Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 521 to 530) – Daisy Novels

Chapter 521

In Portis City, Jaxon finally got a chance to see Cloudia, even though it was the middle of the night, which was a bit unusual.

But neither of them cared about the odd timing. The important thing was that they were together.

What Cloudia didn’t expect was the overwhelming despair that followed seeing Jaxon. Life inside was already tough, but seeing Jaxon limping and the bruises on his arms stung her heart.

“What happened to your leg again?” Cloudia asked, her voice tight with worry.

Jaxon shrugged it off, trying to downplay the concern in her eyes. “It’s nothing major. How are you holding up?”

Despite his assurances, Cloudia knew something terrible must have happened.

“That witch Ursula needs to be kicked out of the Larkin family. I want her gone,” Cloudia spat with venom. She couldn’t believe the betrayal from someone she had done so much for. The thought of Ursula made her blood boil.

Jaxon looked at Cloudia, her face now gaunt and weary, and felt a pang of guilt. “She’s out,” he assured her.

The mention of Ursula filled them both with anger and a shared sense of injustice.

“Good,” Cloudia nodded firmly. “Make sure you take back everything she has taken. She doesn’t deserve any of it.”

Cloudia was determined not to let Ursula leave with any of the luxuries she’d been gifted-jewels, clothes, bags, and shoes-all the things that Cloudia had once lavished upon her.

“And her car,” Cloudia continued, her tone unyielding. “Don’t let her drive off in that either. I bought it.”

Jaxon nodded. “Don’t worry. She didn’t take anything with her.”

Cloudia felt a small wave of relief wash over her. “That’s right. It’s all meant for Star. Only Star deserves those things.”

When she spoke of Stella, Cloudia’s voice was heavy with regret. Stella, her flesh and blood, the one she had wronged for Ursula’s sake. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

The rift with Stella haunted her- a mix of love and resentment. She longed to make amends but feared it was too late. Stella’s coldness toward the Larkin family pierced her heart.

Jaxon’s expression shifted at the mention of Stella, and Cloudia noticed immediately.

“You’ve seen Star, haven’t you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jaxon remained silent, looking uneasy.

Cloudia’s heart sank further. “Did she say anything? Is she willing…”

She hesitated, her hope flickering like a candle in the wind. “Will she help me?”

Cloudia’s eyes were full of desperate hope, searching Jaxon’s face for any sign that Stella might forgive her and help. She had come to realize that everything hinged on Stella’s word. If Stella had only spoken to Ronald on her behalf, everything could have been resolved.

But Jaxon’s silence was telling.

“Say something,” Cloudia urged, her voice tinged with fear.

Jaxon took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly. “Forget about her. Pretend she never existed.”

Cloudia’s breath caught in her throat.

Jaxon continued with a heavy heart, “She’s no longer part of the Larkin family.”

Besides the bond of blood, there was nothing left connecting Stella to them.

Chapter 522

If Stella ever thought of herself as part of the Larkin family, she

wouldn’t have been so ruthless to them. After all, they were her blood relatives.

But just look at how far she’d gone. She left herself no fallback whatsoever.

She never even considered that she might need a haven with the Larkin family one day if she ended up in the same situation with the Lugar family as Ursula did. She hadn’t thought of that.

Jaxon was seething with anger. He had practically begged Stella, lowering himself to a level he’d never thought possible, but she remained as unyielding as a stone.

What was she to the Lugar family anyway? Some precious treasure? He doubted it. Without a blood tie, he wanted to see if they would continue to hold her in such high regard.

Cloudia felt a tight knot in her chest when she heard that. “You mean… she refuses to help me?”

Jaxon replied, “Yes.”

Cloudia’s eyes welled up instantly, tears streaming down her face. “She doesn’t remember even a shred of our bond?”

Jaxon nodded again. “Yes.”

Cloudia felt as though something heavy was lodged in her heart. “I am her mother. I carried her for nine months and endured all the pains that a mother bears. How could she do this to me?”

Jaxon remained silent.

“How could she do this to me? I am her mother.”

Hearing Stella had refused to help drove Cloudia to madness. She screamed, overwhelmed by hysteria. “I regret it. I’ve decided not to favor Ursula anymore, so why won’t she help me?”

The more Jaxon listened, the more ragged his breathing became, and his resentment toward Stella deepened.

Cloudia continued, “What should I do for her to forgive me? She knows the entire Larkin family needs her now. Why is she being so heartless?”

Cloudia was on the brink of losing her mind. The thought that Stella refused to help made it seem impossible for her to find a way out. She was losing her sanity.

Faced with Cloudia’s breakdown, Jaxon could only remain silent.

Cloudia asked, “And your father? What’s his stance now? Is he also abandoning me for that woman outside?”

Stella was out of the question. Then Cloudia pinned her hopes on Blaise.

But when it came to Blaise, Jaxon’s breathing quickened. He had thought about reaching out to his father. But his father refused to see him. That was his own father, yet in the past few days, Jaxon had felt the sting of being abandoned.

Yes, he had been abandoned! His father of so many years now poured all his attention into that other family.

“I’m sorry.” Faced with Cloudia’s collapse, Jaxon, as her son, felt a profound sense of helplessness.

Whether they liked it or not, the Larkin family fell apart because of Ursula and Stella.

After a long overnight flight, Ronald’s private jet landed at Ferrowland International Airport around ten the following morning.

Knowing she would be returning to Ferrowland, Stella had woken up early.

Ronald coaxed her into having some oatmeal, but her stomach was so unsettled that she threw it all up.

She hadn’t eaten well for days, so by the time they landed, Stella felt thoroughly exhausted.

Ronald carried her the whole way, and for once, Stella didn’t insist on walking on her own because she simply didn’t have the strength.

“When we get home, I’ll have the medical team give you a full check-up,” Ronald said with a gentle smile, his eyes full of tenderness.

Stella murmured in agreement, nodding softly. Since she suspected she might be pregnant, she hadn’t taken any of the medications Finley bought her on the plane.

Trailing behind, Finley was still grumbling about the trip to the Muliba Desert. When he heard Ronald mention the medical check-up, he couldn’t help but add sarcastically, “It looks like your medical room’s finally going to get some use.”

Speaking of the medical room, it had all started because Stella had a weak constitution as a child. The first time she got sick and had to go to the hospital for an IV, she vomited because she couldn’t stand the smell of disinfectant.

After that, Ronald expanded the medical room at home. They bought all the equipment you’d find in a hospital and even dedicated an entire wing of the house to it. They even hired a team of pediatric specialists.

As Stella grew up, the team changed, but even in the years she spent away from Ferrowland, the team remained.

Hearing the bitterness in Finley’s voice, Stella peeked out from Ronald’s embrace. “You better stop talking, or your time in the Muliba Desert might just get extended.”

Finley got struck silent at the mention of “extended.”

Chapter 523

Outside the airport, the air was crisp with a hint of fall.

The Lugar family’s butler had come in person, and he wasn’t alone. Yvonne was there too. When Stella saw her, she wriggled out of Ronald’s embrace.

Yvonne gave Stella a glare that could melt an iceberg. It was the kind of look that said, “I could eat you alive right now.”

Stella caught her fierce gaze and clung tighter to Ronald’s arm with a pout. She was petite, and her size only emphasized her vulnerability. Yvonne watched from a short distance, and for a moment, she felt like being transported back to childhood. In her mind, Stella had always been this tiny figure beside Ronald.

As she approached, Yvonne scoffed, “When you were under Ronald’s watch, you couldn’t eat this or that. You were small then, fine. But now, with two years on your own, you could’ve eaten anything. Why haven’t you grown an inch?”

Stella was speechless, her mind racing. Hadn’t she grown at all?

“I have grown taller,” she mumbled instinctively.

Yvonne raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Really? Then why are you still only up to his chest?”

Stella blinked, glancing up at Ronald. It was true. Despite her growth, she still barely reached his chest.

Yvonne reached out to grab Stella. “Come on. You’ve got a lot to explain. Don’t think you can dodge me now that you’re back in Ferrowland.”

In other places, Yvonne might have had no power over her, but in Ferrowland, Stella couldn’t escape. Yvonne had held a grudge ever since Stella left Ferrowland and was determined to have her say.

Instinctively, Stella tried to hide behind Ronald, but Yvonne was quicker, already clutching her arm. “You left because Xander said so? You listen to him, huh? Do you think the Quinn family is nothing? What about Grandpa’s family?”

Yvonne was fuming, recalling how easily Xander had scared Stella away. Their grandparents were furious when they heard.

“I made a mistake. I know,” Stella said, her eyes wide and pleading.

“Knowing isn’t enough. What did Xander say to you? I’ll give that jerk a piece of my mind.”

No one bullied her Star and got away with it. She’d rushed back from Sands City when she heard Xander was back in Ferrowland. She’d even had a verbal spar with him that morning before coming to fetch Stella.

“Let go, and I’ll tell you,” Stella negotiated.

“Oh, you’ve got some nerve.”

“Enough.” Ronald intervened, his voice calm but firm. He loosened Yvonne’s grip on Stella. “Let her go.”

“You’re going to let her off the hook like this?” Yvonne was

incredulous. “It’s been three years, Ronald. She needs a good talking to. Otherwise, who knows who she’ll be scared off by next.”

Stella squirmed, tugging her hand free. “I’m not a child anymore,” she protested.

Yvonne shot back, “Oh? Shut it, kiddo.”

Turning back to Ronald, she added, “Leave her to me. I’ll ensure she gets a proper talking-to.”

Stella shivered at the thought. Yvonne’s ‘talking-to’ was notorious, and she wasn’t eager to experience it.

Sensing Stella’s resistance, Yvonne’s brow arched, meaning she was already plotting something in her mind.

Stella swallowed hard. “I’m your sister-in-law now.”

Yvonne froze. “What?”

Ronald looked equally surprised. Every pair of eyes in the entourage turned to Stella, waiting for the following explanation.

Chapter 524

Finley couldn’t help but snicker before bursting into laughter.

“Pfft. Yvonne, you do realize Star will be your sister-in-law, right? You know what that means? It’s like she’s your brother’s future wife. Show her some respect.”

Stella just rolled her eyes. She had half a mind to tell him to shut his mouth.

Yvonne’s brain seemed to freeze momentarily, and her face turned a shade of blue as she glared at Finley.

The news about Stella and Ronald together wasn’t new to her, but the “show her some respect” notion was a bit too much.

Finley’s words hit a nerve, and Yvonne exploded.

“Shut your damn mouth, you dolt.”

After saying that, she aimed a swift kick at Finley.

Yvonne never had much patience for the Yoder siblings. Finley had an annoying personality, and Skye, well, she had a knack for getting on Yvonne’s nerves.

Finley dodged quickly, and Yvonne’s kick landed squarely on Finley’s suitcase, sending it flying a good thirty feet before it crashed onto the floor with a resounding ‘thud.’

The bustling airport crowd barely knew how to react, glancing over briefly before deciding to mind their own business.

Finley stared at his suitcase, wide open with his belongings scattered everywhere, and he was livid.

“Yvonne, you crazy woman! Why don’t you run off with Skye and live miserably ever after?”

The mention of Skye was like fuel on a fire. Yvonne’s temper flared as she recalled all the trouble Skye had caused her, especially when trying to bring Stella back.

“You dare mention Skye? Come on then, pay me back what she owes me!”

Yvonne was still smarting over the things Skye had taken before disappearing. She’d been on a relentless quest to track her down.

Seeing Finley now, she wasn’t about to let it slide. In her mind, a sibling could pay another’s debts.

Known for his stinginess, Finley wasn’t having any of it. “Why should! pay you back? That’s a pipe dream.”

“How about I beat it out of you? The Yoder family is nothing but a bunch of con artists. Today, you’re not getting away.”

“Skye’s the one who swindled you. What’s it got to do with me? Hey, what are you doing? Don’t come any closer-“

Stella watched the scene unfold, glancing at Ronald.

Ronald took her hand and started leading her away. “Let’s head home.”

“But Star, wait. I haven’t finished yet!” Yvonne’s shout came from behind.

However, she was quickly distracted, chasing after Finley again. It was evident that Skye had really done a number on her this time.

Finley shouted after them, “Ronald, control your sister. It is ridiculous!”

But neither Stella nor Ronald paid any heed, slipping into the car as if they hadn’t heard a thing.

The long procession of cars slowly pulled away from the airport.

The family butler handed Stella a small lunchbox with a warm smile. “Miss, your mother heard you’ve not been eating well lately, so she prepared something for you, knowing airplane food isn’t the best.”

When mentioning her mother, Stella felt a lump in her throat. “Is Mom at home?”

The butler shook his head. “She had to step out early but will be back tonight. She asked me to tell you to wait for her patiently at home and not to wander off.”

That familiar instruction, “Don’t wander off,” transported Stella back to her childhood.

Every weekend, before her mother left the house, she’d say the same thing- stay at home, and friends would come over to play, just don’t wander off.

The Lugar and Quinn families held a unique position in Ferrowland, with plenty of rivals lurking around. Even with the Quinn family’s formidable reputation, they preferred to avoid any mishaps.

So, young Stella, even when she made friends, wasn’t allowed to go out with them. Instead, her friends would come over to the house.

Ronald opened the lunchbox, and the familiar aroma wafted out, comforting Stella deeply…

Chapter 525

For Stella, every single day spent away from home felt like a lifetime. She missed Ferrowland so much-everything about it, but most of all, she missed her family. To cope, she buried herself in work, hoping to ease the ache in her heart.

Now that she was finally back, the familiar aroma of her mom’s cook made those long years seem like they had passed in the blink of an eye.

“Want some?” Ronald asked her softly.

Stella nodded. “Yeah.”

Even though her taste had changed a lot recently, she couldn’t resist at that moment. She remembered this soup-her mom’s specialty. Lottie Lugar, her mom, loved cooking. No matter how busy she got, she always made time to whip up meals for her kids.

When Stella was little, she was frail, and Lottie practically nursed her back to health with her homemade meals.

Stella hugged the lunchbox and took a sip. “Mm, delicious. Just like old times.”

“Mrs. Quinn said it was your favorite, so she made it first thing in the morning before heading out,” the butler said.

Upon hearing that, Stella felt a lump in her throat, her nose tingling with emotion. She glanced at Ronald with teary eyes.

Ronald met her gaze, understanding what she felt, and chuckled softly as he ruffled her hair. “Finley sent your news back.”

Stella’s eyes widened. Finley was a big mouth! He didn’t even realize she might be pregnant, yet he spread the news. How did he say it? That she was sick? Considering Finley’s reputation as a doctor, Stella was suddenly skeptical about how he became so renowned.

Stella gulped down the soup, finishing every last drop. When she returned the empty lunchbox to the butler, he smiled with satisfaction.

“Mrs. Quinn was worried you wouldn’t have an appetite. She’ll be thrilled to know you enjoyed it.”

What mother wouldn’t want her child to appreciate her cooking? Stella didn’t feel like eating the soup, but knowing her mom had gotten up early to make it and then headed out, she ate it all.

The butler looked a little emotional. “Being away for so many years, you’ve grown up, Ms. Quinn.”

He thought Stella had become thoughtful and considerate.

Reflecting on it, Stella had been gentler and more considerate, while her sister, Yvonne, was wilder and more outgoing, often away from home. Their mom worried about her too, but Yvonne was hard to control.

Stella glanced at Ronald. “Shall we head to Hull’s place first?”

She had promised to pick up Susie right after landing.

Ronald checked his watch and nodded, then instructed the butler, “Take her to Hull.”

“Of course,” the butler agreed.

Stella asked, “You’re not coming with me?”

Ronald replied, “I have some things to take care of here. Once you pick up Susanna, head straight home.”

Stella nodded obediently. “Alright.”

Seeing her so compliant, Ronald ruffled her soft hair again and kissed her forehead. Then he got into another car at the cross, followed by several others.

Escorted by three cars, Stella headed to Hull’s villa.

Susanna was a bundle of nerves in the villa, having stayed up all night worrying about potential issues with Hull.

As Stella stepped inside, she found Susanna with red-rimmed eyes, preparing medication for Hull, looking like a forlorn and overwhelmed young wife.

Chapter 526

In just a few short days, Susanna had lost so much weight that it was noticeable. Stella felt a pang of sympathy as she called out, “Susie.”

Susanna paused in mixing some medication and looked up at Stella, tears starting to well up and spill over.

“Star,” she sniffed.

Stella quickly closed the distance between them. “What’s wrong? Why the tears?”

It seemed something else must have happened the previous night. Stella thought about all the mishaps that had befallen Susanna since she started spending time with Hull. It was like she was a magnet for trouble.

Susanna wiped her nose and said, “Thank goodness you’re here. I almost didn’t make it to see the light of day.”

She collapsed into Stella’s arms, sobbing.

Barnaby, who had just walked in, heard Susanna’s dramatic statement and couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Seriously?”

What did she mean by “almost didn’t make it”? Surely she wasn’t that fragile? Last night had been intense, sure, but nobody had lashed out at her. Maybe they had said some harsh words, but now it sounded like she’d narrowly escaped death.

Jesus! Women and their imagination, he thought. It was good he wasn’t planning on having a girlfriend anytime soon. Poor Hull, having to deal with someone so skittish.

Stella held Susanna, gently patting her back. “There, there. It’s okay now.”

She couldn’t help but wonder why Hull couldn’t be gentler with her. If he wasn’t careful, he’d end up alone.

He hadn’t always been like this. He was much more easygoing when he was with Ronald. Maybe it was the situations he dragged Susanna into?

Susanna’s shoulders shook as she cried, looking pitifully small.

Stella continued to console her. “It’s all in the past now. Try to forget, okay?”

“It’s not in the past. It’s not over. I almost died.”

The previous night’s event was terrifying. She wouldn’t have lived to see Stella again if things had gone south with Hull.

Stella reassured her, “No way. Hull would never let anything happen to you.”

Maybe Hull didn’t listen to others, but when Ronald spoke, Hull paid attention.

Susanna shook her head. “It was because of him that I nearly died.”

Stella was shocked. “What?”

Susanna nearly died because of Hull?

It caught Stella off guard. “Did something else happen last night?” Surely nothing went wrong again in the short time she was with Hull last night, right?

She recalled previous incidents like in Misty Bay when Susanna grabbed Hull’s belt buckle or when she had a mishap with a towel after they moved here. If another incident happened last night, Susanna’s track record of accidents around Hull was getting a bit ridiculous.

Susanna choked back more tears. “I almost killed Hull last night.”

Stella’s eyes widened in shock. “What?”

She gently pushed Susanna back to arm’s length, her face scrunching up in confusion. “What did you say?”

Stella wondered if she had heard wrong. Did Susanna say she almost killed Hull? Stella didn’t doubt Susanna’s character, but she couldn’t harm someone like Hull.

Susanna sniffed again. “I nearly ended Hull’s life. I was scared out of my wits. How could I be so clumsy? Back in Portis City, I wasn’t like this. Why do I keep messing up around him?”

Susanna’s words faded into more sobbing when she thought of all her mishaps.

Stella was left staring, dumbfounded.

Chapter 527

Stella stared at Susanna, disbelief written all over her face. There was no way Susanna could have done something like this.

But seeing Susanna falling apart right before her, Stella knew she had to get to the bottom of it. There was no way around it this time.

The thing with Susanna was different from anything that had happened with Tegan. Tegan’s business was a matter of respect. But this? It needed answers.

“Fine, fine. Stop crying for a second and tell me what happened. I need to understand the whole thing.”

Between sobs, Susanna recounted the previous night’s events in broken sentences. The gist was that she was supposed to change Hull’s bandages and give him his meds. But with all the mixing of pills and pouring of water, she mixed up the two medicines.

“You mixed them up?” Stella asked, incredulously. “That doesn’t sound so terrible. Just a mix-up with the meds”

“And then, Hull took the external ointment orally, Susanna explained, “It’s the one for wounds. It’s really strong.”

When Susanna said it was “really strong,” Stella understood just how potent that ointment was.

Stella’s eyes widened in shock. She was speechless, just staring at Susanna. It was beyond careless; it was downright dumb.

Susanna wiped her tears, muttering, “I’m so stupid, aren’t I?”

Stella nodded silently. Susanna was a mess, and Stella didn’t have the heart to reproach her anymore. But she had to ask, “What happened next? There weren’t any serious side effects, right?”

Considering Susanna was still there and breathing, Hull must have been okay. If anything had really gone wrong, Hull’s people would have dealt with Susanna, no questions asked.

Susanna sniffled. “It turned out okay in the end, thank goodness. But I was scared to death. His people looked like they were ready to eat me alive.”

Barnaby had already gone to find Hull. If he had been there, he might have said something like, “You think that was scary? You haven’t even heard the worst of it.”

Stella sighed, “Honestly, I’d be pretty mad too. He was just injured, and you nearly made it much worse.”

“What do I do now?” Susanna asked, her eyes full of hope. “Can you get me out of here?”

Stella knew there had to be more to this story. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No, nothing,” Susanna insisted, but Stella didn’t buy it. She grew up with Ronald, after all. She knew when someone was hiding something.

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Susanna replied, “Please, just talk to him. I want out. I can’t stay here another second.”

Stella shook her head, sensing there was more beneath the surface. “Where is he?”

“He’s in his room.”

“Okay, let’s go,” Stella said, ready to face whatever awaited. She knew entering Hull’s private space alone wasn’t wise. Ronald would have her head if he found out.

Susanna stepped back. “You go.”

“Come on. Don’t be like that…”

“Barnaby’s there too. I’m not going.”

Barnaby was so intimidating. His intelligence might not be his strong suit, but he made up for it with sheer menace.

Chapter 528

People like him always made others nervous, especially when emotions started to run high. No one really knew what someone with low intelligence might do when they got all fired up.

“Is there someone else up there?”

“Yeah. Barnaby just went up. Didn’t you see?”

Although Susanna had only glanced briefly, she found herself quite wary of the person next to Hull.

Hearing there were others in Hull’s room, Stella decided not to push Susanna any further.

“Alright then, I’ll go say hi to Hull. You pack and get ready. We’ll leave when I get back.”

“I don’t have anything to pack.”

Susanna had been whisked away by Tania without a moment’s notice, leaving her no time to gather her things.

The more she thought about her situation, the more upset she felt. Her mother was still missing, and sending her to Ferrowland should be the safest plan. But upon arriving, she realized people were waiting for her here too, and now Tania was gone as well.

Stella nodded. “Okay, wait for me here.”

“Okay.” Susanna nodded earnestly, looking adorable and compliant. Right now, she only had Star, and Star was the only one she felt she could wait for.

Upstairs, Hull was engrossed in his phone, barely acknowledging Barnaby’s report.

Barnaby’s mouth was getting dry from talking so much, and still, he got no response. He cleared his throat, “Mr. Miguel.”

There was still no reaction from Hull.

Curious about what was so captivating on the phone, Barnaby tiptoed to sneak a peek. It seemed like surveillance footage. What was so interesting about that?

Before Barnaby could ponder further, there was a knock on the door, and Stella’s voice, as sweet as a kitten, came from outside. “Hull, are you available?”

No wonder Ronald treated her like a delicate flower. Her voice was so soft and endearing that it made you worry the world outside might gobble her up.

Seeing Hull remain unresponsive, Barnaby tried again, “Mr. Miguel, hey, Mr. Miguel?”

After several calls, Hull finally took his eyes off his phone, casting an annoyed glance at Barnaby.

The look startled Barnaby. “It’s, uh, Princess Stella.”

Everyone in Ferrowland referred to Stella as Princess Stella, while Yvonne was known as Princess Yvonne. Although she was the second daughter of the Quinn family, there were only two daughters, so one was the elder princess, and the other the younger.

Hull glanced toward the door. “Let her in.”

He instinctively adjusted his robe. It was an unspoken rule among Ronald’s men to maintain their appearance before Stella.

Once Hull’s attire was in order, Barnaby opened the door.

Earlier, he had seen Stella chatting with Susanna, so he hadn’t interrupted. Now, he respectfully greeted her, “Princess Stella.”

Hearing the title, Stella paused. Since moving to Portis City, no one had called her that. Barnaby’s words made her feel the reality of being back in Ferrowland.

Stella nodded, her eyes moving to Hull on the bed. His face looked a bit pale, a testament to the fact that Susanna’s mishap with his medication last night wasn’t entirely without consequence.

Stella greeted politely, “Hull.”

Hull nodded slightly, acknowledging her before inquiring about Ronald. “Didn’t Ronald come with you?”

Stella replied, “He’s busy. I came to pick up Susie.”

She treated Hull with due respect, particularly given his proximity to Ronald. Stella was acutely aware of who held significance in Ronald’s world.

Susanna had spent some time with Hull, so it was only right for Stella to inform him before taking her away.

When she mentioned this, the room’s atmosphere cooled noticeably.

Feeling the shift, Stella glanced at Hull. “So, I’ll be taking her then?”

Chapter 529

As their eyes met, Stella quickly averted her gaze.

Wow, when did Hull’s stare become so intense? He was kind when Ronald was around, wasn’t he?

Was this the look he’d been giving Susanna lately? No wonder Susie was so scared.

With the vibe he’s giving off, it’s not just Susanna who’s frightened; Stella’s pretty uneasy herself.

Barnaby glanced at Hull’s not-so-happy expression. Then he respectfully approached Stella. “Hey, Princess Stella, it’s not that Mr. Miguel isn’t letting you take her, but you can’t take her away now.”

Barnaby thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me. That woman belongs to my boss now. You think anyone can just waltz in and take her?”

Stella raised an eyebrow at Barnaby’s words. “What do you mean?”

With one look, her eyes returned to Hull, whose gaze was now fixed on Barnaby.

Receiving Hull’s silent command, Barnaby felt a rare sense of accomplishment. Finally, he’d done something clever before his boss.

He turned back to Stella. “It’s complicated. You know Ms. Tucker nearly got Mr. Miguel killed last night, right?”

“She didn’t mean to,” Stella replied without a second thought, her confidence in Susanna unwavering.

Before Barnaby could respond, Stella added, “She just mixed up the medication. She wasn’t trying to harm Hull.”

Barnaby asked, “Ms. Tucker told you this?”

Stella nodded. “Yes. Is there a problem with that?”

Barnaby chuckled awkwardly, “Well, that’s a pretty big problem.”

Stella’s expression darkened, her gaze at Barnaby now tinged with irritation.

Barnaby continued, “When someone gets caught doing something shady, they always say it wasn’t on purpose, it was an accident. They never admit to any ulterior motives, right, Princess Stella?”

Stella snapped, “What do you mean? Shut it.”

As if Susanna were some kind of secret agent! Can he exaggerate Susanna’s skills any more?

Back in Portis City, Susanna had some guts. But since she came to Ferrowland, she’d been a nervous wreck, crying multiple times daily.

Who would want such a nervous wreck to be a secret agent? The mission would fail, and you’d have to console her every time she cried.

Barnaby was stunned by Stella’s sudden outburst. “But I’m just telling the truth here.”

Stella insisted, “She doesn’t have what it takes to be a secret agent.”

Barnaby argued, “But you can’t deny she nearly killed Mr. Miguel last night. That’s a fact, too.”

In any case, Susanna was in deep trouble with Hull.

Stella pouted. “I’m taking her with me today, no matter what.”

After hearing what Susanna had told her earlier, Stella knew it wouldn’t be easy to get her out of there. She didn’t expect Hull to be so resolute in his refusal. Although he hadn’t said a word, he allowed his subordinate to speak to her like this.

That was a clear sign it wasn’t going to be easy to take Susanna away today.

So Stella hardened her stance. Thinking of how desperately Susanna had cried earlier, how could Stella leave her behind? Besides, Susanna was under Hull’s suspicion. If she left, Susanna might end up in serious trouble.

That was why Stella was determined. “I’m taking her with me.”

Hull still didn’t speak, and Stella’s tone grew firmer.

Barnaby tried reasoning with her, “Princess Stella, we know she’s your good friend from Portis City, but she might have approached you with a motive.”

Barnaby laid it out more bluntly.

Stella retorted, “She didn’t.”

Barnaby shrugged, “You can’t say for sure now.”

“You…” Stella was getting really frustrated.

Chapter 530

At that moment, Hull glanced over at her and spoke up, his words cutting through the air like a cold blade. “You’re not taking her with you.”

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Stella’s lips twitched. “Hull, this is…”

“She might be connected to Black Gate.”

Stella’s mind raced. The name struck her like a punch to the gut.

Two years ago, Xander had some dealings with them from Black Gate. It was precisely because of those connections that she feared it would create messy problems for Ronald. She had compromised then, choosing to follow Xander’s advice.

Upon hearing Hull mention it again, Stella’s face visibly paled.

But when it came to Susanna…

She shook her head defiantly. “No, she can’t be related to them.”

Hull’s eyes were cold as ice. “Whether she is or not, we’ll know once we investigate.”

Stella’s shock was palpable.

Hull took a sip from the water glass on the nightstand, his every movement exuding an intimidating aura that brooked no dissent.

Stella opened her mouth to argue further.

Barnaby, watching the exchange, understood the situation all too well.

He quickly stepped in. “Hey, Princess Stella, let’s talk it out. Mr. Miguel’s tired and needs some rest.”

Stella argued, “Susanna has nothing to do with the Black Gate.”

“I know you trust her, but trust and reality are two different things.” Barnaby gently but firmly guided Stella out of the room, leading her downstairs.

Stella wasn’t about to back down. “I’m taking her with me. No question about it.”

When Stella was in Portis City, Susanna had called three times daily, clearly terrified. Leaving her here with Hull was asking for trouble, Stella thought. To her, Susanna was clearly overwhelmed.

When someone’s head was spinning, they would make mistakes. Right now, Susanna could do anything wrong.

Stella’s resolve didn’t work on Hull’s crew. Barnaby was blunt. “You can’t take her.”

The words only fueled Stella’s determination. She shook off

Barnaby’s hand and turned to head back upstairs. “I’m not talking to you. I’m going to talk to Hull.”

She realized she couldn’t reason with Barnaby. It all came down to Hull’s decision.

But as she turned, Barnaby grabbed her arm again. Talking to him. won’t change anything. It is his decision. Once we’ve sorted everything out, we’ll discuss letting her go, okay?”

Stella was frantic. “How long until you find out?”

“That’s hard to say.”

Stella’s frustration grew. Hearing ‘hard to say’ made her more terrified. What if something happened to Susanna here?

“I’m telling you clearly, I’m taking her today.”

Barnaby stood his ground. “You can’t.”

Back and forth they went. One decided to take, the other steadfast in refusal.

Susanna witnessed the exchange in the living room, and tears fell uncontrollably.

She had believed that when Stella returned, she’d be free from this madhouse. But now, even Stella couldn’t take her away?

Feeling utterly hopeless, Susanna burst into tears.

The sudden crying brought silence between Stella and Barnaby, and they turned to look at Susanna.

Seeing that, Stella became even more anxious. She quickly descended the stairs to Susanna. “Susie, don’t worry. I’m getting you out of here today.”

Barnaby insisted, “You seriously can’t take her.”

Susanna wailed louder, her cry echoing in the house.

Stella snapped, “Just shut up.”

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