Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 431 to 440)

Chapter 431

“Uh…”

How on earth was she supposed to respond to that? Was she really supposed to go and confront Hull? She just… couldn’t muster the courage.

Stella hesitated, “I just can’t.”

Even with Ronald backing her, there were some people She couldn’t afford to cross, especially those in his inner circle.

Stella knew precisely who she could and couldn’t mess with.

Susanna was sobbing even harder. “Star, you’re not helping me!”

“Well, it’s not like I don’t want to,” Stella explained, “I just don’t dare.”

Susanna whimpered, “Star.”

“He hasn’t done anything to you, has he?” Stella asked, her voice full of cautious concern.

It didn’t add up. Hull definitely wouldn’t have done anything to Susanna.

Yvonne had always been a reliable source of information. If she’d dared to gossip about it privately, it meant there was probably some truth to Hull’s reputation for being impotent.

Susanna sniffled, “You said he couldn’t get it up, right? How could he have done anything to me?”

Susanna was lying on her bed as she spoke. When the words left her mouth, she instinctively glanced at the door. She’d sworn that she’d stop spreading gossip about others if Hull helped her get past this hurdle.

But well… she’d already said it, and it was just to Stella.

It shouldn’t matter. Besides, she had locked the door from inside.

Stella nodded. “Exactly. Just a look caused no harm. So, he didn’t do anything to you. Why are you crying then?”

From the way she was crying on, anyone would think Hull had left her bedridden for days.

Susanna huffed, “He saw me, didn’t he? How could I not cry? I’m still a normal, unmarried person, and he’s… not exactly normal.”

Stella conceded, “True. That’s a fair reason to cry.”

Susanna was speechless. She was genuinely upset, okay?

Stella suggested, “How about I send someone to bring you to the Quinn family?”

“The Quinn family?” Susanna’s crying stopped abruptly.

“Yeah,” Stella replied. “You’re being hunted down wherever you go. I thought you’d be safe with Hull, but you’re unhappy there.

Susanna screamed inside that she was anything but happy, especially with that man, always so cold and with eyes like a wolf’s – one more glance, and her heart might just give out.

“The Quinn family is where your adoptive mother, Mrs. Quinn, lives, right?”

“Of course,” Stella confirmed.

Although everyone in Ferrowland habitually called her mother Mrs. Lugar, she was also indeed the lady of the Quinn family. The Lugar name was her maiden name.

Ferrowland had its peculiar customs, which Susanna found quite different from what she was used to. Before marriage, everyone referred to her mother as Ms. Lugar. Then, it was Mrs. Lugar.

Susanna sighed, “Then I won’t go.”

Stella was surprised. “What?”

“You know I don’t have much experience dealing with elders,” Susanna admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. She’d grown up in a single-parent family. Her mother had raised her but hadn’t been around much. As for grandparents, well, she didn’t have any.

Being Miss Lacey’s daughter, she truly was the definition of a solo act. Apart from her mom, there were no other relatives. Stella reassured her, “My mother is very kind. She’s easy to get along with.”

Susanna replied, “Sure, I’ve heard all about her infamous reputation in Portis City. People tremble at the mention of her name.”

She sounded so ‘kind,’ indeed.

Stella was at à loss for words. Alright, her mother was undoubtedly formidable. But that fierceness was reserved for rivals not family and friends.

Susanna insisted, anyway, I’m not going.”

“Then, you’ll have to stay with Hull, Stella pointed out.

Susanna groaned, “Ugh… my head hurts.”

Chapter 432

Navigating interactions with elders, especially someone like Mrs. Lugar, whom Stella always praises so highly, can feel stifling for Susanna.

Yet, being around Hull brings its own kind of pressure. Her heart pounds in her chest whenever he’s near.

“Star, can you help me find my mom and Tania?” she pleaded.

Nothing compared to the security Lacey offered her. Despite the years of separation, Susanna still relied on her mother. Stella interrupted, “Didn’t Hull say he’d help you with that?”

He claimed he’d get to the bottom of it. His investigation wasn’t only about who had been hunting down Susanna. It would cover who was targeting her mother, too.

Susanna sighed, “Yeah, but…”

“But what?” Stella asked, sensing the distress in her friend’s voice.

“I can barely face him now,” Susanna admitted, feeling cornered.

Hull was clueless! Didn’t he know what was appropriate to see and what wasn’t? Sure, Star mentioned he liked looking at pretty women, but those women were at least clothed. With her, it was as if he had no boundaries.

Seeing Susanna’s spirits sag, Stella tried to reassure her with a nervous laugh, “Hull isn’t that bad. He’s just a bit aloof.”

Susanna snapped back, “Well, to you, there’s no bad guy other than the Larkin family.”

In Stella’s eyes, even Yorick was only a fool, a blind one, hopelessly clueless.

Susanna brought up the Larkin family, much to Stella’s chagrin. “You always know how to hit where it hurts,” Stella replied with a sigh.

Since the disownment agreement with Cloudia, Stella had severed ties with the Larkin family, clean and clear.

Ronald entered the room just then, catching Stella in her pajamas, phone in hand.

Noticing him, okay?” Stella quickly said, we’ll talk tomorrow, okay? and ended the call.

Ronald sat beside her, the faint smell of smoke clinging to him. He’d been indulging in a few too many cigarettes in his study.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. “Who were you chatting with?”

“Susie. She’s really upset,” Stella explained.

“Why?” Ronald asked, puzzled.

“It’s Hull. He, um, undressed her. You must have a word with him about that,” Stella insisted.

Ronald raised an eyebrow. “Have a word?”

He was sure Stella’s idea of “having a word” wasn’t what he imagined.

With utmost seriousness, Stella nodded, “Absolutely. He needs to understand he can’t do that. If he’s conducting an investigation, he should focus on it. He can’t misbehave just because he can’t get it up.”

Ronald was shocked. “And you think I should just tell him that? Or, pray tell, how would you suggest I approach this?”

“Just tell him directly,” Stella replied, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Ronald groaned, feeling a headache brewing. “Do you think I or anyone could tell Hull not to strip Susanna’s clothes off?”

Stella nodded again. “Yeah, that’s what you should say.”

Ronald rubbed his temples, feeling the strain.

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay today?” he asked, placing his hand on her forehead to see if she was talking nonsense from illness.

Stella admitted, “Yeah, maybe.”

Her voice was already a tad hoarse.

Chapter 433

Stella gazed up at Ronald with wide eyes, curiosity, and confusion written all over her face.

Ronald chuckled, giving her cheek a playful pinch. “Seriously, Stella, have you spent too much time with Finley?”

Was this something he should be discussing with Hull?

He felt her forehead again, comparing it with his temperature to ensure she was okay.

No fever. It was just some good old-fashioned nonsense.

Stella blinked, realization dawning on her. “Oh my gosh! What on earth was I babbling about? How could I even bring that up?”

“What about Susie?” she asked, worry evident in her voice.

As for Susanna, Ronald pondered for a moment before finally saying, “Don’t worry. Hull won’t eat her up.”

There it was again, that phrase.

“But Susie is terrified of him,” Stella insisted, recalling Susanna’s tearful phone call. She couldn’t help but feel concerned. Hull was known for being as cold as ice. Susanna, who once seemed brave enough, was only bold when times were peaceful and predictable. The recent events had clearly shaken her.

And Stella knew Hull’s temperament well enough to understand he wouldn’t be offering any comforting words to Susanna.

“Hull rarely meddles in others’ affairs,” Ronald shrugged.

Stella blinked again, confused. “Huh? What does that mean?”

Ronald sighed, seeing her puzzled face. “It is probably between Hull and Susanna now.”

Stella’s eyes went wide. “What?”

Personal matters between a man and a woman?

Seeing her still lost in thought, Ronald sighed again. “We’re heading back the day after tomorrow.”

“Really?” Stella’s face lit up instantly. The idea of leaving Portis City was a welcome relief. She couldn’t wait to say goodbye to the drama and head back home.

Though she had cut ties with the Larkin family, they still found their way into her life, especially Cloudia, who seemed eager to latch onto her success.

For years, they’d looked down on her, calling her a country bumpkin, and never once did she reveal anything about her life in Ferrowland. She saw through their facade.

People like that, if they were overly nice to you, it was often because they wanted something from you.

Now they wanted to be friendly? Fat chance.

Ronald nodded warmly. “Yeah, things are wrapping up.”

Stella threw her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. “That’s great! We should’ve left ages ago.

As she started to snuggle back under the covers, Ronald swiftly pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Light a fire and then run off, huh?” he teased.

She wriggled in his grasp. “What fire? I didn’t light any fire,” she protested with a laugh.

Grinning, Ronald flipped her over, pinning her beneath him on the bed.

Stella’s heart raced.

“No, no, we can’t,” she pleaded softly.

“Shh,” Ronald murmured.

“Seriously, we shouldn’t,” Stella whispered, her voice filled with a mix of reluctance and amusement as she tried to push him away.

But Ronald caught her delicate wrists, pinning them above her head, leaving her helpless beneath him.

“Ronald…” Stella whimpered softly.

His heart softened when he heard his name from her lips, and his eyes filled with tenderness.

“Be good for me, will you?” he coaxed gently.

Stella shook her head defiantly. “I don’t want to.”

Through their time together, Stella had learned that whenever Ronald asked her to be good, it usually meant he was up

to something mischievous. Even with his careful restraint, she always ended up breathless.

“I know you don’t. Don’t worry,” Ronald assured her.

Stella’s eyes widened. “Again?”

She was adamant. “I don’t want anything right now.”

Looking at her tearful face, Ronald chuckled, his mischievous side kicking into high gear.

……

The night in Portis City was a tapestry of contrasts: serene in some corners while vibrant and bustling in others.

In a dimly lit lounge, Yorick drowned his sorrows one drink at a time, with Julius and Hanson observing quietly.

Having just returned from overseas, the two had heard of the recent upheaval in the Quarry family. They had barely arrived at Portis City at seven that evening before Yorick summoned them. And since they arrived, Yorick had said nothing, burying himself in his drinks.

Hanson reached over as Yorick finished his third bottle, deftly snatching it from his grasp. “We’re having a hard time figuring you out, man. You’ve always had a thing for Ursula. Now, Stella’s found someone else. What has got you so worked up?”

Chapter 434

Stella had spent much time with Ronald lately, and everyone around Yorick knew it, too. Yorick and Stella’s engagement was only a temporary arrangement, a mere convenience. They believed Yorick had never loved her. Now that the engagement was off, it seemed natural that they’d both move on. So why was Yorick drowning his sorrows with whiskey? Julius glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t Ursula in Portis City? Who are you drinking for now?”

Hanson said, “Yeah. What’s the deal, man?”

They’d heard rumors while abroad that Stella had a new guy, but there hadn’t been any talk of Ursula seeing someone else. Yorick’s heart supposedly belonged to Ursula, so what could be troubling him this much?

Oh, right, wasn’t there talk about Ursula battling several types of cancer? Shouldn’t he be by her side instead of hitting the bar?

Mentioning Ursula seemed to deepen the worry on Yorick’s face. He reached for Hanson’s beer, but Hanson pulled it away.

“Come on, man. Spill it. What’s going on?”

Yorick stayed quiet, cracking open another bottle and downing half of it in one go.

Hanson and Julius exchanged a glance. That was more serious than they thought.

Hanson set his beer down and sat beside Yorick. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for Stella, that spiteful woman?”

Ursula had returned. If he weren’t with her, did it mean Yorick had feelings for Stella? That didn’t make sense; he always said Stella was trouble.

At Hanson’s mention of “spiteful,” Yorick’s grip on the bottle tightened. With a sharp tone, he corrected, “She’s not.”

Hanson blinked. “Huh?”

Julius turned to him too, puzzled.

Yorick took another swig, and the pain in his eyes seemed more evident. “The real spiteful one was never Stella.”

Hanson and Julius were speechless.

“Then who?” Hanson asked first.

The whole of Portis City blamed Stella for the chaos in the Larkin family, thinking her return threatened Ursula, the adopted daughter. If not Stella, then who? Ursula?

As the thought crossed their minds, Hanson and Julius exchanged another look.

Julius asked, “What’s going on with you and Ursula?”

“She… well…” Yorick’s eyes flashed with a sharpness they’d never seen when he spoke of Ursula before. Now, it was different.

“The truth is that she almost got Stella killed.”

The air in the room went still as Hanson and Julius processed the revelation.

“So that car accident, it was Ursula’s doing?” Hanson asked, shocked. “Stella wasn’t lying?”

They had always thought it was a case of the real daughter not accepting the adopted one. But now, it seemed like the adopted daughter was trying to keep the real one from coming home.

“Seriously, what’s happening here?” Hanson was bewildered.

Ursula was far more dangerous than they ever imagined if that were the case.

Yorick closed his eyes, exuding a sense of despair. Memories flooded back-how everyone, including himself and the entire Larkin family, had called Stella crazy and selfish. They’d even said if she couldn’t accept Ursula, she’d never see a penny from the family.

When looking back, those words were absurd. Who could make peace with someone who tried to end their life?

“So, what’s your deal now?” Hanson asked, trying to untangle the mess.

Yorick sighed, “What’s left to say?

“Stella doesn’t want a REVella’s moved on. Ursula’s a villain, but she’s dying, too.”

Hanson and Julius were at a loss. The situation was a mess, especially with the evident pain in Yorick’s voice when he said, “Stella doesn’t want me anymore.”

Chapter 435

Yorick had made up his mind about Ursula. He wouldn’t engage with her anymore, which was as clear as day. Ursula called him once, and Hanson watched Yorick block her number without a second thought.

They used to be so close. Who could have imagined they’d end up like this?

Julius asked, “So, what’s the deal with Stella?”

Hanson turned to Yorick curiously.

“Don’t mess up when it comes to Stella,” he warned.

The Lugar family wasn’t someone they could mess with, and Yorick knew it was the last place he should make any reckless moves.

Yorick let out a bitter chuckle. “Do I even have the right to mess up in front of her now?”

She was supposed to be his fiancée for two years, and they were on the brink of getting married.

But now, he couldn’t even get a glimpse of Stella.

Regret gnawed at him. Stella would be his wife if he hadn’t called off the engagement.

So what if it involved the Lugar family? Once married, Stella would have been his. But now…

Hanson shook his head. “You don’t.”

Stella had grown up in the Lugar family and was now close to Ronald. It was clear Ronald had feelings for Stella from the start.

After hearing Hanson’s confirmation, a new level of pain flashed in Yorick’s eyes.

As he was about to say something, his phone buzzed. It was the landline from the Quarry Manor.

A bit muddled, Yorick answered, “Hello?”

“Mr. Quarry, you need to come home quickly. Something big has happened at home.”

Yorick’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

He had cut ties with Ursula, so what could have happened at his home? Could it be his grandparents, given their age?

The butler’s voice was gent. “You should come home first. Mrs. Quarry has fainted, and Frost is on his way, too.”

Yorick was stunned. If even Frost got called back, something serious must be up.

“What happened?”

Before the butler could respond, he heard Imogen’s voice shouting in the background, “I’d rather die than let him step foot in this house.”

“What are you doing? Put down that knife!”

“Make him leave. Get him out of here!”

Imogen and Thane were in a heated argument, and even though Yorick couldn’t make sense of it, he knew their relationship had always been strong.

The butler was pleading. “Please, Mrs. Quarry, put down the knife.”

“Stay back, all of you. Stay back! Make him leave!”

Imogen’s screams were hysterical, and the intense situation struck Yorick hard. He hung up and got to his feet, though he was still unsteady from the alcohol.

Hanson and Julius rushed to follow him as he stumbled toward the door.

—

The following morning, Ronald was gone when Stella woke up. Her phone rang with a call from Susanna.

“I’ve got news about that thing you asked me to check out.”

Still groggy, Stella turned over. “What thing?”

Susanna replied, “It’s about Blaise and the financial director.”

Stella jolted awake and sat up. “What’s going on?”

Trust Susie to be on top of things. Even from Ferrowland, she was up to date with the gossip in Portis City, unaffected by her mother’s influence.

Susanna continued, “It’s a bit of a long story.”

“Make it short.”

No story was too long to summarize. If one sentence doesn’t cut it, make it two.

“The financial director is Ursula’s aunt,” Susanna revealed.

Stella was stunned. “What?”

Ursula’s aunt?

That was a lot to process.

Susanna explained, “She’s the sister of the nanny who secretly abandoned you.”

Stella burst out laughing. “Oh my!”

Chapter 436

“Wait. The woman who had Blaise’s twins turned out to be Ursula’s aunt?”

“Yup, Tegan said she heard rumors about Ursula being close to that woman, sneaking out to shop and dine. And Ursula got that woman into the company.”

Susanna added, “Yeah, even if Cloudia treats Ursula like her own, it’s not the same as blood ties. Ursula’s really looking after her own family, getting all those perks. And she even got Blaise, Cloudia’s husband, working with that woman.” “Well, she’s clear about where her loyalties lie,” Stella sighed, recalling when she first moved to Portis City. People like Cloudia and Jaxon had always accused her of not knowing how to prioritize her relationships. This time, they had someone who did that to the extreme.

“I’ve passed this juicy tidbit to Cloudia. You’re welcome,” Susanna said, a smirk in her voice.

Stella was stunned. “Seriously, did you really tell Cloudia?”

“Yep. I’m deadly serious,” Susanna replied, taking Stella’s matters seriously.

“By now, the news should be all over the Larkin family,” Susanna added.

Stella was stunned by the speed of it all.

“Cloudia will be so grateful to you,” she chuckled, imagining Cloudia’s reaction when she learned the true nature of her precious Ursula.

Meanwhile, Susanna hid in her room and dodged the dinner calls twice. She had asked if Hull was still around and was not pleased with the affirmative answer.

“Let’s drop the Larkin family drama for now,” Stella suggested, “Did Hull bother you last night?”

Susanna was immediately defensive. “What? No, I barricaded my door with every piece of furniture I could move.”

“Come on, Susanna. That’s a bit much. Don’t you think so?” Stella laughed.

“How is it too much?” Susanna retorted.

“Hull’s not that bad. Besides, he’s not a bad guy,” Stella tried to reassure her.

Susanna was skeptical. “You can’t be serious. The guy practically walks around armed and ready. If he’s not bad, then who is?”

“I think your judgment’s off,” Susanna huffed and hung up, shaking her head at Stella’s insistence that Hull was harmless.

If Hull wasn’t bad, then who had been messing with her clothes? Herself?

Just as she was stewing in her thoughts, there was a knock on her door.

“I’m not hungry, really,” Susanna called out, trying to avoid any confrontation, especially with Hull.

“Come out,” came the deep voice from the other side of the door.

Susanna’s heart skipped a beat upon recognizing Hull’s voice.

No way! Was he there? She pulled the covers tighter around herself.

“I said I’m not hungry,” she insisted, desperately wanting to avoid facing him.

“You’ve got five minutes to get downstairs,” Hull demanded.

Susanna was flabbergasted. How was that reasonable? She said she wasn’t hungry.

Enzo and Barnaby had followed Hull upstairs and stood behind him, watching as he leaned against the wall outside Susanna’s door, smoking with a menacing air.

Barnaby thought, their boss seemed determined to scare the living daylights out of the lady inside.

Chapter 437

In the room, Susanna clutched her blanket, looking as pitiful as a kitten caught in a rainstorm. “I’m really not hungry…” she murmured.

Hull stood outside, his voice firm as he declared, “Three minutes.”

Susanna’s eyes widened in alarm. Was leaving the room really unavoidable today? Or was it that breakfast simply had to be eaten, with no excuses?

Faced with Hull’s commanding tone, Susanna knew better than to argue. Reluctantly, she dragged herself out of bed.

Last night, in a bid for security, she had stacked several pieces of furniture against the door. Moving them in the dead of night hadn’t seemed too difficult, but now, with an empty stomach, each piece felt like it weighed a ton.

Outside, Hull listened to the sounds of furniture being shifted and couldn’t help but smile with a knowing glint in his eyes.

Barnaby, observing Hull’s transformation from stern to amused, was puzzled. Just a moment ago Hull had been all business, and now he was smiling. Was that a touch of warmth? It was hard to believe.

Just then, Enzo gave Barnaby a light thump on the back of the head.

“What are you gawking at? Let’s move,” Enzo said.

Barnaby protested, “What was that for?”

Enzo replied, “Stop staring. We’ve got things to do. Let’s wait for him in the study.”

Barnaby grumbled under his breath. Was it really necessary to get smacked for just glancing at his boss’s face?

Enzo pulled him along to the study, where they didn’t have to wait long before Silas joined them.

As soon as Silas entered, Barnaby nudged Enzo. “Hey, do you think our boss is still… you know, up to it?”

Silas almost choked on his own breath.

Seriously? Talking about this here?

Barnaby’s curiosity was unashamed, while Enzo remained unruffled, fixing Barnaby with a calm stare. Barnaby suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

How could he forget? Enzo never gossiped about their boss behind his back. But surely, even he had to be a little curious, right?

Feeling emboldened by this thought, Barnaby leaned in closer to Enzo. “Come on, you’re always around him. Tell me, is it true that he can’t perform in ‘that’ area?”

Silas winced internally. This was not going to end well!

Enzo’s face turned a shade darker. He shot back, “How about you, can you perform?”

Barnaby blinked, taken aback. “Of course, I can. I’m totally normal.”

Enzo’s eyes bore into him. “I suspect you’re about to become ‘not okay’.”

Barnaby blinked again, confused. “What kind of suspicion is that?”

For men, when it came to that area, they could either perform or not. How could there be suspicion about soon becoming unable to perform?

Enzo smirked slightly. “I reckon our boss might cripple you in that department.”

Barnaby felt a shiver run through his chest. Clearly, Enzo wasn’t one to entertain idle gossip about their boss. But what was the harm in a little speculation?

Then Barnaby quickly shifted his attention. “Silas, you know our boss is lacking in ‘that’ department, right?”

Silas, lighting a cigarette and settling into a corner of the sofa, wisely chose not to engage.

Meanwhile, Enzo gave Barnaby a look that could stop a charging bull. “Have you tried?”

Barnaby spluttered. “No, I haven’t! How would I even-“

Exchanging a knowing glance, Enzo and Silas both decided to ignore Barnaby. Engaging with him was like feeding a stray cat;-once you start, it’s hard to stop.

Barnaby, left to stew in the silence, pouted. “I just thought maybe I could help our boss, you know?”

Silas and Enzo exchanged another glance before turning back to Barnaby. “You think you’re the one to come up with solutions?” “They asked incredulously.

Barnaby was left speech.

……

Meanwhile, Susanna finally managed to move all the furniture blocking the door. When she opened it, Hull was already gone.

Chapter 438

As Susanna descended the stairs, she noticed Hull lounging on the couch, phone in hand. The dining table nearby was set with breakfast, but there wasn’t a housekeeper in sight. Susanna shuffled towards the table, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.

Hull glanced at her, concluding his conversation with a curt, “Alright, let’s do it that way,” before hanging up. His gaze, cold and unreadable, landed on Susanna.

Susanna had already taken a seat at the table, and under Hull’s intense scrutiny, she wished she could disappear into her bowl of cereal. The man was unfazed by anything, even the prospect of stripping someone of their dignity. He was dangerous.

Even from across the room, Hull could sense the tension radiating from Susanna. Lighting a cigarette, he took a slow drag and broke the silence. “Did you lock the door last night?”

The question caught Susanna off guard, causing her hand to tremble and her spoon to clatter into the bowl. She nodded nervously. “Yes.”

Hull’s eyes were on her, the smoke curling around him, obscuring his features but not the intimidating aura he exuded. Too scared to speak, Susanna retrieved her spoon and took a shaky bite of her breakfast.

Hull continued, “What do you think I might do to you?”

She shook her head, stammering, “N-no. You… you’re not interested in me.”

At least, that’s what Star had implied. Hull wasn’t into someone like her.

Hull cocked an eyebrow. “Then why lock the door?”

Susanna’s mind was screaming with frustration, but she dared not voice it. Surely, she was entitled to a sense of security as a woman, right?

Having witnessed Hull’s cold demeanor, she dreaded provoking him, fearing he might snap.

When she remained silent, Hull chuckled darkly. “Starting tonight, stop locking it.”

Susanna’s heart sank, her hand shaking once more, nearly dropping her spoon again.

“Why?” she asked, her voice tinged with desperation. Facing him was terrifying enough—why deny her a sense of safety at night too?

Hull offered no explanation, just a chilling stare.

It was unnerving!

Susanna lowered her head, whispering, “Alright, I understand.”

In someone else’s domain, she had to adapt. She needed to call Star and sort this mess out, find a way to distance herself from this living nightmare.

Hull interrupted her thoughts. “Finish up quickly.”

“W-what?” she stammered. Sleep was already a nightmare; now she couldn’t even eat in peace?

Hull stated, “We need to head out…”

Susanna’s dread mounted. “Where? Is it dangerous?”

She feared Hull, but the thought of facing danger again was even more terrifying.

Until she had answers about her mother’s situation, she wanted nothing more than to stay somewhere safe.

Hull flicked ash from his cigarette, his voice emotionless. “It might be.”

Susanna’s heart raced, fear gripping her. Without thinking, she blurted out, “I won’t go.”

She couldn’t face that kind of danger again; it would be the death of her. And she was terrified of dying…”

Hull assured her, “You’ll be safe.”

But Susanna shook her head firmly. “I don’t care. I’m not going.”

Promises didn’t mean much to her; in chaos, anything could happen. Hull might be confident, but she wasn’t willing to take that chance.

Chapter 439

“No way am I going,” Susanna declared, crossing her arms defiantly.

Hull narrowed his eyes at her, his voice low and commanding. “It’s not up to you.”

Susanna felt her heart race even faster at his words. Her anxiety reached a point where she couldn’t eat or drink anything.

Glancing at his watch, Hull noted the time before turning back to her. “You’ve got ten minutes to change and put on some makeup.”

“I really don’t want to go,” Susanna protested, her lips trembling as tears brimmed in her eyes.

Her defiant stance seemed to irritate Hull, who responded with a chill in his voice, “You’ve got eight minutes left. You know I’m not asking.”

The coldness in his tone left no room for negotiation. Susanna felt even more tears welling up, her frustration and helplessness making her glare at him with a mix of anger and despair.

Hull sighed, clearly exasperated. “Are you going to get moving or not?”

Women. are always so difficult. He couldn’t fathom how Ronald had the patience to coddle his little princess from a young age. If Hull had his way, he’d have tossed Susanna out by now, tears and all.

……

Meanwhile, in another part of Portis City.

Stella was having breakfast, savoring her favorite oatmeal with a touch of honey. But something felt off. She turned to the butler. “Do we have any of that plain porridge?”

Ronald liked his meals simple, and the thought of it made her crave the same.

The butler nodded. “Mr. Ronald had some earlier. There should be some left.” “Bring me that, please,” Stella said, pushing her oatmeal aside, no longer interested.

As she took a few sips of the porridge, her phone buzzed. It was Susanna. “Susie, what’s up?”

“Star, you have to save me,” Susanna’s voice was a mix of panic and desperation.

Stella sighed. “Seriously, Susie? Since when did you become so timid? What happened to your backbone?”

Susanna whimpered. “Hull’s taking me somewhere dangerous. I’m telling you, Star, I can’t handle this again.”

The memory of the past incidents still haunted Susanna, making her dread any new adventures with Hull.

“What kind of place?” Stella asked, already guessing Hull’s destinations were never safe.

“I have no clue, but he promised to keep me safe. And you know what that means … danger’s definitely involved.” Stella paused. “When are you coming back to Ferrowland, Star? I’m losing my mind here.”

With Hull, Susanna felt like she was constantly teetering on the edge of sanity.

“I don’t have a set date yet. Hang in there.”

“It’s not about hanging in there, I’m terrified.”

Stella sighed again, contemplating. “How about I send someone to get you?”

“To take me to the Quinn estate?”

“Where else? Everywhere else seems unsafe right now,” Stella pointed out. Given what happened at the international airport, sure she wasn’t safe anywhere else.

Susanna hesitated. The thought of living under the same roof with the legendary Mrs. Lugar was intimidating in its own right.

Chapter 440

“Star, when are you coming back?”

All Susanna wanted was to be with her Star. She didn’t care about anyone else; they could all do whatever they wanted without her.

Stella replied, “When I come back, will you move in with the Quinn family?”

“What? Don’t you have your own place out there?”

Why did they have to stay with the Quinn family? The thought was driving Susanna crazy.

Stella chuckled, “Of course, I do.”

“Then can’t we just stay at your place?”

“Are you sure?” Stella asked, teasingly.

Susanna paused, her confidence wavering. “Wait, maybe not.”

“If we did that, your brother would probably want to skin me alive. Never mind then.”

Ah, Mr. Quinn from Ferrowland, the pride and joy of Mrs. Lugar. It was hard to forget.

Mrs. Lugar was off-limits, and Mr. Quinn was no less formidable.

It was only now that Susanna realized the gravity of her situation. Being friends with Stella meant being in cahoots with some seriously influential people.

With a powerful mom, a powerhouse brother, and little Star being a force in her own right…

Stella laughed, “Alright, let’s talk about it when I get back.”

“Ugh!” Susanna groaned, feeling utterly defeated.

“Actually, Hull’s pretty reliable,” Stella remarked. “Since he offered to help you sort things out, we should trust him. Don’t worry, he won’t give you a hard time.”

Stella had unwavering faith in Ronald’s words. If Ronald had assured her that Hull wouldn’t harm Susanna, then she would have believed Susanna was safe with him.

Susanna sighed, “He already did.”

Stella was taken aback, “Hmm?”

“He threatened me.”

“No way,” Stella insisted. “Hull isn’t that kind of person. Don’t feel that way.”

Susanna was speechless, unsure of what else to say. “Alright, if you say so.”

Stella continued to reassure her until there was a knock on Susanna’s door, prompting her to end the call.

Hull had instructed her to change and freshen up. But when Susanna opened the closet, she found it filled with men’s clothing. At the moment, she was wearing one of Hull’s casual sweaters, which was long enough to look like a dress on her.

When the door knocked again, Susanna opened it to find Hull standing there, frowning. “What have you been doing all this time?”

Susanna hesitated.

Calling Star for backup, maybe?

But recalling how Stella seemed so timid talking to her about Hull, Susanna felt even more downtrodden. While she was internally grumbling, she dared not speak the truth.

“I don’t have any clothes,” she said, feigning innocence. “Am I supposed to wear your suit?”

Hull was rather tall, probably around six-foot-three. Standing before him, Susanna’s head barely reached his chest, and his broad, muscular build only emphasized the difference. In simple terms, Hull’s size was nearly double Susanna’s, not to mention the height.

So if she wore his suit, it would probably reach her knees.

Hull narrowed his eyes. “Where are your clothes?”

“I left in a hurry, didn’t have time to pack anything.”

In the chaos of that moment, she was whisked away by Tania without a second thought.

Susanna gave Hull a plaintive look, her cheeks flushed as she asked, “So, where did you put the clothes I was wearing when you, uh, took them?”

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