Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 411 to 420)

Chapter 411

Was he always like this, not caring about the place or time?

Stella argued, “I-I wasn’t running. Let me go. We’re in the car, for heaven’s sake!”

However, just as she finished speaking, the partition started to rise.

Wow, Idris sure knew how to mind his own business.

Pushing against Ronald’s chest with her small hands, Stella protested, “Let go of me. I don’t want it.”

Ronald, having held back all night, was losing his composure. “I won’t hurt you.”

“Nothing’s happening. I said no,” Stella insisted. She knew he wouldn’t harm her and there might be another way to do it, but still, she wasn’t in the mood.

And not in the car, of all places.

Moreover, his methods were shameless.

Cringing like a small bundle, she wriggled unceasingly, and soon Ronald’s breathing grew uneven. He grasped her slender waist and murmured huskily, “Star, be good, okay?”

Panicked at his voice, She struggled even more. “No, I don’t want to, please…”

Overwhelmed, she burst into tears.

Ronald paused for a moment, surprised, then tilted her chin up and kissed her. His familiar, warm presence engulfed her completely.

Meanwhile, in a villa in Ferrowland, Susanna sat on the bed, clutching the sheets tightly around her, and pulling them higher to make sure she wasn’t exposed.

Hull sat across from her, a cigar between his fingers, his gaze sharp and intense.

The silence was heavy, pressing down on her.

Swallowing hard, Susanna stammered, “Uh, c-could you not look at me like that? It’s… scary.”

Her voice caught on the word “scary”, and she felt a lump in her throat.

Back in Portis City, she was fearless, but here, in unfamiliar surroundings, she felt like a cat without claws-small and vulnerable.

Hull’s eyes were as horrified as a wolf’s in the dark, and even a single look felt like it could tear her apart.

“What department do I have an issue with?” he questioned, his voice cool and challenging.

Susanna felt tears welling up inside.

“I…”

Just as she began to speak, Hull cut her off. “Think carefully before you answer, or else…”

He let the threat hang in the air, unspoken but clear. If she didn’t handle this right, she’d be in deep trouble.

Oh, great… Was this karma biting her back?

All she did was enjoy a bit of gossip. Did she really deserve this kind of payback? Caught gossiping, and now she was in the hot seat.

Susanna bowed her head. “I’m sorry.”

When in doubt, apologize, admitting fault!

Hull raised an eyebrow. “Hmm?”

“I didn’t mean to,” Susanna said, her voice growing quieter.

Clad in nothing but blankets, she dreaded the thought of him claiming to prove himself.

Star really caused her trouble.

She vowed, once this was over, she’d never gossip about Hull behind his back again. She wouldn’t have the gall to do that.

Hull flicked ash from his cigar into the ashtray and looked at her once more. “So, what am I not good at?”

Meeting his intense gaze made Susanna’s heart lurch. She quickly looked away. “It’s me. I’m the one who’s not good.” Hull kept on, “Hmm?”

Susanna responded, “It’s not about you, it’s me. I’m the one who’s not good.”

To save her life, she was not going to care about more, even her dignity.

Hull raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how’s that?”

It seemed that the topic never ended. Susanna saw through it; it wouldn’t stop until she offered Hull a plausible explanation. Ah! Why would this happen to her? How did they gossip that like it’s a casual thing? She must have been off the rails.

Susanna only felt she was breaking down under Hull’s pestering.

There was no escaping it now.

“I’m not good at anything. Useless at everything. Except eating.”

She hoped that by belittling herself, he’d let her off the hook.

Hull chuckled, watching her clutch the sheets, trembling. “A glutton, huh?”

Susanna’s eyes widened. Seriously, how could someone be so infuriating? But she didn’t dare retort, nodding reluctantly. “Yeah.”

She swore she’d never been so embarrassed over gossip in her life.

……

Ten minutes later.

Susanna sat at the dining table, staring at the unfamiliar dishes in front of her. She glanced at Hull.

He lounged back in his chair, his left ankle resting on his right knee. Without his suit and shirt, the tattoo on his neck was more prominent, giving him a rugged, dangerous look. He was definitely someone she couldn’t handle.

Hull gave her a glance. “Think you can finish all this?”

Huh? Finishing it all? What did he mean? Did he really want her to eat everything just because he called herself a glutton?

Chapter 412

Susanna looked up at Hull with a pitiful expression. “I can’t.”

Her heart raced with anxiety, and she looked particularly helpless. If she had to eat everything on the table, she was sure she’d burst.

Hull pressed, “So, what exactly were you discussing with Star?”

Susanna was in shock.

For heaven’s sake, could she just go a little crazy? If this kept up, she was going to lose it.

Hull’s gaze was too intense, and Susanna had no idea how to respond.

Usually a chatterbox, she now clammed up completely. She practically turned into a quivering little mouse.

Hull watched her lower her head again, a flicker of amusement crossing his usually cold eyes. He snorted, “Just eat.” Susanna was on the verge of tears. “I really can’t finish it.”

Hull replied, “Well, would you rather starve?”

Susanna was speechless.

Was this guy for real?

Was there anyone who could intervene here? It was either eat until she exploded or starve to death in-between.

Over in Portis City, Cloudia returned to the Larkin family home, her face red and swollen.

Lola was just heading upstairs with a tray of medicine for Jaxon.

No doctor was willing to make house calls anymore. Lola had somehow managed to get hold of some medication. Cloudia was already fuming over how Lola had drained Jaxon’s credit card. Seeing that murky concoction in Lola’s hands made her anger flare even more. “What is that? Who’s it for?”

She never trusted that kind of medicine. Even without access to medical resources, she would have never let Ursula and Jaxon take it.

Plus, she couldn’t stand Lola, so seeing her bringing that stuff to Jaxon didn’t sit well with her at all.

Lola wasn’t in the mood to be polite either. She snorted, “What? Do you want to snatch this medicine too? Sorry, but it’s not suitable for your precious adopted daughter.”

She’d had enough of Cloudia. Cloudia would do anything for her adopted daughter and had completely ignored her own daughter, even her son. Having a mother like that was beyond belief.

Hearing it only made Cloudia angrier. “You’re going to give that to Jaxon?”

“Why else?”

Cloudia snapped, “And what if it causes problems? Can you take responsibility?”

Lola scoffed, “What did you say?”

Was Cloudia really bringing up responsibility right now?

Lola laughed in disbelief. “Come on, one kid’s almost dead, and the other’s on the brink of being crippled. We’re in a desperate situation here, and you want to talk about responsibility?”

Cloudia’s breath hitched at her comment. Not wanting to hear any more of Lola’s nonsense, she huffed, “Don’t give my son that stuff.”

Lola was fuming. She had never thought she’d find it so hard to respect an elder, but with Cloudia, it was impossible.

Lola held her temper as best as she could, then let loose. “You think I’m the one causing him problems? Please, he’s already in this mess because of you, his own mother.”

“Shut up.”

Lola retorted, “Shut up? Should I remind you how this family fell apart? Because you pampered your adopted daughter so much. Your own son went to Mist Bay on your encouragement, got into trouble with Stella’s people, and almost ended up dead.”

Cloudia’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Lola continued, “Don’t even think about blaming Stella. Ursula almost hired someone to kill her, Stella fought back, and now the Larkin Group is barely surviving, your son was almost killed because of you.”

Lola knew what Cloudia was going to say next – it was caused by Stella.

“What a freaking mess? You treat the person who almost killed your own daughter like a treasure, and blame your daughter for all the chaos.”

Cloudia was speechless.

Lola added, “And you think my medicine will make Jaxon worse? Why don’t you find one that won’t, then?

You’ve made it impossible for anyone to get into a hospital, no doctor dares to come. If you’re that capable, how about using the energy of protecting your adopted daughter to find a solution?”

Her words stung like a slap. Cloudia’s chest heaved in rage, and she glared at Lola vehemently.

Lola sneered, “You’re only tough with me.”

Cloudia couldn’t fight back.

“And what’s up with your face? Did you get that at Mist Bay too? Why were you there, because of Ursula or the benefits behind Stella?”

“You shut up!”

Cloudia was furious.

Lola pressed on, “You’re eyeing the benefits behind Stella now, aren’t you? Too bad, you let that golden opportunity slip through your fingers.”

Under the verbal attack, Cloudia’s face turned from blue to white with rage. Lola had no desire to argue further and carried the medicine upstairs.

Cloudia fumed, pacing in circles. “This family is cursed, truly cursed.”

What a mess, dealing with people like this, each more challenging than the last.

Stella had been quite a handful with her sharp tongue, but Lola was even more formidable.

Chapter 413

Upstairs.

Lola handed the medicine to Jaxon. “Guess it’s just me who’s still helpful to think of a solution for you. Your mom, huh…”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Jaxon listened, furrowing his brows as he stared into the bowl. “Was that car crash really her doing?”

Her, meaning Ursula.

At that moment, Jaxon’s voice was devoid of any discernible emotion.

Lola chuckled darkly. “Even Yorick hasn’t bothered to see her. Can’t you see the writing on the wall?”

Jaxon felt his breath catch.

Images of Yorick flashed through his mind – storming past his doorstep, emanating a fierce, intimidating energy – a side of Yorick he’d never seen when he was around Ursula.

Something had felt off even back then. And Yorick, who used to visit Ursula almost daily, hadn’t shown up in over three days.

Seeing Jaxon remain silent, Lola pressed on, “Jaxon, you’re just blind. Now drink up, my kid’s future depends on you.” “You using me as a pawn?”

Lola shrugged, “What else? You think I’m into your blindness?”

With a guy this blind, what else could she want if not money? Certainly not love.

Jaxon’s breathing was heavy, and he shot Lola a fierce glare.

Lola admired her freshly manicured nails. “You Larkin folks, really, you’ve got possessed.”

“Shut up.”

“Shut up? You two all want me to be silent, but how about you guys say something useful for once?”

It was not like they had something under their sleeves. They’d managed to tick off all the people of Portis City. Even Stella’s fed up with them, her own family.

……

In another room, Ursula saw Cloudia come in, her face swollen and red. She was momentarily taken aback. “Mom, what happened to you?”

Cloudia was trembling.

“Ursula…”

“What did Star say? Is she willing to lend you the money?”

Before Cloudia could finish, Ursula cut her off, her voice tense. She was running out of options.

The cost of the medication was astronomical. With the Larkin family in shambles and the Larkin Group almost bankrupt, Stella was the only one with the resources to help. Stella, the little princess of the Lugar family. She had money to spare.

Ursula was both envious of Stella’s charmed life and desperate for her aid.

Cloudia’s face was tight with distress. “She wouldn’t lend us a dime.”

She’d known this would be the outcome even before she went. She’d tried borrowing from every one of her socialite friends, who she’d once been so close with. But now, the moment they heard it was Cloudia on the phone, they would hang up. Borrowing was simply out of the question.

She never imagined that one day she’d be so blocked from seeing her own daughter.

Ursula’s face fell when she saw her mother return empty-handed.

This useless old cow, she couldn’t even borrow money from her own daughter.

Frustration boiling over, she put on a pitiful face. “What am I supposed to do, just wait to die? Tegan said with my condition, it’s best to start the medication within a week.”

Within one week was crucial. Even speaking was a struggle for Ursula now, not knowing if she could endure this ordeal. Cloudia sighed, “We can’t ask her for money. You know that.”

Her words trailed off. She, too, regretted how they’d treated Stella. If only they hadn’t been so awful to her, maybe things wouldn’t be this dire now.

She must have lost her mind to think Stella would lend them money. How could that possibly happen?

Realizing something, Cloudia turned to Ursula. “Tell me honestly, did you frame Stella before? And about the car crash…” Mention of the crash brought back images of Yorick’s departure. A flicker of guilt crossed Ursula’s eyes. “It wasn’t me, I didn’t do it.”

“Then why did Rick leave like that? And why hasn’t he been around these past few days?”

Talking about Yorick, Cloudia remembered she should call him. But the thought of Imogen’s face made her hesitate.

But at the moment, saving Ursula was more pressing.

With that in mind, Cloudia quickly pulled out her phone to dial Yorick’s number.

Seeing her mother about to call Yorick, Ursula panicked, “Mom, why are you calling Rick?”

“Who else can fork over that kind of cash to save you?”

Ursula was speechless.

Would Yorick still help her? She’d been calling him nonstop, but he hadn’t picked up once. He was done with her. Knowing full well how dire her situation was, he still ignored her calls.

If that wasn’t abandonment, then what was?

Finally, after a long while of ringing, Yorick answered, “Hello.”

His voice was deep and icy, gone were the warmth and courtesy.

“Rick, Ursula’s really sick. Why haven’t you come by?”

Cloudia tried to ignore the scene from the day he left. Not waiting for Yorick to respond, she continued, “We’ve found the medicine Ursula needs.’

“Is that so? That’s good news for you.”

Cloudia was taken aback. Good news for them? Wasn’t it good news for him as well?

“We need money for it, and the medicine’s very expensive.”

Chapter 414

Yorick snapped, “Don’t come to me about her anymore.” “What?”

Before Cloudia could respond, Yorick hung up.

Hearing the dial tone, Cloudia instinctively gripped her phone tighter. Her eyes narrowed as she looked over at Ursula.

Ursula’s breath hitched, and her face turned pale after hearing Yorick’s words.

Almost breathless with disbelief, Cloudia demanded, “What’s going on between you and Rick?”

“What happened that day?” Cloudia practically shouted, her voice echoing with anger.

Tears welled up in Ursula’s eyes, spilling over. “Mom, I… I…”

“You, you… What am I supposed to say to you? Tell me the truth, what happened?”

With Yorick backing out, Cloudia felt a wave of panic.

Good heavens, the Larkin family had already gone through so much recently. Was the last lifeline with Yorick now cut too?

Why was Yorick treating Ursula like that? Could Stella’s accident really be connected to her? Cloudia’s thoughts spiraled, the confirmation she dreaded seeming all too likely now.

With a tight-lipped expression, she looked sternly at Ursula.

Mccting her gaze, Ursula shook her head, tears streaming down. “Mom, I, I…”

Cloudia’s chest heaved with emotion. “Was it you who caused Star’s accident?”

“It wasn’t me. It wasn’t! You have to believe me. I’m not that kind of person.”

“Then why has Yorick turned his back on you?” Cloudia couldn’t hold back her frustration any longer.

At a time when they desperately needed help, every avenue seemed blocked. Even Yorick, who had always been there for Ursula, was pulling away. How could anyone believe nothing had happened?

Outside the room, Lola stood with her arms crossed, smirking at the scene inside.

“Can’t you see? He must have overheard her plotting against his ex-fiancée. That wicked attitude of hers, only the Larkin family would be blind to it.

No matter how much he loves her, no man would want to marry someone so scheming and spiteful, especially when his ex-fiancée is involved.” Lola chuckled.

Ursula snapped, “You…”

This wretched woman, stirring trouble when things were bad enough already?

“Mom.” Ursula anxiously turned to Cloudia.

Cloudia’s breathing was uneven, her gaze sharp as she looked at Ursula. “Is what she’s saying true?”

Ursula paled. “Mom.”

“Is it true?” Cloudia shouted, trembling with anger. Her face turned ashen, her breath coming in short, panicked bursts.

She didn’t want to believe Lola, but with Yorick distancing himself so obviously, what else could it mean? Yorick’s cold demeanor as he left that day and during the phone call earlier screamed he was moving away.

Ursula’s tears fell like rain. “It’s not me! I didn’t do it.”

“Then explain why Yorick is ignoring you!” Cloudia yelled.

Yorick had always cherished Ursula. Even when engaged to Stella, he couldn’t let go of her.

How could he walk away like that unless something serious had happened?

While looking at Ursula’s tear-streaked face, Cloudia’s heart hardened, her gaze more piercing than ever.

……..

Meanwhile, Stella and Ronald returned to Mist Bay.

As they got out of the car, Ronald adjusted Stella’s coat.

“It’s just a few steps.”

“The doctor said you shouldn’t catch a chill.”

Stella sighed. “I know.”

Winters in Portis City were indeed bitter cold. The chilly wind made Stella instinctively snuggle closer to Ronald as they made their way inside.

Noticing her instinctive movement, Ronald felt a wave of tenderness. He wrapped his arm around her, guiding her inside. As they walked, Stella mentioned, “Ronald, I’m craving some cinnamon rolls today.”

“Cinnamon rolls?”

Ronald hadn’t heard of them before.

Stella explained, “It’s a local treat here in Portis City. Sweet and comforting.”

“Sweet, huh?”

Stella nodded. “Yeah, just felt like having some.”

Ronald chuckled. “We’ll have some for lunch then.”

Stella beamed.

As they entered the house, the rich aroma from the kitchen wafted over, making Stella’s stomach turn. She instinctively covered her mouth, feeling a bit queasy.

Noticing her discomfort, Ronald asked, “Are you okay? Feeling sick?”

Stella grimaced. “What’s cooking today? The smell seems stronger than usual.”

Ronald glanced at the butler, who quickly stepped up, bowing respectfully to Stella. “Today, we have your favorite, the grilled salmon.”

“Really? It smells different, kind of too strong.

The butler hesitated. “It’s the same recipe. I assure you. The salmon was fresh.”

Yet the scent seemed off.

Ronald frowned. “Cancel the grilled salmon for lunch.”

The butler’s eyes widened.

Any slight indication of Stella’s displeasure was enough for Ronald to make it disappear.

Chapter 415

After picking up a call, Ronald headed straight to his study.

The butler looked at Stella respectfully. “Miss, are you sure you don’t want the grilled salmon for lunch?”

She used to love her fish.

Ever since moving in here, there was almost always a fish dish on the table.

Stella waved her hand dismissively. “No, I can’t stand the taste today.”

Something about the fish seemed off. But since the butler assured it was fresh when it arrived, she didn’t bother arguing further.

The butler nodded, “Understood.”

Just as Stella settled onto the couch, her phone rang. It was Tegan.

“I just heard from Uriah that Cloudia has been desperately borrowing money from the wealthy ladies in town,” Tegan said.

“Borrowing money?” Stella queried, raising an eyebrow.

It seemed Cloudia had hit rock bottom if she was willing to swallow her pride and ask those society ladies for money. Cloudia was all about appearances. When the Larkin family was well-off, she would give Ursula everything best. But with Ursula needing medical expenses and the family ruined financially, she had no choice but to humble herself before the very people she once disdained.

“Yeah, can you believe the Larkin family is so broke that they can’t even scrape together a few hundred thousand?” Tegan scoffed.

Stella sighed. “Looks like it.”

She was more aware than anyone of the Larkin family’s recent troubles.

“That’s quite a downfall,” Tegan remarked.

Stella didn’t respond. It was no joke; a single word from Ronald could bring a world of trouble. If only they knew the kind of people he dealt with in Ferrowland, the Larkins would realize their current woes were just a drizzle before a storm. Yet, even that drizzle was enough to shatter them.

Tegan continued, “Hey, there’s something else I heard.”

“What is it?” Stella asked, intrigued.

“I overheard Ursula is quite close with the Larkin Group’s financial director,” Tegan revealed.

Stella’s eyes widened “Really? The one who had kids with Blaise?”

“Yeah, that’s what I heard.”

“Are you sure?” Stella pressed.

Ursula was on good terms with the woman who had borne Blaise’s children. That was a twist.

“Not 100% sure, but pretty close. Ursula and the woman dine and shop together all the time,” Tegan replied. Stella smirked. It was getting interesting.

The woman had twins with Blaise, yet Ursula was friends with her, huh? What was Cloudia protecting her all these years?

“And Ursula got her into the Larkin Group. She secretly helped her climb the ladder,” Tegan added.

Stella was stunned. If that were true, things were about to get really entertaining.

“It is explosive,” Stella remarked.

“Right? How blind could Cloudia be, treating Ursula like a prized possession all these years?” Tegan said, “All her efforts went to a traitor. If the truth came out, it might just kill her.”

“Are these rumors verified?” Stella asked.

Tegan shook her head. “It’s all hearsay, but there’s usually some truth to gossip. Even if it wasn’t entirely accurate, where there was smoke, there was fire.”

“Exactly,” Stella agreed.

“Poor Cloudia. She’s still out there begging for money to save Ursula,” Tegan lamented.

“Ursula’s got quite the talent, huh? But do those meds even work?” Stella mused.

Tegan chuckled. “They have some effect, but saving her life? That’s a long shot. Her health’s in shambles.”

“True,” Stella conceded.

“You can’t fight fate. Ursula’s just marked for disaster,” Tegan remarked.

Stella raised her eyebrows. Tegan’s sharp tongue was on par with Susanna’s.

If the meds didn’t work, they’d be out millions. Pretty harsh!

“Whether she lives or not, it’s a no-win situation,” Tegan continued.

If Ursula survived, Stella wouldn’t let her off easily. Her life would be a living hell.

“Why don’t you verify those rumors?” Stella suggested, feeling a wicked hope that they were true.

If it were true, Cloudia would be livid, probably tearing Ursula apart herself. After all, her entire life’s work would’ve been for naught. Blaise had taken off with whatever was left, and Ursula was at the heart of it all.

“Susanna’s the one for that job. She’s got the connections,” Tegan noted.

“True,” Stella agreed.

Tegan spent more of her time with Uriah, who kept her sheltered. She didn’t have much of a network outside the hospital.

After a few more exchanges, they ended the call.

When Ronald came down, he saw Stella on the phone, clutching her chest.

Chapter 416

Stella looked like she was feeling a little off.

Seeing Ronald, she set her phone down. Susanna hadn’t answered her call.

Ronald asked, “Feeling under the weather?”

Stella nodded. “Yeah, I guess I caught a chill. My stomach’s a bit upset.”

Ronald lifted her from the couch swiftly and settled her onto his lap. His warm hand brushed her forehead, “No fever.”

“I’m craving some pudding right now.”

She didn’t know why, but suddenly, she had a strong urge to eat some.

Ronald said, “The kitchen’s already on it.”

Stella snuggled closer into his embrace.

Ronald pinched her cheek playfully. “Want me to have Finley come take a look?”

“No need. Maybe some pudding will do the trick.”

Just the mention of Finley gave Stella a headache. He was the last person she wanted to see right then. His mouth was something she just couldn’t handle.

As luck would have it, Finley walked in just in time to see Ronald holding Stella.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Are we getting all lovey-dovey in here? Did you sort out everything with Ferrowland?”

Stella’s eyebrows twitched, and she instinctively tried to get up from Ronald’s lap.

But Ronald pressed her head gently back into his chest, shooting Finley a cold look.

Finley shrugged. “Hey, I’m looking out for you two.”

“Who needs your concern?” Ronald replied icily.

Finley threw up his hands. “Alright, I get it, not needed.”

Clearly, they didn’t need his help.

Watching Finley try to zip his lips, Stella couldn’t help but smile a little.

At lunch, Stella wasn’t eating much with enthusiasm. Even though they made her some bread pudding, she barely touched it before losing her appetite.

Finley asked, “When did you start liking this stuff? You’ve always been a fan of hot wings, right?”

He gave Stella a peculiar look as he said that.

Stella retorted, “Can’t a girl suddenly want some pudding?

All this talk over a simple dessert?

Finley threw up his hands, “Huh!!!???

Ungrateful girl!!!

He had been about to say something, but Stella’s reply knocked it right out of his head…

….

Meanwhile, on Cyris Isle, Xander was poring over the documents Kyle had dug up for him, a knowing smile on his lips. “Well, it is interesting.”

Lounging on the bed nearby, Shawn asked, “What’s interesting?”

The way Xander was smiling gave him the creeps; it was almost sinister.

Could all this be because Ronald had outmaneuvered him? Not only did he not get what he wanted, but he also didn’t win over the girl he was after.

Speaking of her, Shawn’s biggest concern was Xander’s interest in Stella.

Xander chuckled, “It turns out Thane Quarry has another son.”

Shawn blinked. “What?”

Another son? That was news.

“Wasn’t Yorick the only son of the Quarry family? How’s there suddenly another one?”

What kind of twist was that?

Xander glanced at Shawn, amused. “Most likely, half-brother.”

Shawn’s eyes widened. That was juicy.

“Never heard of Thane fooling around like that.”

In Portis City’s circles, Thane’s reputation was impeccable, with wealth, looks, and fidelity.

He was the dream guy for many young women back in the day. He appeared faithful and devoted, and his reputation was spotless.

Xander chuckled darkly and handed the documents to Kyle. “Send these papers along with the person to the Quarry family, and while you’re at it…”

He paused, a sly smile spreading across his face, “Tell Mr. Quarry he doesn’t need to thank me.”

Shawn was flabbergasted. ‘Doesn’t need to thank him? Is he serious?’

Sending the person to the Quarry family was like dropping a bomb-a full-on explosion.

And yet, here he was, saying they didn’t need to thank him.

If it went through, the Quarry family would probably want to kill him out of sheer spite.

Xander chuckled. “It’s not a bomb. I’m helping Mr. Quarry find his child. He should be grateful.”

Shawn rolled his eyes. “Grateful, my foot!”

“I hear Mr. Quarry and Mrs. Quarry have always been quite close. So, if the person got sent to the Quarry family, gratitude might not be the first reaction…”

Wait a minute. Something felt off about it.

Suddenly, Shawn realized, “You’re trying to get Stella to be grateful to you, aren’t you?”

Never mind the Quarry family because they had no real connection.

But as for Stella, Xander’s actions seemed like he was sticking it to Yorick, maybe even doing Stella a favor.

Xander’s grin widened. “That girl should be grateful to me.”

Shawn groaned internally! He suspected it was more than just gratitude Xander was after.

“Does she need to be grateful? Have you seen how Ronald has squeezed the Quarry and the Larkin families lately?”

He was stating the facts. The Larkin family was pretty much doomed. As for the Quarry family, Thane had hoped to enjoy a peaceful retirement. Then Ronald came along, and now he was forced back into the fray, running around trying to fix things.

Speaking of Ronald, Xander shot Shawn a sidelong glance. “Once you’re better, I’m tossing you into the ocean to swim twenty kilometers.”

Shawn’s mouth twitched, “What’s supposed to mean?”

Xander blurted, “Clear your head and watch your mouth.”

Shawn was at a loss for words.

What did he mean by that? Why did he need to clear his head and watch his mouth?

Well, his unrequited love thing was clearly not something to mess with. Xander was definitely not someone to cross.

Chapter 417

In Portis City, things were hectic. Ronald was particularly busy, especially with his impending trip back to Ferrowland looming over him. He was constantly on the move, rushing in and out of meetings and errands.

Originally, he had planned to bring Stella along. Ever since Xander had a knack for causing trouble, Ronald couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease leaving her alone. Even when trusted associates were around, he still couldn’t relax.

But Stella was exhausted from all the traveling. After lunch, she decided she needed some serious rest and promptly went to bed.

“Star,” Ronald gently coaxed, trying to rouse her from her slumber.

Half-asleep, Stella mumbled as she burrowed deeper into her blankets, “Leave me alone. I’m really tired.”

Her voice was thick with drowsiness. All Stella wanted was to stay wrapped in her dreams, far too weary to entertain any other plans.

Ronald sighed with a hint of resignation in his voice. “You’re a stubborn one,” he murmured affectionately.

Seeing no other choice, he left her to rest. Before heading out, he turned to Jacob, the head of security. “Ensure everything is locked down tight. No one gets in.”

“Understood,” Jacob replied with a nod.

Since the last fiasco with Harvey, Ronald had overhauled his entire security team. Jacob had been brought in from Ferrowland and personally selected by Ronald.

After giving a few more instructions, Ronald departed.

Finley, his right-hand man, followed closely behind. “You don’t have to worry so much. Xander’s still over in Cyris Isle.” Ronald let out a dry laugh. “You all thought he got stuck in Patrina before, too.”

Yet, Xander had slipped into Portis City unnoticed, leaving everyone none the wiser.

Finley fell silent. Xander’s unyielding interest in Stella meant trouble awaited them back in Ferrowland.

With Ronald gone, Stella was left alone in the sprawling house by Mist Bay. She slept through the afternoon, only waking around four.

Ronald still hadn’t returned. As she settled onto the couch, a housekeeper promptly draped a blanket over her.

“Thank you,” Stella said, her voice soft with gratitude.

Just then, the phone rang from across the room. The butler picked it up, and whatever the person said on the other end made his brow furrow with concern. He glanced at Stella before snapping tersely into the receiver, “Mrs. Larkin, it seems you haven’t learned your lesson and dare to bother Miss again.”

Cloudia, on the other end, was persistent. “Just let me speak to her. It’ll only take a minute.”

The butler was firm. “You have no business calling here.”

With that, he hung up.

Stella, casually scrolling through her phone, asked, “Mrs. Larkin again?”

The butler nodded. “Indeed.”

Stella’s voice was icy, her resolve unyielding. “Have the service provider change the number.”

To Stella, the Larkin family was as good as strangers. She wouldn’t grant them even the simplest of contact.

The butler understood her perfectly. “I’ll take care of it immediately.”

Since changing her number, Stella had enjoyed much-needed peace. The Larkins had discovered she was raised by the influential Lugar family, and now they were all trying to curry favor with her.

But Stella was no fool. Now that they knew she was a golden opportunity, they thought they could just waltz in and take advantage.

How wrong they were!

……

Meanwhile, over at the Larkin household, Cloudia angrily clutched the silent phone. Her frustration was palpable, especially with Lola sitting nearby, noisily cracking peanuts, the sound grating on Cloudia’s nerves.

Unable to contact Stella, Cloudia was trembling with frustration. Stella was her daughter, her flesh and blood, yet seeing her seemed like the hardest thing in the world.

Lola, ever the voice of the blunt truth, chimed in between cracking peanuts. “You’re still in denial, even with all the evidence right in front of you?”

She referring to the car accident. Ursula’s behavior had made it clear who was behind it. But Cloudia seemed ready to indulge in more delusions just because Ursula had a fainting spell.

Chapter 418

Even if Cloudia didn’t say why she was looking for Stella, Lola probably already knew. She was still trying to protect Ursula.

Cloudia, fueled by frustration, closed her eyes briefly and then reopened them, marching over to Lola. “Transfer Jaxon’s money to me.”

Lola looked baffled. “Excuse me?”

Spitting out the nuts she had been munching on, Lola glared at Cloudia with disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

Cloudia repeated, “I said, transfer Jaxon’s money back to me, exactly as it was. Do you understand? That’s our family’s money, and you have no right to it.”

Thinking about how this woman had taken all of her son’s money, Cloudia was in no mood to be polite.

Lola tossed the remaining shells onto the floor. “I have no right? And you do? Or maybe Ursula does?”

Cloudia retorted, “Who has the right isn’t up to you to decide. Now, give me the money.”

It always came back to money. She was fuming, looking at Lola with pure disdain and anger.

Lola let out a sarcastic laugh. “Am I seeing things?”

What a waste of time dealing with this lot. These people never seemed to grasp reality.

“Once the money is in my pocket, there’s no chance of giving it out. And as for this family…” Speaking of the Larkin family, Lola took a deep breath.

“Say whatever you want, but if you think you can dictate terms to me, you’re wrong.”

With that, Lola headed to the kitchen, poured the medicine, and carried it upstairs.

Cloudia watched her, seething as she realized Lola was giving Jaxon that medicine again.

“I told you not to give him that stuff! Don’t you understand?”

She was practically screaming, but Lola ignored her and went straight to Jaxon’s room.

Jaxon was asleep, having spent most of his time in bed without a doctor and unable to go to the hospital.

Lola placed the medicine on the nightstand with a thud, waking Jaxon up.

He glanced at Lola with annoyance. “What are you doing?”

Lola replied, “This is the last medicine I’m giving you. Drink it if you want. If not, that’s fine, too. Whether your hand improves because of it is up to fate.”

With that, Lola turned to leave.

Jaxon furrowed his brow, sensing something was off. “Where are you going?”

Lola didn’t hesitate. “I’m leaving with our son.”

Why stick around with the Larkin family? There was nothing worth staying for except money.

It wasn’t like Jaxon had ever intended to marry her. And even if he had, life with him and his family would be miserable, especially with a mother-in-law like Cloudia.

She wanted to live a little longer and didn’t want to be driven to an early grave here.

Jaxon’s face darkened, suddenly wide awake. “You’re leaving?”

Lola glanced back at him, smirking. “What did you expect? For me to stay here and waste away? Sorry, that’s not me.”

Why stay in a toxic situation? She wasn’t about to let herself get dragged down.

Upon hearing the word “waste,” Jaxon went red with fury. “And what about the money I transferred to you?”

What waste? Was the Larkin family really as hopeless as she made it sound?

She had been living here comfortably, and she talked about waste.

What nonsense!

Lola shrugged. “The money? It’s for raising our child. You weren’t thinking of taking it back, were you?”

Jaxon was speechless. That money was all they had left. He hadn’t been to the office but kept in touch with his team. He knew was in dire straits, and to top it off, his father had siphoned what little money was left in the business.

The company was bankrupt.

The Larkin family had nothing.

And Lola was planning to take his last bit of money and their child and leave?

Chapter 419

Lola stormed out of the room, her voice echoing down the hallway. “I can’t take another damn minute of this hellhole. If anyone wants to stick around this madhouse, be my guest.”

She had had enough of this suffocating place and the chaos. Without another word, she spun on her heels and stormed out.

Jaxon panicked, his voice rising in frustration. “Hey, hold it right there! Give me back my money!”

“In your dreams!” Lola shot back, her voice dripping with defiance.

Jaxon was left speechless, watching her go.

Lola then headed to Ursula’s room. As she entered, she saw the flicker of fear in Ursula’s eyes. She was frail now, bruised from their last encounter, and Lola knew she had the upper hand.

With a smirk, Lola dismissed Ursula’s act. “Cut the crap, no one’s here to see your little performance.”

Ursula stammered, “Wha-what do you want now?”

Lola waved her hand dismissively. “Relax. I’m here to let you know you won. I’m leaving.”

A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Ursula’s eyes, but Lola caught it.

“This shattered excuse of a family? You can have it. I couldn’t care less.”

With that, she turned to leave.

But Ursula called after her, “Wait. What about my brother’s money?”

Lola turned back, a cynical smile playing on her lips. “Your brother? Don’t kid yourself. He’s Stella’s real brother. She didn’t want him, and you can have whatever leftovers you want.”

“You—” Ursula began, fury rising in her voice.

Lola cut her off. “What? He has legal heirs, He’s got a son. What are you, anyway? You think I’d leave the money behind?

Look at yourself.”

Ursula’s face turned pale with rage, glaring daggers at Lola, wishing she could tear her apart.

In the chaos, Cloudia was frantic, trying to stop Lola from leaving with the child and money. But Lola was no pushover. She’d fought tooth and nail, and after two hours of yelling and cursing that would make a sailor blush, she walked out with both the money and the kid.

The Larkin family was left in ruins.

Cloudia was in Jaxon’s room, wailing. “What kind of woman did you get involved with?”

Two hours of non-stop swearing! That woman had a mouth on her like no other, relentless and unforgiving.

Jaxon was fuming, his head pounding from the confrontation. “That car crash… Did Ursula do that to hurt Stella?” His question cut through Cloudia’s rant, freezing her in place. She lowered her head, saying nothing. Jaxon put two and two together, his face falling. “So, what are you planning to do about it?”

Stella was his sister, after all. And while Ursula had been by his side for years, plotting against his own sister was something Jaxon couldn’t stomach.

Cloudia, shaken by the question, could only tremble in silence.

Jaxon pressed on, frowning. “What are you planning?”

Cloudia’s voice was barely a whisper. “What can we do? We’ll wait until Ursula gets better, then decide.”

Jaxon was incredulous. “Get better? With her current condition, how is that even possible?”

And even if it were, they couldn’t afford the medical bills to make it happen.

Chapter 420

Millions of dollars were at stake…

Jaxon couldn’t shake the memory of Stella spending months in the hospital two years ago, all because of Ursula. That memory placed a wedge between him and Ursula.

Sensing something off about Jaxon, Cloudia glanced at him with concern. “Jaxon, I…”

“Mom, Stella is your real daughter. We’ve been siding with Ursula all these years because we thought Stella’s return was making her miserable, that Stella was bullying her.”

Cloudia fell silent.

Jaxon continued, “But if Stella’s grievances all stem from that car accident, what does that make Ursula?”

Stella had been at odds with Ursula for the last two years. They had always accused Stella of losing her mind, believing she was unjustly targeting Ursula.

But what if Stella’s actions were because Ursula had started it all, which almost cost Stella’s life?

Cloudia’s breath hitched, her entire body going rigid.

“Rick has distanced himself from her because of this, too, right?” Jaxon asked, recalling the scene when Yorick left that day.

As Jaxon posed the question, his demeanor grew more intense.

Already struggling to breathe, Cloudia trembled at Jaxon’s words. “I, she…”

Suddenly, she was at a loss for words, staring at Jaxon with sorrow-filled eyes.

Jaxon, too, was visibly shaking with anger.

……

Stella had planned to have dinner with Ronald that evening, but Ronald didn’t make it back. So, she met Tegan instead.

When she arrived, Tegan was on the phone with Susanna, who was freaking out over in Ferrowland. She called everyone, trying to gossip her way through her fears.

Upon seeing Stella, Tegan said, “Okay, you should tell Stella about it.”

Susanna replied, “Stella hasn’t picked up her phone.

“Oh, I see.” Tegan why Susanna had been dragging her into all this gossip. It was because she couldn’t reach Stella.

Stella had never been one for gossip, but over time, Susanna had rubbed off on her. Sometimes, a bit of gossip wasn’t bad.

“Was that Susanna on the phone?” Stella asked, sipping from her water glass.

Tegan nodded, spooning some ice cream into her mouth. “Yeah, she’s scared out of her wits over in Ferrowland. Can you save her?”

Stella replied, “My brother said the situation with Susanna is complicated. Hull is helping with the investigation, so being by his side is the safest place for her.”

“The guy taking her through a hail of bullets? Are you sure that’s safer for her?” Tegan teased.

Stella paused, realizing how overwhelming it must be for Susanna.

Stella was about to order the same ice cream as Tegan, but Tegan stopped her. “I already ordered for you. Didn’t want it to melt since you weren’t here yet.”

“Oh,” Stella said, grateful for the thought. She craved ice cream, but Ronald was usually strict about her diet.

As she was thinking about her serious brother, her phone rang.

“Hey, Ronald,” she answered.

“Are you out?” Ronald asked.

“Yeah. Since you said you wouldn’t be back for dinner, I’m out with Tegan.”

“Send me your location.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll pick you up when I finish work,” Ronald insisted.

“Okay.

Hearing Ronald was coming to get her filled Stella with warmth. She hung up and quickly sent him her location.

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