Lola was livid. Just thinking about Cloudia’s sharp words downstairs, demanding she return the necklace or leaves the family, made her blood boil.

“Are you playing the victim? Trying to stir up trouble?” Lola taunted.

Tears welled up in Ursula’s eyes. “I didn’t… I’m not…”

Before she could finish, Lola bent down and slapped her hard, leaving Ursula’s face stinging.

Cloudia rushed in at the commotion. “Lola, have you lost your mind? Put those things down. You don’t run this house.”

Ursula looked to Cloudia with pleading eyes, tears streaming down her face. “Mom, I told you not to argue with her. Now she’s taking it out on me.”

“Not to argue with me?” Lola retorted, flinging another armful of clothes at Ursula, hangers and all.

One of the hangers scratched Ursula’s forehead, making her yelp in pain. “Ah…”

Still fuming, Lola grabbed more clothes to throw.

Cloudia grabbed her, restraining her. “Lola, enough! Stop this right now.”

“She needs to leave,” Lola insisted.

Cloudia, ever the protector, replied, “You shut your mouth. You have no authority here. If anyone leaves, it’s you.”

Still unwavering in her favoritism towards Ursula, Cloudia stood firm.

Lola crossed her arms defiantly, scoffing. “Me, leave? Oh, Mrs. Larkin, your precious foster daughter has ruined your real daughter, crippled your son, and driven your husband away, and you still defend her?”

Chapter 372

Cloudia stood there, speechless, her face frozen in disbelief.

Instinctively, she glanced at Ursula, who shook her head weakly, her pallor almost ghostly.

“Mom,” Ursula whispered, her voice barely audible. Despite saying so little, Ursula’s fragile state tugged at everyone’s heartstrings.

Cloudia shot an angry glare at Lola. “Stop trying to stir the pot. The mess the Larkin family is in now is all because of Stella.”

Lola smirked. “Oh really? So, when Dad had twins with the company’s financial director, was it Stella who introduced them?”

Cloudia fell silent, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

Ursula, meanwhile, seemed momentarily lost, her gaze unfocused.

Lola’s knowing smile only made things worse, prompting Ursula to lower her head in silence.

Mentioning Blaise only fueled Cloudia’s anger further, her fists clenching tightly in response.

…

Susanna forwarded a video to Stella, unable to resist a couple of amused clucks.

“This is just too juicy,” she commented before dialing Stella’s number.

“Can you believe what a rollercoaster the Larkin family drama has become?” Susanna laughed.

Stella replied, “If you’re still able to enjoy the spectacle, I suppose the airport incident didn’t rattle you too much.”

Stella had been worried that Susanna, who wasn’t used to such chaos, might be shaken. But clearly, she wasn’t. Just moments ago, Susanna had been lamenting her lost first kiss, and now she was completely engrossed in the Larkin family saga.

Susanna shrugged it off. “Oh, come on, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Not even the first kiss?” Stella teased.

Susanna laughed. “Hey, don’t keep bringing up things I can’t fix, alright?”

If Susanna could have stood up to Hull, she would have slapped him silly. But she couldn’t, and she knew it.

“Alright, enough of that. I’ll let you go. Enjoy the show,” Susanna said, hanging up. Despite the ongoing arguments echoing from the Larkin household, Susanna had already lost interest. The Larkin family drama was endless, too much for her to keep up with.

On her way out of a client interview, Susanna got a call from her mom.

“Mom, what’s with all the frequent calls? Suddenly remembered you have a daughter?” she teased.

Their contact was sparse, twice a month at most. They could go so long without speaking that they might forget the other existed.

“Susie, you need to leave the country,” Lacey Tucker, Susanna’s mother, said, her voice firm and urgent.

“Uh, what?” Susanna was baffled.

“Just pack up and go. I’ve sent Tania to get you. She’ll take care of everything.”

Susanna was stunned. Not only was she being told to leave the country, but someone was being sent to ensure she did so.

“Where am I supposed to go?”

“To Ferrowland.”

“Now?”

Ferrowland was where Star grew up. Was she really supposed to move there?

“Yes, and don’t come back to Portis City until I say so,” Lacey instructed.

“What’s going on?” Susanna’s voice was tinged with urgency. Despite the infrequent calls, she cared for her mother. The strange tone in Lacey’s voice made her anxious.

But before she could get any answers, Lacey hung up, leaving Susanna in silence.

“Am I really not important enough to know what’s happening?” Susanna muttered to herself, feeling a mix of frustration and concern.

Chapter 373

As Susanna listened to the constant beeping on the phone, a wave of unease washed over her. She redialed Lacey’s number, but the call was abruptly cut off after just two rings.

Just as she was about to try again, Tania’s call came through.

“Miss, where are you right now? I’m coming to pick you up,” Tania said, her voice steady and urgent.

“I’m heading home to pack my bags. Meet me there,” Susanna replied, already planning her next move.

Tania interrupted her, “There’s no time to pack. We need to leave for Ferrowland immediately. Please send me your location.”

Susanna was taken aback.

“What happened to my mom?” she demanded, her heart pounding with anxiety.

Skipping packing suggested something serious was amiss, and Susanna’s instincts told her it was more than just a minor issue.

Tania remained tight-lipped. “That’s not for you to worry about, Miss.”

“I’m her daughter. I have a right to know what’s going on!” Susanna’s voice rose with desperation.

“Her affairs are beyond your concern right now,” Tania insisted.

“I want to see her. Where is she?” Susanna shouted into the phone, climbing into her car, frustration mounting.

Tania’s response was chilling. “You can’t see her right now.”

“Why not?” Susanna pressed… her anxiety spiking.

“Because I don’t know where she is either,” Tania admitted.

Susanna’s heart sank, her body chilled to the bone. If Tania, who was always by Lacey’s side, didn’t know where she was, it could only mean trouble.

She hung up and quickly sent her location to Tania, who promptly replied with a voice message.

“Miss, stay where you are. Don’t move.”

Standing in the cold wind, Susanna shivered.

It was nearing the holiday season, a time when her mother always made sure to be with her, no matter how busy she was.

Yet this year, she was being sent away at the most critical moment. Her chest tightened with a mix of fear and frustration.

……

Meanwhile, Stella was grossed in the video Susanna had sent her.

In the clip, Lola was furiously throwing clothes at Ursula, even landing a couple of slaps.

Lola had quite a fiery temper. Just by looking at her, it was clear that the tricks Ursula had once used on Stella had now been turned against her.

Not everyone bothers to explain themselves when misunderstandings arise, and certainly not everyone chooses patience. Ronald glanced at the video playing on Stella’s phone. “The Larkin family drama?”

“Yeah, Susie sent it to me,” Stella replied, eyes still fixed on the screen.

Ronald chuckled. “And she still has the energy to watch the circus?”

Despite her earlier concerns for Susanna, Stella couldn’t help but smile. She had expected her to be moping for days, yet here she was, caught up in the latest spectacle.

Ronald watched Stella’s fascination with the Larkin family antics with amused affection. He was about to say something when his phone rang.

It was Yvonne.

“Hey, are you in Cyris Isle?” she asked.

Ronald frowned slightly, glancing at Stella beside him. “Are you here too?”

“I’m on Star’s yacht, having a little vacation. Guess who I saw? That jerk Xander,” Yvonne’s voice crackled with irritation, her long-standing grudge against Xander flaring up.

“Want me to take care of him for you?” Yvonne suggested dryly.

“Not your problem,” Ronald snapped back, his tone not entirely pleasant.

“Are you sure?”

Ronald remained calm. “He’s still useful for now.”

Yvonne fell silent, the implication hanging between them.

Beside him, Stella studied Ronald curiously.

“What is it? Is that why you haven’t finished him off all these years?” Yvonne pressed.

Over the past few years, Ronald had indeed been ruthless toward Xander, but he had never taken his life.

Was it because Ronald couldn’t kill Xander? Not necessarily!

Ronald asked, shifting the conversation, “Are you there alone or with Dan Murray?”

“Dan’s here too,” Yvonne replied, her tone notably subdued when mentioning Dan.

Ronald picked up on the change. What’s going on?

Yvonne, usually so spirited, rarely let anything get her down. Whatever it was, it must be serious.

“Nothing. Are you still on the yacht? I’ll come find you,” she offered, trying to sound upbeat.

We’re not there anymore,” Ronald replied.

“Oh, alright. We’ll talk when you’re back in Ferrowland,” Yvonne concluded, understanding Ronald’s busy schedule and his tendency for quick international trips.

Chapter 374

It was quite a rare occasion for Ronald to stay in Portis City for such an extended period. But then again, it was probably because of Stella.

“Remember to put yourself first,” Ronald reminded her with a firm tone.

“Got it. Is Star with you?” Yvonne’s voice crackled through the phone.

“She is.”

“Then you better keep a close eye on her. You know what Xander’s intentions are,” Yvonne warned, her tone shifting to irritation at the mention of Xander. It was clear she was still upset about Xander’s betrayal of the Quinn family.

Ronald glanced at the sweet and innocent Stella beside him, a fond smile playing on his lips. “She’s smarter than you think.”

Yvonne was taken aback. What did he mean by that?

Before she could question further, Ronald had already ended the call.

Stella looked up at him, feigning innocence. “Talking about Yvonne like that, aren’t you afraid she’ll come after you?” “What trouble could she possibly cause?” Ronald scoffed.

“You’re underestimating her,” Stella teased, recalling how Xander had once underestimated her back in Patrina. Ronald’s gaze fell on the red mark on Stella’s neck. He gently lifted her chin to inspect it.

“Did Xander do this?”

Stella shrugged. “I hit him with a showerhead.”

Ronald paused, then let out a low chuckle. “You knew he wouldn’t really hurt you.”

Xander might have had a ruthless streak, but when it came to Stella, he always held back. Ronald knew it too well, and the thought of Xander’s lingering attachment hardened his expression.

In one swift motion, he pulled Stella onto his lap.

Stella let out a startled gasp. “What are you doing?”

Up front, Finley had already shoved earbuds into his ears, wisely choosing to ignore whatever was happening behind him. He had learned his lesson about running his mouth.

Ronald squeezed her waist gently. “I can’t let you out of my sight for a second.”

The moment she was out of his sight, Xander had whisked her away.

Ronald leaned forward and told Idris, “Some claws need trimming.”

Idris, steady at the wheel, nodded. “Understood”

Stella looked at Ronald, confused. Claws? What, are you talking about cutting off someone’s hand?”

Before she could press him further, Ronald silenced her with a kiss. Possessive, demanding, leaving no room for argument.

Stella stiffened for a second, but when the partition in the car blocked them from view, she realized resistance was pointless.

Up front, Idris made a call to put Ronald’s orders into action. “Avery and Cable are to be taken out of the picture.”

“Understood.”

Finley’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He turned to Idris, who had just hung up. “Are you trying to push Xander over the edge?”

Avery and Cable had been Xander’s right-hand men for years. Taking them out of the picture would send him into a frenzy.

Idris tossed his phone onto the dashboard, his tone cold. “He crossed the line with Stella twice. Once more, and it’ll cost him dearly.”

Finley sucked in a sharp breath. “But Stella was promised to him by the old man and Mr. Schultz.”

As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Idris shot Finley a deadly glare.

Finley winced. “Ah… my big mouth.”

A hand reached from the back and smacked him on the head. It was Ronald, who had somehow lowered the partition without Finley noticing, making him yelp.

“I was wrong, I admit it!” Finley cried, rubbing his head.

Seriously, why did his mouth never listen to his brain?

If he was being honest, he had always thought Ronald had stolen Stella from Xander.

But Xander? That guy was impossible to figure out. Stella and Ronald were clearly into each other, yet Xander insisted on making things complicated like sheer persistence would somehow change her feelings.

“Do you prefer the desert or the sea?” Ronald asked out of the blue.

“Neither,” Finley replied without hesitation. He had no desire to provoke Ronald after that exhausting swim in the sea earlier.

Stella, her lips slightly swollen, glared at Finley’s head. “The desert sounds good. So dry it might keep certain people from running their mouths.

Finley turned in his seat. “Please, I’m begging you!”

He barely managed to swallow the words “you little brat,” replacing them with a more respectful plea.

Chapter 375

At the Larkin household, things were getting out of hand. Cloudia had asked Lola to return a necklace to Ursula, and Lola had thrown a fit over it, almost tearing the home apart.

Ursula was practically begging for forgiveness. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault, all my fault.”

Lola sneered. “And what exactly are you sorry for?”

“It’s my fault for accusing you. Mom, I wronged her, it was all my fault.”

Cloudia wasn’t buying it. She looked at Ursula with sympathy, assuming she was conceding just to keep the peace.

“Lola, you’re absolutely…”

Lola cut her off, “Absolutely what? Didn’t you hear her admit she falsely accused me? Even after Ursula’s confession, you still insist that I was overreacting? Isn’t this exactly how you drove your own daughter away before?”

Cloudia was taken aback. “You…”

“Oh, I see how it is,” Lola continued, voice dripping with sarcasm. “When your adopted daughter tells the truth, you think she’s lying. And when she lies, you believe her.”

Now it was all clear to Lola. Ursula had confessed, yet Cloudia refused to accept it.

Cloudia’s chest rose and fell sharply, her glare burning into Lola. Words failed her she simply couldn’t stand the sight of her at that moment.

“Get out,” she finally spat. “Get out of our house.”

Lola chuckled. “Get out? Only the man of the house can say that. If you want Dad to throw me out himself, fine. One word from him, and I’ll leave with my boy immediately.”

Cloudia fell silent.

Ursula, too, had nothing to say.

Mentioning Blaise only made things worse. It was like twisting a knife in Cloudia’s chest.

The company was already in shambles, and the remaining money had been taken by Blaise. He hadn’t been home recently, and Cloudia had no idea where he was staying with that woman.

Lola turned her attention to Ursula. “Since you say it’s your fault and you accused me wrongly, then please, tell me where your necklace is.”

Ursula was stunned.

Cloudia snapped, “How dare you torment Ursula?”

Her words were sharp and threatening.

Lola’s temper flared again. She stepped forward and slapped Ursula across the face twice. “Are you going to talk or not?” Ursula was too weak to resist or escape, so she just kept screaming.

Cloudia was furious, trying to intervene. But she was older and no match for Lola’s strength. Lola slapped Ursula a few more times.

“Love stirring up trouble and gossip, huh? Tell me where your necklace is. If you don’t clarify today, I’ll beat it out of you.” With each slap and shove, Ursula, already in a pitiful state, was now covered in bruises. Her body trembled with rage and pain, and a deep ache spread through her stomach.

Lola was relentless, like a madwoman. Ursula couldn’t take it anymore, “Under the sink… in the cabinet… in the basket with the towels.”

Lola paused. So did Cloudia.

Cloudia, who had been trying to pull Lola away, suddenly stopped, her eyes widening in shock as she stared at Ursula.

Lola let out a chuckle and strode toward the bathroom. She yanked open the cabinet, grabbed the towel basket, and dumped its contents onto the floor.

With a sharp clatter, the necklace tumbled out.

Lola bent down, picked up the necklace, and waved it in front of Cloudia’s face, “Mrs. Larkin, she told us exactly where to find it. You wouldn’t dare twist this around and claim I planted it there and forced her to say it, would you?”

Cloudia looked at Ursula, breathing heavily. She opened her mouth to say something, but not a single word came out.

Ursula had named the location herself.

Chapter 376

Ursula’s face was ashen. She was at her wit’s end.

For the past few months, it had been either Stella causing trouble or Lola. Ever since returning to the Portis City, Ursula hadn’t had a moment of peace. Even Yorick was giving her a hard time now, and it felt like she was on the brink of losing her mind.

“You all want me gone, huh? Fine, I’ll give you what you want.”

Lola scoffed. “Oh, please. If you really cared so little about your life, would you bother trying to frame me?”

Cloudia, sensing Ursula’s despair, almost softened her stance, but Lola’s words snapped her back to reality. Anger trembled through her, unsure whether she was more furious with Lola or Ursula.

Lola crouched down and threw the necklace in Ursula’s face. “Is this how you tried to ruin Stella too?”

Mocking Ursula’s pitiful tone, Lola mimicked, “Oh, mom, don’t blame her. It’s all my fault. Don’t be mad at Star, it’s me who’s wrong.”

Ursula’s face turned ashen with rage.

Lola stood up with a cold smile and looked at Cloudia. “What was it you said about me before? No manners?”

She shifted her gaze back to Ursula. “Well, your upbringing sure shows.”

Both Ursula and Cloudia fell silent.

Having taken them both down a peg, Lola strutted out of the room.

Cloudia looked at Ursula with a pained expression. “Why would you do something like this?”

Even if she wasn’t fond of Lola, this was a pretty low way to go about things. There were plenty of ways to get someone out of the picture, but this was just plain underhanded.

“Mom, I…”

“No, don’t say anything. You’re and still can’t keep out of trouble.”

Cloudia turned and left, her anger barely contained.

Ursula’s breath hitched, her face growing paler as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Why? Why does everyone want to take everything from me?” she cried out in frustration.

First Stella, now Lola.

Recalling Lola’s recent confrontation, Ursula felt the sting of humiliation burning all over her.

……

Over on Cyris Isle, Ronald and Stella walked hand in hand, followed by Finley and the others as they left Bernie’s family estate.

Finley grumbled from behind, “Bert and Bernie couldn’t be more different.”

Bernie seemed slimy enough, but Bert, on the other hand, seemed like a decent guy. Once he knew what they were after, he handed it over without a fuss.

If they’d known Bert had it, they wouldn’t have needed to make the trip.

Ronald chuckled. “You think there’s such a thing as a good guy here?”

Finley was taken aback.

Well… okay, Bert did manage to take control of the whole Cyris Isle by himself, not exactly saintly behavior.

“Maybe he just wanted to impress the lady? I noticed Bert seems pretty fond of his young wife.”

Stella raised an eyebrow, glancing at Finley. “We’re still on Bert’s property, you know.”

Finley, ever the gossip, was quick with his words.

Still, it was true- Bert’s new wife was really young. He was pushing seventy, and she looked barely in her twenties. Finley shrugged. “I was just saying.”

“Even ‘just saying’ needs the right time and place,” Stella pointed out.

Finley pouted but fell silent.

Alright, alright. Stella and Ronald were right! Absolutely right! The buzzing of Ronald’s phone broke the moment. It was Xander calling.

As soon as Ronald answered, Xander’s voice came through, dripping with sarcasm. “You lying to me?”

Chapter 377

“Avery and Cable… was that your doing?” Xander’s voice dripped with fury.

He hadn’t expected Ronald to go this far, though Ronald had made a habit of playing rough over the past couple of years. But Avery and Cable? That was a heavy blow for Xander.

Ronald glanced at the little one beside him, munching on snacks. “I told you to forget about the engagement with her,” he said.

Xander fell silent, his eyes narrowing.

Finley and Stella exchanged glances, both caught in the growing tension.

Stella paused mid-bite of her chocolate chip cookie, her attention now fully on Ronald’s words.

The line went silent for a moment. Then Xander chuckled coldly. “I might be able to forget, but you, Ronald… do you really think you can be with her?”

“Have you forgotten what happened with Berry…” Xander started, but Ronald cut him off, ending the call abruptly. His eyes deepened with an unspoken storm.

Stella, still nibbling on her cookie, looked at Ronald in confusion. “What about Berry?”

Berry had been Stella’s close friend back in high school. The two were inseparable. But in their sophomore year, Berry suddenly left school, and Stella never heard from Berry again.

It seemed like Xander was implying that Berry’s departure had something to do with Ronald.

Ronald tousled her hair gently. “Focus on your cookie.”

Stella blinked, sensing something was off.

Xander’s words had struck a chord, but she couldn’t quite piece it together.

Ronald, seeing her curiosity, pulled her into his arms. “Always nosy about other people’s business?”

“No, it’s just that… Xander…”

“Are his words really worth your concern?”

“Okay, okay, I won’t ask anymore.”

If he wasn’t going to tell her, she’d figure it out on her own.

Stella continued nibbling on her cookie, pretending to be disinterested, but her mind was racing. Ronald’s gaze softened slightly. He kissed her forehead. “Good girl.”

“Where are we heading now?” she asked.

“Portis City,” Ronald replied.

“Again?” Stella groaned.

She really didn’t want to go to Portis City. There was something that place that didn’t sit right with her.

Ronald affectionately pinched her nose. “We’ll only be there for two or three days, then back to Ferrowland.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Alright then.”

Hearing it was just for a short while, Stella relaxed a bit. Honestly, she just wanted to go back home, to the place where she grew up.

“Is Yvonne around here?” Stella inquired.

Ronald nodded. “But it’s probably not a good time for you to meet her.”

Knowing she missed Yvonne, Ronald quickly dismissed the idea. Yvonne had come with Dan, and from Yvonne’s tone earlier, things didn’t seem right.

“Idris.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Send someone to check on the situation with Yvonne.”

The girl was usually carefree, but who would have thought she could fall so head-over-heels in love? From the intel Ronald had, Dan wasn’t the same person Yvonne had known back then.

Idris nodded. “Understood.”

—

Meanwhile, Xander’s grip on the phone tightened so much that his knuckles turned white. In a fit of rage, he hurled it across the room.

Shawn lay on the operating table, groaning in pain, sweat beading on his forehead. “Ugh, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have come with you.”

Xander shot him a cold glare.

Shawn immediately shrank back. “I told you if you want something, take it. Steal it, grab it, whatever.

But don’t mess with the princess.

Messing with the princess of the Quinn family was like poking a sleeping bear Ronald’s bear, to be exact. And for the past two years, they’d been chased relentlessly for it.

Chapter 378

Now, Avery and Cable were out of the picture too.

Ronald was truly ruthless. He used to cause a ruckus over Stella; now, he’s quietly losing his mind for her.

—

The group quickly made their way back to the airport. Hull had already arrived and successfully rendezvoused with Ronald.

Ronald was on a call, and whatever was said on the other end made his face harden. He hung up and turned to Hull. “You need to head back to Ferrowland right away.”

Hull raised an eyebrow. “Something up?”

Ronald replied, “Doyne’s been acting sketchy. They’ve smuggled in some weapons from Cyris Isle, and it’s already in Ferrowland.”

A sharp glint flashed in Hull’s eyes. Standing up, his tall frame exuded silent intimidation, especially with the tattoo peeking from his shirt collar, marking him as someone not to be trifled with.

Handsome as hell, but just as dangerous. Though he had a thing for women with hourglass figures, you’d never catch him being soft for any of them.

No wonder Susie had been so terrified back then.

With that kind of presence, who wouldn’t be?

Hull adjusted his suit. “I’ll go and seize the whole lot.”

If they’re not playing nice, he’ll make sure they do.

Ronald shared the sentiment but threw in a token, “Try not to go full pirate on them.”

Stella rolled her eyes. Finley couldn’t help but chuckle.

Telling him not to go full pirate while ordering a raid? Sounded a bit fake, didn’t it?

Barely had Hull left when Stella got a call from Susanna.

As soon as she picked up, Stella asked, “Did Lola kick Ursula out of the Larkin family?”

With Susanna calling, Stella’s first thought was always gossip—either about the Quarry family or the Larkin family.

But this time, Stella was off the mark.

Susanna’s voice came through the line, full of woe. “Neither.”

“Why so down? Still hung up on your first kiss?”

When Stella said “first kiss,” she lowered her voice to a whisper.

“I’m telling you, just forget about it.”

Knowing Susanna, if she kept dwelling on it, she’d definitely stir up some drama. But considering Hull’s intimidating presence, it was best not to tangle with him. The guy was trouble incarnate.

Susanna sighed. “I can’t even think about that right now.”

“So, what’s up?”

“I’m heading to Ferrowland soon. Are you back yet?”

Stella was caught off guard. “Huh?”

“My mom, for some unknown reason, is insisting I fly to Ferrowland immediately. Didn’t even let me pack. I’m already on the plane. Are you in Ferrowland? I’d feel a lot better if you were.”

Even though Susanna had traveled abroad before, she didn’t like being alone in unfamiliar places. Having Stella around would definitely ease her nerves.

Stella assured her, “I’ll be back in two or three days. Did something happen with your mom?”

Stella hadn’t met Lacey many times, but she really liked her. Whenever Susanna mentioned her troubles, Lacey always lent a hand.

Susanna confessed, “I have no idea. I’ll find out once I get to Ferrowland.”

The urgency was palpable. She hadn’t even managed a proper conversation, so how could she know what was going on? Stella asked, “You’re already on the plane?”

“Yeah! I gotta go; they’re telling us to turn off our phones. I’ll call you when I get there.” With that, Susanna hung up.

Stella sighed and glanced at Ronald.

Ronald mused, “Given the timing, there’s a good chance they’ll run into each other.”

He meant Susanna and Hull.

Stella’s eyes widened in realization.

Could it be that these two have some inexplicable connection?

Chapter 379

Xander was fuming. The moment he found out that Bernie had his eyes on Stella and was even thinking of playing around with her, anger surged through him. He was already frustrated from not getting what he wanted, and now this was the last straw.

Without a second thought, Xander launched a swift kick right to Bernie’s most sensitive area.

Bernie let out a pained groan. His face twisted in agony as he crumpled to the ground, clutching himself.

Everyone around winced in sympathy at the sight.

“Mr. Schultz, calm down, calm down,” Bernie stammered through the pain, trying to reason with Xander.

But Xander wasn’t having any of it. He kicked Bernie again, targeting his stomach, legs, and other vulnerable spots. With each hit, he snarled, “You like playing games, huh? I’ll make sure you never play again for the rest of your life.”

Bernie groaned, “Please, I didn’t know she was your fiancée. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have dared, not even with a hundred guts,” he pleaded, desperately trying to defend himself.

Meanwhile, Shawn had been pushed off the operating table and now lay on a bed, still pale. And Xander had lost two of his best men to Ronald. The loss only fueled his fury, and he kicked Bernie even harder. Bernie was drenched in sweat from the pain.

Just as Xander was about to deliver the final blow, Shawn, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. “He’s still that guy’s brother.”

Even though Bernie and Bert didn’t get along, if anything happened to Bernie, Bert wouldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

But Xander’s rage had already reached its peak, and he landed a final, devastating kick that left Bernie screaming like a banshee.

Shawn sighed. Well, at least now this pervert wouldn’t be able to harm any more women. Trying to mess with Stella, the fiery girl who was Xander’s world, was a fool’s errand.

And that wasn’t the end of it. Xander had his men rough Bernie up some more before handing him back to his brother.

Shawn watched Xander, still unable to cool his anger. He couldn’t help but ask, “Be honest with me, are you serious about the little princess?”

He recalled how Xander had sneaked into Portis City to whisk her away before. This time, there had been no need for a kidnapping, that would only complicate things. The issues between him and Ronald would have to be resolved eventually, but Shawn thought it might be simpler without Stella in the mix.

“I’ve noticed you’re always after something from Ronald, but you never really seem interested in the actual goods,” Shawn remarked.

Despite being chased around the world by Ronald for the past few years, Xander had always kept tabs on him. When he caught the wind of Ronald finding Stella, Xander couldn’t help but rush to Portis City.

This time was no exception.

Xander lit a cigarette, took a drag, and remained silent.

Shawn pressed on, “You know Stella’s with Ronald, right?”

Xander paused, the cigarette between his fingers momentarily forgotten.

Seeing his silence, Shawn knew Xander understood the situation perfectly well.

“Yet you still can’t let go?” Shawn prodded.

Xander took another drag, a cold laugh escaping his lips. “Heh…”

He left the rest unsaid.

Shawn sighed. “You know it’s pointless, right? That girl’s always been on Ronald’s side.”

“Let’s be honest, they’re mutual in their feelings,” Shawn continued, only to be cut off by Xander’s icy voice. “They’re mutual?”

Shawn winced. “Aren’t they?”

“Ronald’s just a damn scoundrel,” Xander spat.

Shawn was at a loss. Trying to reason with someone so consumed by obsession was like trying to move a mountain.

Deciding it was better to steer the conversation elsewhere, Shawn changed the subject.

“So, what’s the plan now?” Shawn asked, fully aware they had been outsmarted by Ronald once again.

“And seriously, I’m begging you, don’t mess with that firecracker when Ronald’s around.”

Not to mention Stella’s sharp tongue……

Shawn nearly ended up crippled this time. In his mind, it was best not to tempt fate.

Chapter 380

Xander shot Shawn a frosty glance, and that was all it took to shut him up.

“Alright, I’ll keep quiet.”

Shawn realized just how smitten the usually unshakeable Xander was with Stella. It was a classic case of unrequited affection, like watching a one-sided love story unfold.

Just as Shawn thought Xander had nothing more to say, Xander’s cold voice cut through the silence. “That girl, she’ll have her reasons to cry soon enough.”

Shawn’s eyebrows shot up. “You know, Ronald never lets her shed a tear.”

Xander merely chuckled, a low, ominous sound that made Shawn’s heart skip a beat.

“Get someone to check on the boxing matches.”

“What are we looking for?”

“Her fiancé in Portis City.”

Shawn’s jaw dropped. Seriously, why were people so eager to land themselves in hot water?

Wasn’t Yorick supposed to be in Portis City? Had he somehow ended up on this yacht too? It was owned by Stella, but Yvonne had been managing her assets for the past couple of years. Moreover, it’d be a waste of resources leaving the yacht unexploited. Hence, Yvonne rented it out, and the yearly proceeds went straight to Stella’s account.

Given Stella’s lack of contact with Ferrowland, she probably had no clue how much money she actually had. The Larkin family had really let a golden opportunity slip away by losing track of her.

Wait, something didn’t add up. “Isn’t her fiancé in Portis City supposed to be enamored with someone else? How could he be here?”

Maybe he’d finally realized what a catch Stella was. But she was notoriously high-maintenance, with a personality as tricky and dangerous as a game of chess. What was so appealing about that?

Xander took another drag from his cigarette, thinking about Yorick’s two years by Stella’s side. His entire demeanor radiated danger.

—

Meanwhile, Ronald had already boarded the plane with Stella.

The minute they were on board, Stell locked herself in the bathroom. Ronald made a lengthy phone call of around thirty minutes, and she was still in there when he finished.

Frowning, Ronald knocked on the bathroom door. “Star?”

“Yeah?” Stella’s voice was tinged with discomfort.

Ronald’s chest tightened. “What’s wrong? Open the door.”

“No, I’ll be out in a minute.”

“You’ve been in there a long time, Ronald said, his voice deep.

Then he added, “Are you okay?”

“Just give me a minute,” Stella replied. Her voice definitely sounded off.

After about five more minutes of stalling, Stella finally emerged.

Ronald had been waiting outside the whole time. As soon as the door opened, he noticed her pale face.

She’d taken a shower and was wrapped in a bathrobe. He gently pulled her into his arms. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“I…” Stella hesitated, casting a slightly accusing glance his way.

“What is it?” he urged.

Stella uttered, “It hurts… down there. A lot.”

Ronald froze for a second, then realized what she meant. He recalled asking Finley to buy some ointment.

“Sorry,” his voice hoarse with guilt.

Tears welled up in Stella’s eyes as she gazed at him. “It really hurts.”

Without hesitation, Ronald scooped her up and carried her to the bed. “Let me check.”

“No, you…”

He wanted to check there.

Ronald said, “Just to see how bad it is.”

He’d been careful, incredibly cautious, yet she was still hurt. Guilt filled his eyes at the moment.

As he reached to lift her robe, Stella grabbed his wrist. “You can’t look.”

Ronald met her gaze, a tender smile playing on his lips. “Still so shy?”

A blush crept over Stella’s pale cheeks. “I’ll just put on some ointment myself.”

“Be good,” Ronald coaxed.

“I don’t want to, you can’t…..

Outside the door, Finley happened to overhear their exchange as he walked by, and couldn’t help but wince internally.

When it came to having new sexual experiences, men could be so reckless.

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