Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 571 to 580) – Daisy Novels 

Chapter 571

Ronald had headed off to take a shower, and Stella, feeling cozy, had slipped back into a dreamy slumber.

Half-asleep, she was abruptly pulled back to consciousness by the insistent buzzing of her phone.

She fumbled for it, groggily answering. “Hello?”

She was truly exhausted.

Ever since she got pregnant, her sleep schedule had become as predictable as clockwork. When it was time to sleep, nothing could keep her awake.

“Stella, Stella, I know I messed up. Please, let it slide, won’t you? I’m begging you. I’m really at my wit’s end here,” came Ursula Larkin’s panicked voice over the line.

Most of Stella’s sleepiness evaporated in an instant.

As she opened her eyes, she was fully alert. “How did you get my number?”

It wasn’t just a matter of blocking Ursula, she had gone so far as to change her number entirely. She was now using a Ferrowland number, yet Ursula had still managed to track her down? Clearly, Ursula was not as simple as she seemed.

“Ursula?” Stella prompted coldly, her voice carrying a dangerous edge.

“Not talking?”

I asked Orion for help.”

Orion, who worked closely with Yorick Quarry. Having been with the Quarry Group for so long as the CEO’s assistant, he would certainly have the means to dig up a phone number. But it was surprising he’d help Ursula

Stella always thought Orion didn’t care much for Ursula.

Whether Yorick knew or not was a mystery, but Stella had once caught Orion giving Ursula a look of pure disdain. How could he dislike her so much, yet still help her find Stella’s number?

With a sardonic laugh, Stella said, “Wow, you’ve got some skills. Why not use those connections to marry into the Quarry family? Wouldn’t that solve everything?”

Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Ursula was indeed adept at navigating social politics, and even though the Quarry family elders weren’t fond of her, Stella couldn’t believe Ursule hadn’t charmed some of the trusted inner circle.

Thinking back to Ursula’s arrogance when she returned to Portis City, Stella had assumed her arrogance was matched by her tenacity. But now? This was it?

Meanwhile, Ursula, shivering and exhausted under a large oak tree outside the Quarry estate, was in a sorry state. Despite her anger at Stella’s mockery, she dared not show it. “Stella, I really know I was wrong. Can you please help?”

“Everything was my fault before. Could you call Mrs. Quarry and ask her to ease up on me? Please?”

To Ursula, Stella was her only hope.

The Larkin family was no refuge now. Cloudia was still detained, and Jaxon Larkin’s attitude had turned cold. Even her aunt, the one person who should’ve been her ally, had proved unfaithful.

Only Yorick..

Ursula felt that only through Yorick did she have a glimmer of hope.

Stella snorted, “Call Mrs. Quarry? Are you out of your mind? Or do you really think that’s going to happen?”

She had once been the family’s chosen future Mrs. Quarry. And now Ursula wanted her to plead on her behalf?

Ursula pleaded, “I messed up. I shouldn’t have treated you like that. It’s all my fault, I’m sorry.”

Stella rolled her eyes at Ursula’s desperate pleas.

“Unbelievable,” Stella muttered and hung up.

Just as she did, Ursula’s voice echoed from the phone, “Or maybe you could call Yorick and tell him the car accident wasn’t my doing.”

Chapter 572

Stella sat on her bed, her mind whirling from the awkward call she had just ended. “Seriously? Who even talks like that?” she muttered under her breath, feeling grateful she had hung up and blocked the number. As she tried to shake off the unpleasant conversation, a knock sounded at her door. “Star, it’s Mom,” Lottie called from the hallway.

Stella instinctively moved to open the door, but the sound of running water from the bathroom froze her in place. Her face flushed with panic. Sure, her mom was okay with her and Ronald dating, but having him in her room, fresh out of the shower? That was another story entirely.

Caught in a dilemma, she hesitated, unsure if she should answer or pretend to be asleep. Just then, the water stopped, and Ronald emerged, towel wrapped around his waist and another in his hand, drying his hair. He raised an eyebrow at her, noticing the phone still clutched in her hand. “Who called?

Before she could respond, Lottie’s voice came again, softer this time, “Star, are you there?”

Stella glanced from the door to Ronald, who seemed completely unfazed. He casually continued drying his hair and moved to answer the door. Her eyes widened in alarm.

Lottie, preparing to walk away after receiving no response, was startled when the door suddenly opened. She turned to see Ronald, looking freshly showered, and blinked in surprise.

“Ronald, what are you doing here?” she demanded, glancing past him. to where Stella sat, fully dressed and with dry hair.

Catching on, she fixed Ronald with a stern look. “You rascal!”

Ronald, unfazed, asked, “Is there something you need?”

“Yes, a word with you. Outside, Lottie insisted, gesturing for him to step out. She paused, eyeing his attire, or lack thereof. “And put some clothes on first.”

Ronald nodded, heading next door to his room to change before joining Lottie in the study. As he walked in, he could see she was still fuming.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

“What’s wrong? You should know better?” she snapped.

Ronald raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. “Come on, say Lottie sighed, shaking her head. “Honestly, sometimes you’re too much. This isn’t how a son should talk to his mother.”

“Star’s check-up today,” she continued, “Dylan mentioned the baby needs care. You need to be more careful.”

Ronald nodded, understanding dawning on him. “I get it.”

Lottie pressed on, “I know you adore her, but you need to hold back for now.” She was blunt, but the concern in her voice was clear. Dylan had indeed warned them that Stella’s pregnancy needed extra attention.

Before leaving earlier, she’d even told the housekeeper to ensure Stella had plenty to eat. Coming home to find Ronald in Stella’s room had been a shock.

“Maybe you should sleep in your own room for a while, she suggested, worry etched on her face.

Ronald sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You know how Star’s health has always been fragile,” Lottie insisted, her voice softening. “Just be careful, okay?”

Ronald nodded again, feeling the weight of her concern, yet also a bit exasperated. But he knew she was right.

Chapter 573

The story takes a turn.

Over in Portis City, poor Ursula was coughing up blood, her mind slipping further into confusion with each passing hour.

Jaxon couldn’t bear it anymore. He decided it was time to have a chat with Yorick and figure out a plan.

He felt utterly helpless about the current state of the Larkin family. The Quarry family had been their allies for years, always there to lend a hand.

Naturally, Jaxon assumed they’d come through for the Larkins once again, help them weather this storm.

What Jaxon failed to realize was that the Larkin family had always been a mere pawn in the Quarry family’s grand scheme.

While the Larkins owned the mines that were a crucial resource, it was the Quarry family that was raking in the big bucks, leaving the Larkins with mere scraps.

And to make matters worse, the Quarry family was also suffering at the hands of Ronald because of Stella…

As Jaxon approached, he noticed Ursula waiting by the door.

In just a few short nights, she had transformed into a shadow of her former self, her clothes filthy, and her appearance haggard.

She looked like she had hit rock bottom.

Upon seeing Jaxon, Ursula’s eyes welled up with tears. “Brother,” she whimpered.

Her voice dripped with desperation, a plea for even a shred of sympathy from Jaxon.

Since leaving the Larkins, life had been unbearably harsh. She didn’t even have a roof over her head.

The properties Cloudia had once bought for her were all taken back.

It was truly heartless!

Once, she had been the apple of their eye, cherished and adored.

But when she was kicked out, she left with nothing.

All because of Stella, who had torn her world apart.

“Brother, I know I was wrong. I really do,” Ursula kept repeating, her voice growing more pitiful with every word.

In the past, Jaxon might have crumbled at Ursula’s sorrowful plea.

But not this time.

With narrowed eyes, he spoke, “Still trying to drag Yorick into this? Ursula, you’re lucky you’re not in jail. You think Yorick would take you back?” They knew everything now.

It was impossible to accept that the girl they once held so dear was capable of such deceit.

Jaxon had genuinely treated Ursula like his own sister, even better than his real sister, Stella.

When Stella returned, he worried Ursula would feel left out.

He gave Ursula the best of everything, always.

But in the end?

What disappointment? Did someone as conniving as her need comforting? Absolutely not.

Now, Jaxon felt that not just him, but the entire Larkin family had been made a fool of by Ursula.

Ursula was sobbing uncontrollably, “I know I was wrong, brother. I truly know. Please forgive me, I’m begging you…”

“Forgive you? Ha! The Larkin family is in shambles, and you expect me to forgive you?”

Jaxon was furious.

He couldn’t forgive the fact that Ursula’s aunt was his father’s mistress.

“A disloyal traitor.”

Jaxon spat out the words, rolled up the car window, and refused to engage any further.

In his heart, Ursula was beyond forgiveness.

As the window was about to close completely, there was a soft ‘thud’ outside. Jaxon glanced briefly in Ursula’s direction.

She was collapsed on the ground, blood spilling from her mouth.

Even from a distance, Jaxon could sense the looming specter of death surrounding her.

But this time, his heart remained steely.

With just one glance, he looked away and drove inside coldly.

Watching Jaxon leave, Ursula lay on the ground, the blood refusing to cease its flow from her lips.

“Why are they doing this to me?” she thought, the words echoing in her mind.

She was on the brink of death, yet even now, they wouldn’t let her find peace.

Why were they so cruel…

Thoughts raced through her mind, but she no longer had the strength to even lift herself off the ground.

…

Yorick wasn’t home.

When Jaxon arrived, he learned that Imogen had been hospitalized, and Yorick was by her side.

Chapter 574

The person Jaxon was looking for was Frost Quarry.

Frost was just about to leave, suitcase in hand, ready to escape the family drama that seemed never-ending and impossible to resolve. She had a million things going on outside and had no desire to be shackled by the mess at home.

Seeing Jaxon, Frost’s expression turned sharp. “What is it? Here to plead for your foster sister?”

Frost had always found Jaxon particularly irritating. How could someone prioritize their foster sister over their own flesh and blood? It wasn’t just Jaxon; in Frost’s eyes, the entire Larkin family seemed insane.

Jaxon felt a twinge of embarrassment under Frost’s cutting words. “I’m here to speak with Yorick.”

Frost sneered, “Talking to anyone won’t help. The Quarry family isn’t going to take Ursula in.”

She shut him down completely. Jaxon’s face grew even more strained at Frost’s unwavering tone. “I’m not here because of Ursula.”

Frost raised an eyebrow at his formal tone. “Really? Calling her by her first name now? That’s a first.”

The Larkins were known for their endearments, always calling her “Ursula Ursula,” as if one name wasn’t enough. But suddenly it was just “Ursula”? Was he finally coming to his senses?

“So why are you here?”

“The Larkin family has run into some trouble, and I was hoping—”

Frost interrupted him. “Trouble? That’s putting it mildly.”

She didn’t wait for his response. Stella had gotten herself entangled with Mr. Quinn, a name Frost knew well from her travels. The infamous kingpin of Ferrowland’s underworld, with half the city’s underground operations under his thumb. Crossing a man like him wasn’t just trouble; it was a catastrophe.

Jaxon fell silent, his bravado deflating under Frost’s scrutiny. She continued, “The Quarry family can’t help you with this mess.”

“You’ve seen it yourself. We’re tangled up with Mr. Quinn, too. Yorick and Hogan are at each other’s throats, fighting over scraps.”

Her voice dripped with frustration. “Ronald’s a piece of work… This whole mess was Yorick’s doing, teaming up with you to pay Felix to go after Stella.”

Frost’s eyes narrowed as she regarded Jaxon with disdain. “You should leave. The Quarry family can’t save you.”

“Not just Mr. Quinn-do you think the Patel family is going to let you off? Who do you think has the power to get you out of this?”

Mentioning the Patels, Frost’s voice was laced with contempt. What nerve they had! Jeremy Patel was notorious, and Jaxon had the gall to think he could toy with Sirena Patel?

The Quarry family was drowning in its own problems and had no bandwidth to rescue the Larkins.

Jaxon was unceremoniously booted from the Quarry estate, stumbling out to find Ursula collapsed on the ground outside. Her frail body lay there like a broken kite, lifeless.

Jaxon spared her only a brief glance before turning away, his heart hardened. He drove off without a second thought.

The Larkin family, once so devoted to Ursula, now seemed to have turned their backs completely.

Meanwhile, back in Ferrowland, Stella was exhausted and drifted into sleep, only to feel herself drawn into a warm embrace. She struggled to open her heavy eyelids, catching a glimpse of Ronald.

Sleepily, she murmured, “You’re back?”

Ronald kissed her forehead gently. “Yeah, just sleep.”

His promise to sleep in his own room was forgotten as soon as he said it. Holding Stella close was enough.

Chapter 575

It was the middle of the night…

Yvonne finally tracked down Dan at a lively nightclub. As she barged into the VIP room, she was greeted by a scene of debauchery—people lost in the haze of alcohol and flashing lights.

Dan was sandwiched between two women, both clinging to him like koalas. In Yvonne’s eyes, they were all legs and little else.

One of them offered Dan a drink, which he accepted without hesitation, his eyes glazed over with a drunken daze.

Yvonne narrowed her eyes, her mind replaying Xander’s enraged face, as if he wanted to swallow her whole. And here was this jerk, Dan, living it up while she was left dealing with the mess he’d created?

Rage bubbled up inside her.

Without a second thought, she stormed over and flipped the low table in front of Dan. The table had been loaded with an assortment of drinks, snacks, and fruits, all of which went flying.

The room fell silent, save for the thumping music. Heads turned in unison to gape at Yvonne.

After a beat, someone spoke up, “What the hell? Who’s this crazy lady causing a scene?”

Ignoring the shout, Yvonne, eyes blazing, kicked Dan squarely in the stomach.

The guy who had yelled earlier muttered an incredulous “Damn,” as the entire room watched the chaos unfold.

Dan, usually quick on his feet, was caught off guard, unable to dodge with the women beside him. Yvonne’s kick landed with a satisfying thud, drawing a pained grunt from him.

The two women flanking him scrambled away in a hurry.

But Yvonne wasn’t done. She vaulted over the overturned table and launched herself at Dan, fists flying.

In her mind, it was crystal clear this man had approached her with ulterior motives all those years ago. If he wanted to deceive, he should have just gone for her money!

But to toy with her feelings? Unforgivable!

Fueled by fury, Yvonne hammered Dan with punch after punch. Her movements were so swift, the onlookers barely had time to react.

By the time anyone moved to intervene, Dan had managed to catch one of Yvonne’s fists.

But she was relentless, swinging her other fist in a wide arc.

With a resounding “thud,” she landed a punch on the other side of his face.

Yvonne was livid.

In that moment, she was ready to fight Dan to the bitter end.

Dan’s head snapped sideways from the impact, and when he looked back at her, his eyes were filled with anger.

“Get her!” a voice boomed from the crowd.

This wasn’t just a scene; it was a full-blown disaster.

Dan had only shown up at the club as a favor to someone, a social obligation of sorts. Seeing the chaos, the host almost had a stroke on the spot. Yvonne, oblivious to the commotion around her, continued to pummel Dan, shouting, “Think you can just steal and get away with it? If you’re gonna steal, at least own up to it, you coward!”

In Yvonne’s book, integrity was everything.

Dan had crossed a line, and she didn’t care if he had been a man she once loved.

If love was gone, he deserved a beating; and if it wasn’t, he still needed correcting.

Bottom line: he had to be held accountable!

“Where is it? Where’s the damn thing? Talk, or I’ll keep going!”

Those around her were flabbergasted. Her relentless assault left no room for Dan to even breathe, let alone speak.

Even a miracle worker couldn’t conjure an extra mouth to deal with her onslaught.

Yvonne was seething.

Recalling Xander’s near homicidal fury earlier that day, it was clear the document she sought was of immense importance.

“Speak up! Where’s the document? Not talking? I’ll beat the truth out of you.”

The crowd watched in silence, dumbfounded.

A dozen security personnel rushed forward, the leader reaching for Yvonne.

But in a swift move, Dan managed to grab both her wrists, flipping her and pinning her to the couch.

“Enough…” he said, his voice strained.

“Let go! Let me go!” Yvonne demanded, struggling to regain control.

But the difference in strength between them was too great, leaving her at a disadvantage.

Chapter 576

Even though Yvonne was incredibly agile and fit, at that moment, being pinned down by Dan’s weight, she couldn’t muster the strength to break free.

“Mr. Murray,” the middle-aged man in charge stepped forward nervously, his gaze initially filled with malice as he looked at Yvonne. However, upon recognizing her face, his breath caught in his throat, and his heart practically leaped into his mouth.

No way, could it really be the infamous black sheep of the Quinn family?

Of all the people Mr. Murray could pick a fight with, he had to choose this one!

Yvonne was a name that everyone knew. For the past two years, she had been on a mission, constantly claiming that her sister was missing and warning people not to bully her.

Who would dare mess with the Quinn family’s adopted daughter? She was treasured like a rare gem by the entire family.

Many had been warned by her, and quite a few had even fallen victim to her wrath. Especially the Doyne family’s gemstone mine, she nearly cleaned them out!

Because of that incident, everyone knew that the second Miss from the Quinn family was a force to be reckoned with.

The middle-aged man had initially intended to order his men to deal with Yvonne, but now he couldn’t muster the courage. Not at all.

“Um, Mr. Murray…” he stammered, caught between a rock and a hard place.

One was the investor he desperately needed, and the other was the terrifying Miss Quinn. What on earth was he supposed to do?

His face turned a myriad of colors as he deliberated.

Dan glared down at Yvonne, growling, “Everyone out.”

The man seized the opportunity like it was a lifeline, exhaling a sigh of relief. He quickly ordered, “Move, move, everyone out.”

Good grief! What a situation! How did Mr. Murray get tangled up with this hellraiser from the Quinn family?

It was truly bizarre that this notorious woman had come looking for a man, and in such a unique manner.

The room emptied out, with the last person even thoughtfully closing the door behind them.

Now it was just Yvonne and Dan. Yvonne glared at him, her teeth clenched, “Get off me.”

Dan gripped her wrists tightly, his warm breath brushing against her cheek. He had a face that seemed kind and gentle, but those eyes… those eyes that once looked at her with such warmth now flickered with cold, dangerous light.

Of course, with someone of his standing, that kindness was only skin-deep.

Dan narrowed his eyes. “Does the Quinn family think I wouldn’t dare kill you?”

Yvonne was furious. Already in a rage, Dan’s words only added fuel to the fire. “You framed me, and now you want to kill me too?”

The nerve of this guy was astonishing.

Yvonne snapped. She slammed her head back against the sofa, then used all her strength to launch herself forward. With a loud ‘thud,’ Dan let out a pained grunt as his grip on her loosened.

Yvonne’s head throbbed painfully from the impact, and Dan, caught off guard, nearly had his brains scrambled.

“You… you witch…” Dan began, but Yvonne was already upon him, her fury relentless.

His voice, so smooth and calculating over the phone, had hinted at his deception. Amnesia, my foot. Yvonne wasn’t buying it!

She was convinced Dan had approached her with a hidden agenda all those years ago, gotten what he wanted, and faked his death for a clean getaway.

Yvonne had no patience for men like him, and she wasn’t pulling any punches now.

“Where is Xander’s stuff, you bastard?” she demanded, barreling into him once more.

Dan dodged her assault, his eyes now brimming with danger.

Seeing that look only stoked Yvonne’s anger. “Oh, so you steal from me and still dare to glare?”

With that, she lunged at him again, the two of them becoming a tangle of limbs and fury.

Outside, the people who had hosted Dan that evening hadn’t quite left yet. A few of them pressed their ears against the door, listening to the chaos inside.

The repeated sounds of thudding and crashing were enough to make anyone’s heart race.

“Mr. Landseer, didn’t you check if Mr. Murray had any beef with the Lugar family?” one of them whispered urgently.

Landseer, the one who had invited Dan tonight, was trying to leverage the opportunity since Ronald’s connections offered no advantage.

Little did he know…

Chapter 577

The person crouched behind Landseer asked nervously, “Did you ever expect Mr. Murray would have a connection with that she-devil?”

Landseer was wiping sweat from his brow, especially after hearing the sounds of a brawl from inside. “Who would’ve thought Yvonne could be involved with a guy? It’s a curveball no one saw coming. What are we gonna do?”

His face was twisted with worry. “All our efforts are wasted.”

With Dan tied to the Lugar family, getting him to invest in those raw materials was now a dead end. The ruckus inside was unmistakable.

“Who knows if they’re fighting or if it’s some weird love-hate thing?” If it’s the latter, we’re screwed.

Everyone stood silent, processing the mess.

Inside, Yvonne and Dan were tearing the place apart. Yvonne had quite the fighting skills these days. Maybe Dan had had one too many drinks or was going easy on her because she was a woman. Either way, she knocked him out cold with a final punch.

Yvonne emerged, her long hair in disarray, looking like a wild woman. Landseer flinched at the sight. “Ms. Quinn, are you alright?”

Yvonne shot him a look. “Remember this, I’ll be telling my Brother about tonight.”

Landseer had been up to a lot over the years, and now with Dan involved, things were murky. She definitely planned to inform her Brother.

Landseer was taken aback. “Ms. Quinn, please don’t.”

“Hmph.”

Yvonne let out a disdainful sound, then strode off. Landseer hesitated, wanting to follow, but upon seeing Dan unconscious in the room, he quickly returned to attend to him.

Outside, the night sky had opened up, pouring rain. Yvonne walked through it, her earlier fierceness dissolving into a somber solitude. Even from a distance, her silhouette was heart-wrenching.

In a car not far off, Xander sat in the back while Kyle drove. “It’s really coming down,” Kyle observed.

Xander scoffed. “She’s tough as nails, a little rain won’t bother her.”

Kyle kept silent, though he wondered why they had come all this way. But Xander’s mind seemed elsewhere. He lit a cigarette, took a couple of puffs, and then abruptly pushed open the car door to step out.

But just as he did, a figure appeared behind Yvonne, umbrella in hand. Both Xander and Kyle recognized him – it was Louis, one of Ronald’s men.

Kyle was taken aback. “Whoa!”

Xander’s eyes narrowed, and he pulled his foot back into the car. “I thought Ronald only had a soft spot for Stella. Didn’t expect him to care for this tomboy, too.”

Kyle scratched his nose, sensing Xander’s irritation at Louis’s sudden arrival. Clearing his throat, he said, “Well, they’re both his sisters, just different personalities, different treatment.”

That much was true. Ronald wasn’t playing favorites; one sister was sweet and innocent, pampered from the start, while the other was wild and lived on her own terms.

Meanwhile, Stella had slept soundly through the night. When she woke up the next morning, it was rare to find Ronald still there. Back in Portis City, he often disappeared before she woke, leaving her alone.

She turned over and nestled into his arms. Ronald glanced down. “Awake?”

Stella nuzzled closer, pouting playfully. “I’m starving.”

Her stomach had woken her up. Ronald checked his watch on the bedside table; it was past nine. With a tender smile, he said, “Let’s get you something to eat.”

Chapter 578

As soon as he finished speaking, he stood up.

Stella followed suit, watching as the man walked over to the wardrobe to grab her some comfy loungewear.

“I can dress myself,” she said instinctively, reaching out her hand.

But he sidestepped her attempt. “Mom mentioned last night that I should take good care of you,” Ronald replied with a playful smile.

Stella looked puzzled. “Huh? It’s just putting on clothes.”

She was used to having everything taken care of at home, so she couldn’t quite understand what more he could do.

With a soft chuckle, Ronald reached to undo the buttons of her pajamas.

Stella’s heart skipped a beat. She instinctively grabbed his wrist, her face flushing. “I-I can do it myself,” she stammered.

Ronald affectionately pinched her little nose. “Alright, you can do it yourself.”

He handed her the clothes, choosing not to tease her further.

Relieved by his words, Stella realized after all this time that her usually composed and serious brother didn’t have the strongest self-control. Once she was dressed, she headed to the bathroom, where Ronald had already prepared her toothbrush with toothpaste.

Standing beside him, she noticed in the mirror how her head barely reached his shoulder.

No wonder Yvonne always teased her about being short.

“What are you looking at?” Ronald asked with a gentle ruffle of her hair, seeing her standing still with the toothbrush in hand.

Stella pouted, “Back in Portis City, I’m considered pretty tall.”

But here, among the Quinn family, she was clearly the shortest.

Ronald chuckled at her remark. “When you were little, you were quite frail. The doctor said you were born with some deficiencies. You spent the first twenty days in the hospital after we found you.”

Stella’s heart tingled at the words “found you.”

Her Mom had told her the story before: she was tiny, soft, and pale, and they couldn’t bear to let her go. But when she got sick, it was truly a challenge.

She couldn’t help but think, if it hadn’t been the Quinn family who found her, she might not have made it.

Her mom said she had pneumonia and liver issues, quite a lot for a little baby to endure.

With a bittersweet smile, Stella snuggled against Ronald’s arm. “Was I difficult as a kid?”

Ronald nodded. “One doctor even said you might not make it past five.”

Stella was taken aback. Her mom had never mentioned that.

Since it came from Ronald, it must be true. She hugged him tighter.

Ronald looked down at her teary eyes and gently pinched her nose again. “But look at you now, healthy as can be.” Stella was certain that without the Quinn family, given the Larkin family’s nature, she might not have survived.

Now she felt pretty healthy, rarely falling sick since her earliest memories, a testament to the Quinn family’s care. “And one more thing…”

“Hmm? What else?” she asked, fearing more bad news.

Ronald smiled, “You can’t call me ‘brother’ anymore.”

Stella blinked. Right, she probably shouldn’t.

“Got it,” she replied sweetly.

After they finished getting ready, they headed downstairs, only to overhear Lottie Lugar talking to the housekeeper.

The housekeeper asked, “How should I send the message?”

What message?

Lottie thought for a moment before saying, “Just send: Our darling daughter-in-law is all grown up now. I’ll forward you the photo to attach.” Stella and Ronald shared a helpless glance.

Chapter 579

Stella descended the stairs with a soft thud.

Lottie shot a knowing glance at the butler. “Go on, make sure it’s done. Is the chicken broth ready for her?” “All set, ma’am,” the butler responded with a respectful nod.

Lottie turned her attention to Stella, catching sight of Ronald nearby, and cast him a disapproving glance.

Clearly, she had caught wind of Ronald sneaking back into Stella’s room last night.

With just a glance, Lottie shifted her focus and gently pulled Stella closer. “Stella, darling, come here.”

“Hi, Mom,” Stella chirped, her voice sweet as honey, melting Lottie’s heart.

Lottie led her into the dining room. “You must be starving. I had the kitchen whip up your favorite pancakes and some snacks.” “Thanks, Mom.”

The Quinn family kitchen was known for its delicious treats, and Stella adored them.

Back when Lottie and Ronald were busy with work, Stella would often munch on a few cookies while waiting for them.

As soon as the staff noticed she was up, they hurried to bring out the prepared dishes.

The kitchen filled with the familiar aroma of freshly made pancakes and rich, creamy oatmeal.

When they had been in Portis City, Stella struggled with the bland cuisine there.

But now that she was home, everything tasted delightful.

Lottie placed a sausage link on Stella’s plate. “You should try to eat a bit more.”

“Her stomach isn’t great, so she can’t eat too much,” Ronald calmly interjected, taking a seat beside Stella. It was the truth.

Stella had a healthy appetite, but her stomach was sensitive, and overeating could make her uncomfortable. Lottie shot him a sharp look. “I don’t need you to remind me.”

“Don’t let her overdo it.”

Stella and Lottie exchanged a look.

Lottie huffed. “She’s barely eaten these days. Let her enjoy her meal.”

“Precisely because she’s been eating less, she shouldn’t overindulge now.”

Lottie retorted, “Oh, will you give it a rest? What’s wrong with her having a bit more?”

“Mom, I’m fine either way,” Stella chimed in, trying to ease the tension.

Stella’s calm voice seemed to soften Lottie’s mood, and she gave Ronald another warning glance.

“It’s just oatmeal. A bit more won’t hurt,” Lottie insisted, her voice laced with concern.

Lottie was truly worried about Stella’s well-being, especially after hearing about her struggles in Portis City with her appetite.

Ronald remained unconvinced, but Stella was already savoring the oatmeal.

“Star, have some more,” Lottie encouraged as she added another slice of bacon to Stella’s plate.

As Stella took a sip of the oatmeal, she beamed. “This oatmeal is amazing.”

With her compliment, Ronald knew Stella wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.

Just as he suspected, she went through three bowls in no time.

Not to mention the snacks and sides.

By the time Stella was on her second bowl, Ronald had already been on the verge of intervening, but his mother’s stern gaze kept him silent. “Star really shouldn’t eat so much,” he eventually murmured.

“Zip it,” Lottie snapped.

Despite his protests, it was no use.

For the past three years, Lottie had always worried about Stella not eating well outside, fearing it would affect her health.

Chapter 580

It wasn’t easy for Susanna to finally have someone back by her side, and she wasn’t about to let Ronald dictate the terms.

Meanwhile, downstairs.

Hull sat at the dining table, looking a bit displeased. He glanced at one of the maids. “Go, call her down for dinner.”

This maid was the one responsible for the kitchen.

When Hull instructed her to fetch Susanna for dinner, she couldn’t help but recall what Silas had warned her about earlier.

A bit apprehensive, she said, “But sir, Silas mentioned that I’m not allowed on the second floor.”

Because of this rule, breakfast that morning had been reheated more than once. Susanna wouldn’t come down, and neither would Hull; it made meal prep a real challenge.

Hearing this, Hull’s expression hardened. “Go.”

His sudden change in tone startled the maid, and she quickly nodded. “Yes, sir.”

After all, you listen to whoever signs your paycheck, but when the master speaks, you really can’t ignore it.

The maid hurried upstairs to call Susanna.

Meanwhile, in her room, Susanna glanced at the clock, contemplating calling Stella.

Ever since she found out that the previous head of Black Gate was also named Lacey, her mind had been in turmoil.

Lost in her thoughts…

A knock on the door pulled her back to reality.

The unexpected sound made her jump.

Silas had brought in some heavy furniture, and she couldn’t move it an inch. The only thing standing between her and Hull was the flimsy lock on her door.

“Who is it?” Susanna swallowed nervously.

The maid’s voice came from the other side. “Miss, the gentleman asks you to come down for dinner.”

Susanna hesitated.

Weren’t the maids supposed to come upstairs?

Well, it seemed Hull called the shots around here.

“I’m not hungry,” Susanna replied.

If Hull wanted her downstairs, she definitely wasn’t going. She and Star had already discussed avoiding Hull whenever possible to prevent any more irreversible disasters.

Thinking about all the trouble she’d caused around Hull, Susanna couldn’t help but cringe at herself.

She never expected she could be so clumsy!

In those moments of chaos, her body and hands seemed to act on their own, completely out of her control.

“But Sir, didn’t seem very happy.”

Susanna paused.

That was even more reason to stay put.

Hull was intimidating enough on a good day. When was he upset? That was a whole different level of scary.

Taking a deep breath, Susanna insisted, “I’m really not hungry.”

The maid didn’t press further and left.

Susanna thought she’d dodged the bullet, assuming Hull wouldn’t bother coming up just to call her for dinner.

After all, someone of his stature wouldn’t stoop to such things.

But not even five minutes later…

There was a deep voice outside her door. “Come out.”

Hearing him, Susanna tensed up again.

This time, she didn’t dare defy him.

Reluctantly, she opened the door, looking up cautiously like a quail into Hull’s icy gaze.

In an instant, her eyes dropped. “I-I-I’m really not hungry.”

Before she could do anything else, Hull’s hand was under her chin, tilting her face up.

Caught in his gaze, Susanna found it impossible to look away.

“Let me go,” she murmured.

Hull’s eyes bore into hers. “Avoiding me?”

Susanna gulped. Uh… avoiding might be the smart move here!

“I…-I’m not,” she stammered.

Despite the fear tightening her chest, she couldn’t bring herself to admit it outright.

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