Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 551 to 560) – Daisy Novels 

Chapter 551

In the medical room, Dylan was having a fit of laughter. He’d been chuckling for a solid ten minutes since hearing that Finley was heading to the Muliba Desert.

Finley, who was the unfortunate recipient of this amusement, was not amused. His face was darkening by the second. “How long are you planning to laugh?”

He was utterly exasperated, and yet here Dylan was, feeling it laughable. It was one thing about the behavior, but how could he laugh for so long? To think his personality was like that.

Dylan grabbed a tissue. “You’ve finally irked Mr. Quinn. I always said your big mouth would get you in trouble one day.”

Anyone who knew Finley knew he had a knack for sticking his foot in his mouth, and everyone had been waiting to see how long it would take for Ronald to lose his patience with him.

“It’s not my mouth that’s the issue,” Finley muttered, rubbing his forehead in frustration.

He was kicking himself for not realizing Stella was pregnant. It hadn’t even crossed his mind. Meanwhile, Ronald, who usually wasn’t the most observant, had figured it out.

What no one knew was that while Finley was begrudgingly packing for the Muliba Desert trip, he was also berating himself for not seeing the signs. How could he have been so oblivious? Ronald and Stella had been together for a while; it was only natural for her to be expecting.

And yet, Finley had overestimated Ronald’s restraint – assuming he wouldn’t let her get pregnant before marriage.

Now, it seemed he’d ignored the part that given the years when Stella went missing, Ronald would do anything to keep her close, even tie her down with a baby.

Dylan was still giggling, clutching his stomach. “So, what’s the real reason?”

Finley was at a loss. Dylan’s teasing was getting under his skin, but he had to admit, he was hatching a plan. If he could convince Dylan to accompany him to the desert, maybe he’d think twice before mocking him again.

Stella was due for a check-up soon. Knowing Dylan’s penchant for jumping to conclusions, which meant he might probably end up with the same fate as his, Finley figured he’d likely misdiagnose her. After all, not many in the Quinn family knew about Stella and Ronald’s relationship yet.

Finley’s eyes lit up at the thought. “You know, the little princess is coming in for a check-up. She’s been feeling off lately.”

“What kind of ‘off’?” Dylan asked, his demeanor turning serious at the mention of Stella not feeling well.

“Just a bit of a stomach issue,” Finley replied. “Probably because Ronald overfed her while they were in Portis City.”

Finley emphasized “overfed”, deliberately trying to lead Dylan astray. But Dylan, ever perceptive, frowned. “That doesn’t sound right. Mr. Quinn always keeps a close eye on her diet. We all know she has a sensitive stomach.”

Stella’s love for food, despite her delicate stomach, was a well-known fact among the Quinn family and the Lugar family. Ronald had always been cautious about it.

Finley’s claim raised skepticism in Dylan as he gazed at Finley. “You’re lying, aren’t you? What are you trying to achieve?”

Finley’s eyes twitched fiercely, marveling at how meticulous this guy could be. Star had been away for years, and Dylan still kept her. Stomach issue on mind?

Finley waved his hand dismissively. “Why would I lie? Ronald hadn’t seen Stella in years. Of course, he’d spoil her.”

Dylan was silent. Was that so?

Finley continued, “Anyway, she’ll definitely need a check-up. Make sure to focus on her stomach.”

He stressed the word “stomach”, steering Dylan’s attention where he wanted it. If he was going to the Muliba Desert, he sure as heck wasn’t going alone.

Dylan pondered for a moment and nodded. “Alright.”

But then he hesitated. “Why isn’t Mr. Quinn having you check on her?”

Finley had accompanied them to Portis City, so it made sense for

him to handle Stella’s check-up. Something felt off to Dylan.

“I’m busy,” Finley uttered.

“Busy with what?”

Finley gritted his teeth. “Busy getting ready for the trip to the desert. I need to pack things up now. You take care of Stella.”

With that, Finley stormed off.

Chapter 552

Even though the matter over there was crucial, Finley just couldn’t bring himself to go, especially to the Muliba Desert. The climate was harsh, and the threat of outbreaks loomed over it like a bad omen. Not even the most brilliant minds wanted to venture there, much less someone like him.

As Finley left, Dylan’s mind wandered back into contemplation, and before long, Yvonne and Lottie arrived in the medical room with Stella.

Seeing Lottie, Dylan quickly stood up and greeted her respectfully.

Lottie guided Stella forward. “Please tend to her wounds. Oh, and she might be pregnant. See what medication you can give.”

Dylan’s eyes widened.

Pregnant?

That sneaky Finley, setting him up like this! If he had only checked Stella’s stomach and prescribed a bunch of meds, he’d be the one shipped off to that desolate desert with him.

He’d have a word with him later, that was for sure.

Noticing Dylan’s hesitation, Lottie asked, “Is something wrong?”

“I’ll treat her wounds first,” Dylan responded, quickly gathering medication safe for expectant mothers. She bandaged Stella’s injuries, all the while simmering with frustration towards Finley.

Meanwhile, in the study, Ronald lit a cigarette with a grim expression, tossing the pack to Xander.

Xander caught it, agitatedly pulling out a cigarette and lighting it, his breath still uneven. “Is she really pregnant? Is the child yours?”

Xander’s voice was low and dangerous, seemingly ready to explode and tear Ronald apart if the latter uttered a single “yes”.

Ronald glanced at him icily, offering no answer. That one look was enough to infuriate Xander. “Ronald, that’s my freaking fiancée, promised by our elders, spoken with clear intent. Who do you think you are?”

Xander couldn’t contain himself any longer, his anger flaring up as he slammed a fist onto the desk. The force made the items on it tremble.

Their eyes locked, and the tension in the room was so thick it was almost tangible.

Ronald smirked coldly. “Promised by elders? Do you forget the state they were in when they said that?”

“What state?” Xander ground out, teeth clenched. Even knowing he couldn’t best Ronald, he felt his fists itch to connect with his face.

Ronald interlaced his fingers on the desk, leaning forward slightly. “They were drunk off their minds. And as someone sober, you took it seriously?”

Xander was left speechless; his breath hitched at the revelation as he recalled the scene. Ronald had a point; it was said when his father and Mr. Quinn were inebriated.

“So what? Being drunk doesn’t strip them of being elders,” Xander snapped, defensively.

Ronald let out a soft laugh. “Is your father still considered your elder?”

Xander’s face fell, his emotions crumbling. That old coot… did he deserve to be called an elder?

Ronald sneered, “If I remember correctly, you severed ties with Mr. Schultz two years ago, right? You’ve been telling everyone you’re not part of the Schultz family.”

Xander retorted, “I’m not part of the Schultz family, but I’m still Xander. Stella is my fiancée.”

“What are you hoping to achieve by saying that?”

Xander was taken aback.

“Nothing,” Ronald remarked, eyes narrowing slightly.

Stung by the comment, Xander grew agitated, his grip on reason slipping. “I don’t care. She’s mine, and you have to give her back.”

Though Xander’s voice was filled with rage, if you listened closely, there was a hint of hurt beneath it all when he uttered “give her back”.

After that fateful day with their elders, he’d always thought of Stella as his. And now, facing someone unreasonable trying to take her away, it was infuriating.

Chapter 553

When logic failed, Xander resorted to good old-fashioned nonsense. Honestly, he’d always been the master of nonsense.

That troublesome Stella, three years ago, she’d misunderstood him, and now she was holding it against him? He’d texted her covertly from another phone, for Pete’s sake! Was she blind back then and just didn’t see it?

Ronald lifted his eyes coldly. “Give back?”

Xander replied, “Yeah, she’s mine, you gotta give her back. No matter what, I want her.”

When it came to Stella, Xander adopted a no-nonsense,

take-no-prisoners stance. No amount of reasoning would sway him.

Ronald let out a dry chuckle, snuffing his cigarette in the ashtray with a hiss.

“I noticed earlier that your hands seemed a bit too friendly with Yvonne’s chest.”

Xander’s lips twitched. “What are you talking about?”

Earlier? What situation was he talking about? Was he not seeing straight? Whatever happened, it wasn’t like that at all!

Ronald asked, “Not planning on taking responsibility?”

Xander was flabbergasted. What? Taking responsibility? Was he serious?

Meeting Ronald’s dead-serious gaze, Xander felt a twitch of panic. “Hey, do you even know why I came to see Yvonne today? She stole something of mine.”

Ronald didn’t respond.

“Ronald, I’m telling you, this is low, even for you. Have you no shame?”

He came to get his stuff back from Yvonne, to ask Ronald to let Star go, and Ronald was pulling this stunt on him?

What was this? Was Ronald trying to pawn off Yvonne, that tomboy, on him because Dan was out of the picture?

Ronald lit another cigarette. “But you did touch her, and Yvonne is a lady. A lady’s reputation…”

The way he said Yvonne’s name, like she was some delicate flower, made Xander’s blood boil. “Lady? Ronald, are you seriously calling Yvonne a lady? Can you say that with a straight face?”

Ronald played along. “I can indeed.”

Xander was floored. Did he dig up the Quinn family’s grave in a past life to deserve this? Was Ronald really going through with this?

“So you’re retaliating by siccing her on me?”

Xander was about to blow a gasket. It was clear now; Ronald was doing this for Stella, shoving Yvonne into his life.

A sharp pang struck Xander’s chest in sheer exasperation. “Are you hoping Yvonne would slip poison into my coffee at night?”

This wasn’t just a woman being thrust upon him. With Yvonne’s reputation, which he was well aware of, it was akin to being handed a ticking time bomb.

“Cut the crap,” Xander howled, his frustration palpable.

Ronald chuckled lightly. “My sister isn’t someone just anyone can push around.”

Xander’s lips twitched. Was Ronald serious?

“Yvonne’s one true love was Dan, and that guy’s still living rent-free in her head. And Dan’s no saint; he’s done more than his share of pushing.”

Yvonne had gone to confront him, only to find out he was marrying someone else. It was like a slap in her face, echoing loudly.

Ronald said, “How do you know Dan’s living happily ever after?”

Xander asked, “What do you mean?”

Was Ronald suggesting Dan wasn’t happy now? No way.

Yvonne had just gone to Sands City, and there were so many things still up in the air. Ronald’s actions seemed protective to those who got it, but to the uninitiated, he seemed utterly unreasonable. And he wasn’t exactly known for being the most reasonable guy in the room. One would understand after hearing the nonsense he just spewed.

“I barely touched her, and it wasn’t on purpose. You expect me to marry Yvonne? Does she even want that?” Xander was practically bouncing with frustration.

Before Ronald could respond, Yvonne’s voice rang out from the doorway. “Yes.”

Chapter 554

Ronald remained silent, while Xander was shaken to his core.

Turning around, Xander looked at Yvonne, who had appeared at the door without anyone noticing. His mouth twitched in disbelief.

“What, what, what do you mean? Was there no place for reason anymore? What do you mean by ‘yes’? Yes, for what?”

Yvonne walked in with her arms crossed. “For marrying you, of course. That way, you won’t have the chance to think about anything else. After all, Star would never want a divorced guy. I’m making sure you have no damn chance.”

Xander’s mind went completely blank at her declaration. He stared at Yvonne, pupils contracting, unable to believe what he was hearing. Did Yvonne really say that? She wanted to make sure he had no chance with Stella!?

“You’d sacrifice your happiness to make sure I have no chance with Stella?”

Yvonne shrugged, arms still crossed. “Yep, exactly. Is that a problem?”

Xander’s breath was coming in quick, angry bursts. This was crazy, completely insane.

“And what about Dan? He wouldn’t want a divorced woman, either.”

Xander, frustrated, brought up Dan, the man who had occupied a corner of Yvonne’s heart for years, never fading from memory. Right now, Xander was utterly dumbfounded. He had come here to confront Yvonne about sneaking his documents over to Dan. And now, he felt like he was the one being cornered, unable to escape.

Yvonne was unfazed. “Dan’s marrying someone else now. No big deal, we can both be ‘the divorced’.”

Xander leapt up in anger. “Who wants to be that with you? Stop dragging me into this mess! I’m telling you, there’s no way I could ever like you.”

Fueled by anger, Xander spoke in a gradually harsher tone.

Yvonne raised an eyebrow. “Let’s get married tomorrow, and divorce the next day. Who needs love anyway? Or we could just stay married, doesn’t really matter if there’s love or not.”

Xander was rendered speechless. So, she just wanted him to be the divorced man who would stand no chance with Stella?

As their back-and-forth continued, Ronald cast a deep, thoughtful glance at Yvonne. The situation had spiraled out of control.

Yvonne snapped, “You shameless fool, Star’s pregnant with my brother’s kid. Why are you meddling?

With your track record, it’d be a miracle if Star wanted to marry you. She doesn’t, and you’re still pestering her, you disgraceful mess.”

Yvonne had been furious since earlier, and now she was letting Xander have it.

Xander always knew the Quinn family was sharp-tongued, especially Stella, who seemed soft and gentle. But under the Quinn family’s tutelage, even she knew how to hold her own.

These past few days, Yvonne had only come to pick fights with him, without much verbal sparring. Now that her verbal skills were kicking in, Xander felt like she was an exploding firecracker…

“Are you done yet? Yvonne, I’m telling you, quit twisting things around and give me back my stuff.”

Did she really think that by arguing like this, he’d forget why he came? If that was the plan, they really miscalculated.

At the mention of that stuff, Yvonne got even more annoyed. Though she knew it was hard to explain, she really hadn’t taken it.

“What stuff? I didn’t take anything.”

Honestly, with this guy, she couldn’t explain herself anymore.

Her nonchalant, non-explanatory attitude only reignited Xander’s anger. “You just came from Dan’s place and then came to attack me for Stella. I thought you really cared about Stella. Turns out you had ulterior motives all along? Now the documents are with Dan, and you say you didn’t take them?”

Yvonne was speechless. Could this guy’s brain be any sharper? Even with things so tangled, he managed to piece it together.

Yvonne wished she could just pass out and be done with it.

Looks like she’d have to get serious with Xander, this stubborn mule.

Chapter 555

The Quinn household was in an uproar, and not in the way anyone expected. When Stella returned, everyone thought Xander would be the first to cause a scene over her. But it was actually the mysterious document that set Xander ablaze this time. The situation was a chaotic mess, and poor Yvonne was caught right in the middle of it all, unable to detach herself.

Across town, in the villa, Susanna Tucker was still reeling from the shock. It had been two hours since Stella left, and Susanna was left stunned by Hull’s revelation about her mother’s whereabouts.

“The Black Gate?”

What kind of name was that? Sounds like something out of a bad movie.

Hull set down his coffee cup and nodded solemnly. “According to the leads, your mother was indeed taken by people from the Black Gate.”

“What exactly is the Black Gate?”

She had heard whispers about it, enough to know it was bad news, like the kind of organization that dealt in all sorts of illegal activities. But the specifics were beyond her.

Hull glanced at her. “Think of it as a group that’s into all things illegal-robbery, arson, you name it.”

Susanna cringed at the thought. That kind of place?

“No way. My mom’s a respectable businesswoman. She wouldn’t be caught dead with people like that. She always attaches importance to social norms.”

Her mother, as Susanna knew her, was the epitome of discretion and courtesy. She was nothing like Stella’s flashy mom, Cloudia, who flaunted her wealth like she was on a reality TV show. Susanna’s mom remained humble and amiable, even when she made a fortune.

Hull added, “We’re still verifying if she’s there.”

Susanna’s instinct was to call Stella immediately. She reached for her phone, ready to dial. But before she could, Hull snatched the phone from her hand.

She looked at him, bewildered. “What are you doing?”

Hull gave her a cold stare. “Susie, you thinking of kicking the ladder away and ditching me?”

Susanna twitched her lips. What? Susie? He…

“No, it’s not like that. I just thought I shouldn’t trouble you anymore.”

As she spoke, Hull’s expression darkened further, making her voice trail off into a whisper. His glare was enough to make anyone second-guess themselves.

Did what she did count as kicking the ladder away? It seemed… yes. But… If she had left with Star earlier, she assumed Star would also be willing to track her mother down. Or if Ronald asked Hull, wouldn’t he spill the beans?

Hull tossed her phone onto the bed. “It’s no trouble. You’ve already had plenty of it.”

Susanna sighed at his reply.

“I’m sorry about last night. I really didn’t mean to cause any issues.”

Hull stated, “Until we clear that up, you’re not leaving here. You can just forget about that.”

“Not even if Mr. Quinn himself comes to fetch you,” Hull added.

Susanna’s face fell at this. Even if Ronald himself showed up, it wouldn’t matter. Here, in Ferrowland, she was just another nobody, while Hull held significant sway with Mr. Quinn. Not even Star’s influence could change that.

She shot Hull a frustrated look. “How long will your people take to figure this out? I’m telling you, I won’t do anything anymore.”

This was absurd. They’d forced her to care for Hull despite her incompetence, and now they were pinning the blame on her for the fallout.

Feeling indignant, Susanna crossed her arms. Last night’s fiasco wasn’t entirely her fault, and it irked her to be blamed for it. She couldn’t shake off the feeling of having been wronged. What a mess!

Chapter 556

Stella was right. When it came to Hull, it was all about survival, and from now on, she’s not doing a single thing.

Listening to her voice, full of grievance, Hull glanced down, a slight smirk creeping onto his lips.

“Then don’t do anything.”

Susanna inquired, “So you just want to keep a freeloader around?”

“A suspect.”

Susanna’s eyes widened.

“Alright then, a suspect it is,” she murmured to herself.

After all, what happened last night was no small thing. Hull had a close call, and Susanna knew if anything had happened to him, she probably wouldn’t have lived to see today.

“Just make sure your people get to the bottom of this quickly,” she insisted. She swore that once everything was resolved, she’d fly straight to Stella and never look back at Hull again.

Over the past few days, Susanna, who had never believed in bad luck, was beginning to suspect that Hull was a jinx. How many things had gone wrong since she’d been around him? She still had a lot of living left to do.

“But what if your people get it wrong?” Susanna asked, glancing at Hull with apprehension.

After all, it was his team doing the digging. If they pinned something on her by mistake, she’d be done for. They were already itching to get rid of her as it was; if they found anything solid, she’d be toast.

Her thoughts spiraled, and she felt her heart race with anxiety.

Hull looked at her, silent but with a hint of danger in his gaze.

Susanna was even more on edge. “I mean, nobody’s perfect, right? Mistakes happen.”

Surely she wouldn’t have to pay with her life for someone else’s mistake?

“If they’re wrong,” Hull said, “they’re as good as dead.”

Susanna gulped. So, the investigators would be in trouble. But what about her?

Meeting Hull’s dangerous gaze, Susanna swallowed hard, a picture of despondency. Clearly, reasoning with some outlaw like Hull was futile.

Feeling a little defeated, Susanna slumped as she headed downstairs, her spirits as low as they could get.

Silas had been efficient, hiring a cook for the villa, though there were still no other staff around. The cook greeted Susanna with a respectful nod. “Hello, Ms. Tucker.”

“Hi,” Susanna replied, her voice lacking energy.

The cook handed her a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice. “This is for Mr. Miguel. Could you please take it up to his room?”

When Silas had hired her, he’d been clear: no one was to enter Hull’s study or bedroom, and it was best to avoid going upstairs altogether. But since Hull wasn’t coming down, the task fell to Susanna.

The moment the cook asked her to take the juice to Hull, memories of all the trouble she’d caused around him flooded back. Alarms went off in her head.

“No, no, no,” she declined, shaking her head vigorously. “I’m not going to do anything right now.”

What if the juice was tampered with? If something happened to Hull after drinking it, she’d be implicated for sure.

Back when she was the only one handling things, disasters happened easily enough. Now, with two people involved…

Having learned her lesson, Susanna refused to touch anything related to Hull.

The cook looked puzzled.

“You go ahead,” Susanna insisted. Not a chance she got involved.

The cook uttered, “But Silas said I’m not supposed to enter Mr. Miguel’s bedroom or study, not even go upstairs.”

“Then let him come down for it.”

Anyway, she wasn’t going to deliver that.

The cook hesitated. Asking Mr. Miguel to come down? She wouldn’t dare.

Susanna shrugged. “Or you could just leave it at his door instead of walking in.”

“Silas said not to go to the second floor, and if I touch something I shouldn’t, I could get into serious trouble.”

Susanna fell silent. Something they shouldn’t touch…

Susanna remembered Silas telling her the same thing about not touching certain things. Even Stella had warned her that entering Hull’s domain uninvited could be perilous.

“Well, I’m not going. He can come down when he’s thirsty.”

The cook was clearly distressed.

Susanna was done with anything related to Hull. Just as she was to add more, Stella’s call came through, and Susanna eagerly picked it up. “Hey, Star.”

Chapter 557

“Susie, what’s your mom got to do with the Black Gate?”

Stella’s voice came through the phone, direct as an arrow. That kind of straightforwardness took Susanna by surprise.

“Nothing, why do you ask?”

Her mom was a proper businesswoman. What on earth could she have to do with a place like that?

Surely, there was no connection. And if there was, it had to be something infuriating like the Black Gate taking her against her will. Why a reputable businesswoman like her mom would be taken by them, Susanna couldn’t fathom.

“Are you sure?” Stella asked, a hint of doubt creeping into her voice.

“Positive. What’s wrong?”

Stella sighed. “Well, here’s the odd thing.”

Susanna’s heart leapt into her throat. “What’s odd?”

“Just earlier, I overheard someone mention that the former head of the Black Gate was a woman named Lacey Tucker.”

While getting a check-up, she overheard her mom on the phone. They were saying that the Black Gate’s ex-boss had returned.

Lacey. Susanna’s mom’s name was Lacey, too.

“That can’t be the same person,” Susanna responded without hesitation.

Before Stella could interject, she added, “There are loads of people with the same name.”

“True,” Stella agreed.

But there was something about hearing that name, especially with Susanna’s mom missing, that felt like more than just a coincidence.

If her mom were safe and sound in Portis City, it could be written off as a name twin. But now…

“Hang on, it doesn’t sound right,” Susanna suddenly exclaimed.

“Hmm?” Stella prompted.

“Hull said my mom was taken by the Black Gate’s people.”

There wasn’t absolute proof yet, but if Hull was saying it, there had to be some lead. With leads in place, this whole thing…

Susanna’s breath hitched as she realized the implications.

This was the Black Gate they were talking about! She’d heard the rumors. The ex-boss was supposedly taken out by the current head. Power struggles in places like that were bound to have a dark undercurrent.

“Hull said that?” Stella asked.

“Yeah,” Susanna replied, anxiety rising.

Her mom was named Lacey, and the ex-boss of the Black Gate was named Lacey. Now, her mom had been taken by them? Even with no apparent connection in Susanna’s mind, such coincidences were hard to ignore.

“What…” Stella started.

“Star, you have to help me figure this out.”

“Is this why you wouldn’t come with me earlier?” Stella asked.

She’d suspected Susanna’s sudden change of heart had something to do with Hull. Were they using Lacey to negotiate with Susanna? In Portis City, Susanna didn’t see her mom often, but it didn’t mean there was no bond. Their interactions might have seemed purely financial, but Susanna deeply relied on her mom, always seeking her approval. Her tendency to cry at the drop of a hat showed she wasn’t the kind to cut ties easily.

Susanna took a shaky breath. “What else could it be?”

If not for her mom, she’d have left with Stella for sure.

“Should I come get you now?” Stella offered.

“Might as well not.”

Thinking about Hull’s warnings, Susanna figured that even if Stella picked her up, Hull would still cause trouble. Better to stay put, let Hull’s people sort things out. Then she could leave with a clear conscience.

Her mind was consumed with worries for her mom. Staying with Stella might only complicate things if Hull kept hounding her. Stella heard the defeat in Susanna’s voice. “What’s going on now?”

Susanna replied, “Hull keeps harping on about me giving the wrong meds, claiming I’m the mole. He won’t let it go without proof.”

Stella was taken aback. What?! Harping on it?

“He’s just bluffing, surely,” Stella said, annoyed. In her view, that’s all it was. Those sharp eyes of Hull’s – they were as shrewd as a hawk’s. He’d seen it all over the years, hadn’t he?

Chapter 558

He could definitely be judged that Susanna wasn’t the type to be a mole. Something was not adding up.

Hearing what Stella said, Susanna asked, “Are you saying I’m being tricked?”

“Absolutely.”

“But why?”

Stella replied, “Because you’re gullible? He’s trying to trick you into bed.”

Ronald had mentioned that Hull was into Susanna. All his actions spoke volumes then.

Susanna’s eyes widened in disbelief. That was ridiculous!

Sure, she looked comely, but she knew her place. She had nothing in her possession, nor was she exactly a supermodel, but the idea that Hull would go through all this trouble just to play her seemed far-fetched.

Before she could articulate her thoughts further, Stella’s voice was interrupted by Yvonne’s shouting in the background. “Star, I’m not done with that jerk, Xander!”

“I’ve got to go. Catch up tomorrow. Call me if you need anything, alright? I’ll come pick you up if necessary.”

With that, Stella ended the call, leaving Susanna to stew over her thoughts.

Was Hull really playing around? She shook her head, trying to dismiss the absurd notion.

Meanwhile, Stella was for a routine check-up. Just as things were wrapping up, Yvonne burst in, her temper flaring.

Lottie, who had been keeping Stella company, was returning from the restroom when the test result revealed two red lines! An emergency ultrasound was promptly arranged.

Lottie’s face lit up with delight. “Oh my Star, you’re going to have a little one soon!”

Her happiness was short-lived as Yvonne’s dramatic entrance shifted the mood. Seeing Yvonne get closer, Lottie instinctively pulled Stella behind, shielding her.

“Yvonne, whatever beef you have with Xander, don’t bring it here. We don’t want any stress for our Star.”

Yvonne was taken aback. What? Stress?

“Wait, I…”

Lottie warned, “What about you? I’m telling you, try not to act agitated around Star, you don’t want to scare our Little Star.”

Yvonne uttered, “Little Star?”

Lottie replied, “Yep, come and check. Right here, that’s the little one.”

She pointed to a certain part of the sonogram, explaining to Yvonne it was a baby.

Yvonne squinted at the image, utterly perplexed.

“That blob is Little Star?”

Was that a baby? It was not like she hadn’t seen what a baby looked like.

Lottie answered, “Yes, it is, that’s how they start.”

“Really? But it doesn’t seem like one.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, it is a baby. This is how babies look in the womb!”

Noticing her mother’s rising frustration, Yvonne pursed her lips. “If you say so.”

Lottie ignored her skepticism, too caught up in her excitement as she fixed her eyes on the report.

Yvonne, however, was on a mission of her own. “By the way, I’m marrying Xander.”

The room went silent instantly, both Lottie and Stella staring at her in shock.

Stella froze, gazing at Yvonne in astonishment. “You’re marrying Xander? When?”

“Tomorrow, if all goes according to plan. And then probably divorcing the next day.”

Stella and Lottie were left speechless. What was she talking about? The idea of planning a wedding and a divorce in the same breath was confounding.

Yvonne elaborated, “Xander keeps pestering Star even though she’s pregnant. So I figure, if I tie him down with marriage, he won’t have time to bother her. If he still doesn’t behave himself even after the marriage, I’d resist divorcing him and tie him to me for life.”

Lottie and Stella both caught the drift, though her words were baffling.

Stella felt flabbergasted. “Yvonne, you don’t have to do that.”

She was trying to keep Xander away from Stella, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. If she did that, wouldn’t she be bound by that kind of marriage as well?

Chapter 559

Xander and Ronald’s conversation ended on a sour note.

Leaving the study, Xander headed straight to find Stella, who was still in the medical room.

When Yvonne announced she wanted to marry Xander, Lottie was immediately alarmed. Pulling her aside, she demanded, “What are you thinking? Is this something to be taken lightly?”

Even though Xander’s feelings toward Stella were troubling, Lottie couldn’t support Yvonne’s reckless plan to resolve the situation. Yvonne was throwing herself into the mess.

For years, Ronald had treated Xander poorly. Xander was bound to hold a grudge against the Quinn family. If Yvonne went through with her plan, it would only lead to more animosity between her and Xander, a situation where they’d constantly be at each other’s throats. What kind of mother could stand to see her daughter suffer like that?

Yvonne retorted, “I’m doing this to get back at Xander, that jerk.”

Lottie’s temper flared. “Have you lost your mind?”

This wasn’t about revenge; it was practically self-sabotage.

Yvonne merely grunted in response.

Lottie felt a twitch at her lips as her daughter remained silent. “Are you serious about this?”

Yvonne nodded. “Yeah.”

As soon as she nodded, Lottie gave her a light smack on the back of her head. “You silly brat, are you trying to ruin your life?”

How could she be so clueless? Lottie had always prided herself on raising Yvonne and Stella well all these years. But now, in critical moments, they seemed to falter. One had fled, and the other was considering marriage as a means of revenge. It was infuriating.

Yvonne protested, “I’m doing it for Star! With Xander’s attitude, how can she have a peaceful pregnancy?”

Stella chimed in, “I can do it.”

She nodded firmly, insisting that if Yvonne didn’t go through with her plan, she could still have a peaceful pregnancy. But if Yvonne did, hearing daily about her fights with Xander would make it impossible for her to relax.

Yvonne began, “But…”

“Enough,” Lottie interrupted, her face turning a shade of green in exasperation. Just when she had a moment’s peace, Yvonne had to stir up trouble.

Yvonne was about to argue further when Lottie’s phone rang. She stepped aside to answer it, her anger barely contained. Whatever was said on the other end, her response was icy and final. “Not happening.”

Her voice, along with the gaze, held the same lethal edge as Ronald’s had earlier. A moment ago, she was a worried mother, but now she resembled a lioness, fierce and unyielding.

Hanging up, she gave Stella and Yvonne a look. “I have to head out. Yvonne, take Star back to her room.”

“Okay,” Yvonne replied while nodding, suddenly meek under her

mother’s stern gaze.

Lottie had barely left when Xander appeared, eyes fixed dangerously on Stella, as if he was about to say something.

Yvonne quickly stepped in front of Stella, challenging him, “What? Looking for a fight?”

Xander’s eyes were cold. “If you don’t want Dan to die again, that document better be in my hands within three days.”

Yvonne was taken aback. Three days?

The threat in Xander’s tone was unmistakable. She understood that failing to return whatever it was in time would have dire consequences.

“But why tell me?”

What did a man who was planning to marry someone else have to do with her? The memory of their time in Sands City brought a sting to Yvonne’s heart.

Xander coolly replied, “I’m just informing you.”

That was it, just a notification. The rest was for Yvonne to figure out. She’d pass the message to Dan anyway.

“Fine, but this has nothing to do with me. I’ll call him right now,” she said defiantly as Xander turned to leave.

Frustrated by Xander’s implication that she was involved, Yvonne dialed Dan’s number right in front of him.

Chapter 560

Yvonne had never been falsely accused like this in her entire life, and seeing Xander with that accusatory look on his face was just driving her insane.

Today, she had to clear this mess up, or she wouldn’t find peace.

The phone rang twice before it was answered on the other end.

“Hello.”

It was a man’s voice. A trace of pain flickered in Yvonne’s eyes as she heard this familiar voice. Once upon a time, that voice’s owner had given her countless pieces of advice, so how did things turn out like this?

Yvonne sniffed, hiding her emotions. “Did you steal Xander’s stuff?”

Dan didn’t reply.

Yvonne snapped, “You shameless jerk, if you’re going to steal, don’t drag me into it. Go explain yourself.”

Stella gasped. Wow, that was a harsh scolding.

Xander was at a loss. This woman was really cutting, even cursing at her former sweetheart.

What a foul mouth! No wonder Dan dumped her.

Yvonne put the phone on speaker. Noticing Dan stay silent, Yvonne shouted, “Speak up!”

This idiot was trying to pin the theft on her, and there was no way she was letting that slide, even if he was the one she once held dear.

Dan started, “Don’t make a fuss. I’ll come to see you once I’m done. Be good.”

Xander and Stella were both in shock.

That last “be good” left Yvonne, who was boiling with anger, completely dumbfounded.

When Stella heard that, she couldn’t help but twitch her lips. Was there a hint of… affection in his tone?

Xander’s expression turned utterly stormy, and his glare at Yvonne was enough to burn through her.

Yvonne’s mind went blank for a moment, then she snapped back to reality and started yelling into the phone, “Dan, you bastard!”

The call had already ended.

Yvonne looked at Xander, meeting his gloomy gaze, and her heart sank. She wished she could run straight to Dan and tear that jerk apart.

What the heck was he trying to do? He hadn’t said much, but it felt like everything had been conveyed, leaving her with the blame for the theft hanging squarely over her head.

Yvonne swallowed hard. “Listen, let me explain.”

She tried to keep her tone calm because facing Xander like this meant she really had to clear things up. A moment ago, she didn’t feel the need to explain. But now? Dan’s sudden remark had left the entire mess starkly on her.

Xander’s eyes, dark as obsidian, held a cold, mocking smile. “It has nothing to do with you?”

Yvonne’s heart raced. “It really doesn’t.”

What did any of this have to do with her? Seriously… was Dan’s affectionate tone really for her? That awful man was blatantly framing her.

Yvonne felt like she couldn’t explain herself at all in front of Xander. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Well, let Star leave first.”

She sensed the danger radiating from Xander and felt like a fight might break out at any moment.

Dylan, who had been silent until now, quickly grabbed Stella’s hand to leave.

“Miss, let’s go.”

Stella didn’t want to leave, but Yvonne gave her a look. “Just go, and remember to find Ronald.”

Hearing that she should find Ronald, Stella understood that things might get out of control next.

If it were any other time, Xander would surely have come for Stella today. But the missing document was a huge deal for him, and he couldn’t spare the attention for Stella now.

So, when Dylan led Stella past him, he didn’t stop them.

With everyone gone, Yvonne turned to Xander. “So, does getting the document back now even matter?”

Xander was bewildered.

Yvonne explained, “It’s been days since it was stolen. That scoundrel

Dan must have gone through it by now, everything’s already leaked, right?”

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