Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath [Stella] (Chapters 631 to 640) – Daisy Novels  

Chapter 631

The word “payment” rolled off Hull’s tongue thick and heavy. If you listened closely, you could hear the undertone in his voice, a sort of meaning that went beyond the obvious.

Too bad Susanna was too stunned to notice.

“Wait, you want… payment?” she blurted out, eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

This couldn’t be right. She’d asked Star for help, hadn’t she? Star must’ve gone to Mr. Quinn, and Mr. Quinn, in turn, probably asked Hull to handle it. So if Hull was now asking her for payment, wasn’t he just pocketing something on the side?

Susanna’s mind was spinning at a hundred miles an hour.

“Does Mr. Quinn… know about this?” she whispered, glancing around as if someone might overhear.

This wasn’t exactly something that would earn her a gold star. If word got to Mr. Quinn, Hull would be in hot water, right? Yet here he was, bold as brass.

Hull chuckled, a low, amused sound. “Are you threatening me?”

“What? No, no, not at all!” Susanna shook her head so fast she nearly got dizzy.

Who was she kidding? Threaten him? She wasn’t that reckless. If Hull so much as hinted she’d crossed a line, even Star wouldn’t be able to get her out of trouble.

“I swear, I’m not. I just…” Susanna trailed off, cheeks burning, then dropped her gaze to her shoes. She looked about as helpless as a stray kitten.

Hull smirked, watching her shrink into herself. “Just what?”

“I just… don’t have any money.” The words came out so quietly, they were barely more than a squeak.

It was true. She didn’t have a dime to her name. When she’d left Portis City, she’d left everything behind, and by the time she got to Ferrowland, she’d lost her bag running from those guys who’d been chasing her. Luck hadn’t exactly been on her side lately.

For a second, Hull’s smirk faltered. But then he said, with a sly glint in his eyes, “Looks like you owe me quite a bit, then.”

Susanna couldn’t help but wince. Quite a bit? How was she ever going to pay him back? At this rate, she’d be in debt for life-assuming her mom even made it out of Black Gate alive. If this went south, she’d be heading back to Portis City with more debts than she could count. Negative inheritance, that’s what they’d call it.

She’d already ruined Hull’s reputation, and now she was asking for his help. The guilt gnawed at her.

Hull didn’t seem to notice her inner panic. He leaned forward, voice low and meaningful. “Not all debts have to be paid in cash, you know.” Susanna’s head shot up. “Then… how am I supposed to pay you? I literally have nothing.”

Hull propped his chin on his fist, eyes glinting with mischief. There was something in his gaze that Susanna couldn’t quite read, but it made her squirm.

“Just think about what you have to offer. Whenever you figure it out, that’s when you’ll get to see your mom. How’s that sound?”

“What? Can’t I see her first?” Susanna pleaded. Her whole world was wrapped up in the hope of seeing her mother again. This was just cruel. Hull just smiled, slow and unyielding. “Sorry, sweetheart. No IOUS.”

Susanna’s mouth dropped open in silent protest.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Stella was just about to drift off to sleep when her phone buzzed. Half-awake, she answered without checking the caller ID.

It was Yorick.

“Stella, I’m in Ferrowland. Can we meet?” His voice was familiar, but hearing it now, in this place, threw her off.

Stella froze, her mind racing. She’d figured that once she left Portis City and moved to Ferrowland, Yorick would be out of her life for good. Now he was here?

“Wait, what did you say?” she managed. “You’re in Ferrowland?”

“Yeah,” Yorick replied, “I landed about an hour ago. I want to see you.”

Even through the phone, there was something in his voice, warmth, longing—that she’d never heard before, not back in Portis City. But that kind of sentiment, coming at the wrong time and in the wrong place, didn’t exactly tug at her heartstrings. In fact, it gave her the creeps.

Any trace of sleep vanished. She sat straight up, let out a dry laugh, and said, “What, you here for my wedding or something?”

Chapter 632

Yorick: “…”

He sucked in a breath, sharp and heavy.

Right now, Yorick was standing in his townhouse in Ferrowland. The whole way here, he’d been meaning to reach out to Stella. But now that he was actually here? Nerves had him by the throat.

He’d seen all the headlines about her wedding in Ferrowland, not from Ronald, but through Lottie.

Lottie, the woman who raised Stella. Honestly, calling her “Mom” wouldn’t have been a stretch.

The way things played out between them? No one back in Portis City would’ve accepted it, not in a million years.

But Lottie… she’d posted it everywhere: “The daughter-in-law I raised is finally all grown up.”

Not daughter-daughter-in-law.

Apparently, the Lugar family had always treated Stella as their own future daughter-in-law. Yorick never could’ve guessed she held that kind of place with them.

Back in Portis City, when Stella and Ronald were tangled up together, Yorick had thought that relationship-growing up side by side was a line they’d never cross, not without consequences. He’d figured Ferrowland would eat her alive for it.

He’d been so sure: the past between them would always be a wall too high to climb. If the Lugar family ever cast her out, she’d only have one place to go back to Portis City. Back to him.

But he’d been wrong.

Now, here in Ferrowland, things he thought impossible were falling into place like it was nothing.

And Stella’s words, “Are you coming to my wedding?”-stabbed straight into his chest, sharp as a knife.

It hurt. It actually hurt to breathe.

“You’re really going to marry Ronald?” Yorick forced out, his voice rough.

His breath was ragged, and for a moment, the world spun. He’d never felt this kind of hollow ache before-not even when Ursula had left Portis City all those years ago.

Only after Stella left did he realize he remembered every single detail about her.

Stella gave a short, sardonic laugh. “You think I’d joke about this? Didn’t you see all the wedding prep?”

Yeah. The wedding to Ronald. The plans had started way back in Portis City.

Yorick pressed on, “Do you know how many people are dragging your name through the mud, Stella? Aside from the Lugar family and the Quinn family, no one’s accepting this.”

Stella went quiet.

He went on, relentless, “You and Ronald people don’t accept this, not anywhere. Doesn’t matter if the big families are on board. The rest of the world isn’t.”

But Stella just shrugged it off. “Why should I care? And why do you care, Yorick?”

The words knocked the wind out of him all over again.

Stella continued, cool and collected, “Worry about yourself, okay? Don’t tell me that after finding out the real Ursula, you suddenly realized you never loved her after all? That’d be a real shame for her and pretty laughable for your so-called love.”

“You, “Yorick started, but Stella cut him off.

“Look at me. No matter what I become, he loves me.”

Yorick reeled. No matter what, she became? Was she talking about Ronald? Did she really think Ronald… loved her? Did she even know what love was?

And then Stella added, “If I were you, I wouldn’t have time to hang around Ferrowland right now. Hogan Freeman isn’t someone you can just brush off.”

Hogan Freeman, the guy who survived the underground fighting rings. His mind was sharper, darker, than Yorick could ever hope to match. Yorick let out a bitter laugh, “Really? That’s your angle now? Well, congratulations, Stella. Because of that guy, I’ve lost everything.”

Stella fell silent.

Yorick looked down, voice hollow, “Just like you wanted. I’ve got nothing left.”

Chapter 633

Why had Yorick come all the way to Ferrowland?

Sure, part of it was to find Stella. But deep down, he still couldn’t accept it. He couldn’t just stand by and watch her marry Ronald.

And honestly? He’d needed to get away from all the chaos back in Portis City.

The Quarry family was a mess these days.

His father, Thane Quarry, had shifted all his attention to Hogan. Yorick’s mother was still stuck in the hospital, but Thane barely bothered to visit her anymore.

The sudden appearance of that man had shattered whatever peace the Quarry family had left-gone overnight.

“So this is my punishment, huh?” Yorick finally managed, his voice tight and strained.

Stella didn’t even flinch. “Sorry, but I don’t have time for revenge. You’re in this mess because you spent all your energy chasing love, not learning how to handle real life.”

Yorick was speechless-literally.

Stella kept going. “Do you know why you’re so easily knocked down? Because you’re too full of yourself, Yorick.”

If words could kill, this was it.

Back in Portis City, Yorick had been untouchable. People said he’d taken the Quarry Group to new heights. Sure, in that little city, he was a big deal. But what about outside? Once he left Portis City, who was he, really?

Stella’s words stabbed at him, each one sharper than the last. “Do you have to humiliate me right now?” he asked, barely holding it together.

“Humiliate?” Stella actually laughed. “You think I’m humiliating you?”

She rolled her eyes, as if Yorick’s understanding was just pathetic.

She leaned in, voice icy. “If you’d put even half the effort into the Quarry Group that you wasted pining after Ursula, Hogan wouldn’t have replaced you so easily, not even like swapping out the family dog.”

Yorick felt the word “dog” hit him like a brick to the head. His mind went blank.

“You’re calling me a dog?” he choked out.

This woman. Back in Portis City, she always acted like she was the victim, sharp-tongued and impossible. But even here in Ferrowland, she hadn’t changed a bit.

Sitting up in bed, Stella grabbed her mug of coffee, took a sip, and snorted. “No. I’m saying you’re not even as loyal as a dog.” Yorick could only stare, stunned.

Why couldn’t he get her out of his head? Why did every word she said stick with him and cut so deeply?

Before Stella could unleash another zinger, someone knocked on the door. Yvonne’s voice came through, brisk and impatient.

“Star, you can’t stay in bed any longer. We’re gonna be late!”

“Coming!” Stella called back, then promptly hung up on Yorick.

Yvonne, satisfied with the reply, pushed open the door. “Who were you talking to?”

“Yorick,” Stella replied, already blocking his number.

Seriously, what was it with these Portis City people? They were so desperate to reach her, they’d even started using local numbers. Yvonne’s face soured at the name. “Why are you still talking to him?”

As far as Yvonne was concerned, the Quarry family and the Larkin family were dead to them. No contact, no exceptions.

“I’ll set up a firewall for you,” Yvonne huffed. “Any Portis City number calls, it’ll get blocked. Let’s see how they try to bug you then.”

Stella shook her head. “Doesn’t help. Jaxon and Yorick both called me today with Ferrowland numbers.”

Yvonne’s frown deepened. “The Larkin family, too? What do they want now?”

She was genuinely angry. The Quarry family was bad enough, with that ex-fiancé who clearly didn’t know when to quit. But if the Larkin family started harassing Stella, that was just disgusting.

Stella shrugged. “They want to make amends. Or at least pretend to.”

It wasn’t sincere. It never was. The minute their wishes weren’t met, that apology would turn nasty.

That was the Larkin family for you, always two-faced.

“Make amends? Are you kidding me?” Yvonne scoffed. “They’re the ones who tossed you aside. Now they want you back? What’s the point?” First, they’d chosen the adopted daughter over Stella. Now, when it turned out the adopted one was a disaster, they suddenly wanted their real daughter back?

Some people really would go whichever way the wind blew.

Chapter 634

“Alright, I’ll grab a quick bite before I head out.”

Whether it was the Larkin family or Yorick, Stella was really in no mood to talk about anyone right now.

The moment Yvonne heard Stella mention food, she perked up.

“Exactly, you should eat something! Mom and your brother both said you need to eat before the party, that’s why I called you down.”

Eating, of course, would take a little time.

Yvonne quickly called a maid to help Stella change. The pale blue dress looked stunning on her.

But since it was form-fitting, Yvonne eyed her critically. “Hmm, got a bit of a baby bump now, huh?”

Pregnancy did change things a little, after all.

Stella glanced down and, sure enough, saw her belly sticking out just a little.

Yvonne grinned, “Honestly, you look adorable.”

Worried Stella might feel self-conscious, Yvonne tried to reassure her.

But Stella had never cared about that stuff. “Doesn’t matter. It’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone.”

Yvonne: “Wait, what?”

Stella turned to the maid. “Could you grab that white cardigan for me? I’m wearing it tonight.”

Even if it was an important dinner, she wasn’t about to freeze for fashion.

Yvonne just sighed. Guess she truly wasn’t planning to show off.

Not that she ever needed to. Growing up, Ronald always cared way more about Stella’s health than her looks.

If she put on a few extra pounds, he’d be delighted.

—

Once Stella was dressed, she finally sat down to eat.

At the table, she tucked into her food heartily.

Probably something Lottie had the kitchen staff whip up—a special herbal tea or vitamin drink to help with her pregnancy. Whatever it was, it worked wonders. The nausea was gone.

Yvonne had planned to eat with her, but after a single bite, she just stared at Stella’s enthusiasm. Honestly, watching Stella eat like that made her hungry, too.

“Hey, you sure you’re okay? If you feel sick, maybe take it easy. Wouldn’t want you to get sick right before the party.”

Yvonne couldn’t help but worry she’d overdo it.

But Stella looked absolutely fine. “I won’t get sick. The nausea’s been gone since lunchtime.”

Yvonne frowned. “Still, are you sure your stomach can handle all that?”

Even if the nausea was gone, Yvonne still worried. Stella’s health had been a handful growing up; hospital trips were practically routine. The doctors always said she had a good appetite, but her stomach was weak, so she shouldn’t eat too much in one go.

“Nope, that’s enough. Seriously, you can’t eat too much.” Yvonne scooped away Stella’s half-finished plate. Stella looked up at her with big, sad eyes.

“Come on, your brother said you could have a little, not stuff yourself. There’ll be plenty of food at the party.”

“But can I just have one more cookie?” The kitchen had made the most amazing little shortbread cookies, just sweet enough to be perfect. Yvonne turned away with the plate. “Nope.”

At that moment, Ronald walked in, right in time to see Yvonne take the food away from Stella.

Stella shot him a look of pure puppy-dog sadness.

Yvonne quickly tried to explain, “I swear, I wasn’t bullying her! You always tell her not to overeat, too!”

She honestly didn’t get how Stella’s appetite could be so good, considering her weak stomach. People always ended up eating more when they sat with Stella.

Stella looked at Ronald, eyes still pleading. “Bro, I—”

“What did you just call me?” Ronald cut her off, eyebrow raised.

Stella froze. “Uh…”

Yvonne blinked. Wait, what was she supposed to say?

Ronald ruffled Stella’s hair, a little smirk on his face. “Try again.”

Meeting his gaze, Stella’s face went bright red. “Husband?”

Yvonne: “…”

Really? She had to witness this level of cheesiness?

And Ronald wasn’t done yet. He looked over at Yvonne, eyebrow still cocked. “And what do you call her?”

“Star?” Yvonne replied, genuinely confused.

What now? Did she get it wrong, too?

Chapter 635

Ronald pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

He looked at Yvonne again. The fond gaze he’d just given Stella had vanished, replaced by stern seriousness.

“From now on, you call her ‘sister-in-law.””

Yvonne blinked.

Um…

That was going to be tough. Stella had always been her little sister, her baby sister, really since forever. And now, suddenly, she was supposed to call her ‘sister-in-law’?

‘Sister-in-law’… that just sounded…

“Wait, can’t we just keep it separate? You marry your wife, but she’s still my sister, right?”

Seriously, imagine the kid who’s been running around behind you since preschool, calling you ‘big sis, big sis’ and now you have to call her ‘sister-in-law’?

Who could get used to that?

Yvonne’s brain was having a minor meltdown. There was no way she could just switch the title like that.

Even Stella’s lips twitched when she heard Ronald lay down the law.

Ronald shot Yvonne a look, saying nothing, but the pressure in his eyes was enough to make her swallow hard. “Bro…” she tried, “I think she’s got a point.”

With that, Ronald flicked Stella’s cheek. “You need to get used to calling her Yvonne now. Got it?” Stella: “…”

Yvonne!

It wasn’t just hard for Yvonne to accept this new title; Stella herself looked like she’d seen a ghost.

“This is weird. Can’t we just… keep it the old way?”

“No.” Ronald’s tone brooked no argument. He turned to Yvonne, who was still frozen in place. “Well? What are you waiting for? Let’s hear you say ‘sister-in-law.””

Yvonne’s eyes widened in horror.

Just like that?

Ronald’s eyebrows dipped lower.

Yvonne felt a chill run down her spine. She forced herself to look at Stella, her voice dry as cardboard.

“S-sister-in-law?”

She stared at Stella, feeling like the universe had flipped upside down.

Just a little while ago, when she’d heard Stella was with Ronald, she’d actually been relieved. Stella had always been the worry of the family, so sensitive, so sheltered. If she’d ended up with anyone else, who knows how many times she’d have gotten hurt?

But now, calling her ‘sister-in-law’… This was next-level weird.

Yvonne could barely bring herself to say it, and Stella looked just as lost, staring back at her.

Yvonne’s eyelid twitched. “Why are you just staring at me? Say something!”

If Stella didn’t answer, Ronald would make her keep repeating it until she did, and then they’d both lose their minds.

Stella: “Um?”

“I called you ‘sister-in-law.””

Stella: “!!!”

The awkwardness in the air was almost suffocating.

Yvonne glanced at Ronald, utterly exasperated.

Thankfully, Ronald didn’t push it any further. He just nodded. “You’ll both have to get used to these changes.”

Stella: “…”

Yvonne: “…” He seemed to be the only one totally unfazed by this.

Just then, Ronald’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and, out of habit, ruffled Stella’s hair. “I need to take this.” “Okay,” Stella said obediently.

As he turned away, he paused, looking back at her. “And don’t even think about sneaking another piece of pie.” Stella: “Oh.”

She’d been so mortified, she’d forgotten she was even eating. But now, reminded of the casserole cooling in the kitchen, she felt her stomach rumble again.

Chapter 636

Yvonne hurriedly called for the staff to clear everything away.

The moment Ronald left, Yvonne scooted over to Stella, grinning mischievously. “So? How did it feel?”

Stella blinked, caught off guard. “How did it feel?”

Yvonne waggled her eyebrows. “C’mon, sis-in-law! How did you feel when I called you that, huh?”

Stella’s eyes widened. “Wait, what-?”

Honestly? The whole thing just felt… weird.

Yvonne nudged her. “Well? Spill it! What did it feel like?”

Stella let out a little laugh. “Honestly? It was pretty strange.”

“Right? I thought so too! But Ronald acts like it’s totally normal. I don’t get it,” Yvonne said, rolling her eyes.

Stella just shrugged, not really knowing what to say.

Yvonne declared, “I don’t care. When he’s not around, you’re still my Star, and you still have to call me your big sis. I’m not about to start acting all formal just because of him!”

She shook her head, thinking, Since when was Ronald such a stickler for rules?

Stella nodded obediently. “Okay, whatever you say, sis.”

The tension Yvonne had felt when Ronald was around finally eased a bit.

Seriously, that guy could be so intense sometimes…

Before she could say anything else to Stella, her phone started buzzing. She glanced at the screen-Xander was calling.

Yvonne’s face soured. She hit decline without a second thought.

But right after she hung up, a text from Xander popped up: [I’ll be outside in five. Come out.]

Yvonne practically exploded. Who did he think he was, giving her orders like that?

Stella had spotted the message too. “You two were fighting just now, how’d that end?”

Yvonne rolled her eyes. “With a fistfight.”

Stella stared at her, speechless. Her best friend’s love life sounded like an episode of a drama series.

She looked Yvonne up and down, a little worried. “So… who won?”

Honestly, as long as Yvonne wasn’t losing, Stella didn’t really care how crazy things got.

Yvonne grumbled, “It was a draw.”

She sounded like she was barely holding back her frustration.

Stella’s jaw dropped. “Seriously? Only a draw? Man, Xander’s a real piece of work.”

The phone rang againXander, of course.

Yvonne’s patience finally snapped. “You wait here. I’m going to go deal with him.”

All this drama, just because of a wedding? Wasn’t there supposed to be some limit? Before Stella could say another word, Yvonne stormed off toward the front door. Stella stood there, a little stunned.

Just then, her own phone rang. It was Susanna.

Stella answered, “Hey, Susie.”

“Star, I need your help,” Susanna said, sounding exhausted. “I want to see Mom.”

Chapter 637

“Listen, Stella,” Susanna said, her voice tinged with a frustration she could barely hide. “You sound way too chill about letting Hull handle this.” She let out a dramatic sigh and called out, “Star.”

Stella, already halfway out the door, was distracted-keeping one eye on Xander and Yvonne’s commotion outside, and the other ear on Susanna.

“What’s up?” Stella replied, trying to multitask.

Susanna’s pouty, put-upon tone snapped Stella’s attention right back.

“Why the long face? You know Hull’s solid-reliable as they come. I mean, yeah, you’ve had some close calls with him, but you’re still in one piece. If you ask me, that proves he knows what he’s doing.”

“So relax. If he’s handling this, you’ll see your mom sooner rather than later.”

Susanna huffed. “He wants payment.”

Stella froze. “Wait-what?”

“Yeah, payment,” Susanna repeated, clearly annoyed. “It was Ronald who asked him to help me, but somehow I’m the one who has to pay up.” The word “payment” did a number on Stella’s train of thought, her mind snapped away from Yvonne and straight back to Susanna.

“He wants money?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.

“I told him I’m broke. He said I could pay in other ways. And he was very clear-no IOUS.”

“Other ways?” Stella echoed, her voice rising. “What ‘other ways’? If you’re out of cash, what else could you possibly have?”

Back when Susanna’s mom, Lacey, was doing well, money wasn’t a problem. But with everything that’d happened… well, Stella knew things were tight now. If Hull really was asking for money, she was already thinking about stepping in to cover for Susanna.

But Susanna shook her head. “He said he doesn’t want cash.”

Stella blinked. “Then what does he want?”

Susanna groaned. “He said he wants something else. And that he has enough money already.”

That was just so Hull, honestly.

Stella frowned, trying to piece it together. “Your mom’s company, maybe?”

“He called it a ‘rinky-dink outfit.’ He doesn’t care about that.”

Stella’s eyes widened. “Then what the heck does he want?”

Susanna threw up her hands. “I have no idea!”

Stella stared at her. “Wait, you don’t know either?”

“He told me to guess. Says when I figure it out, that’s when I get to see my mom.”

Stella groaned. “Seriously? He’s making you play twenty questions?”

Chapter 638

Seriously, what is it with Hull these days?

Does he not listen to me anymore? Now he’s even asking Susie for some kind of “payment.”

If he wants something, why not just say it straight out?

He knows Susanna’s been losing her mind ever since she got to Ferrowland, worrying about her mom.

But instead of helping, Hull keeps stringing her along. What’s wrong with this guy?

I never realized Hull was such a piece of work before.

The bottom line is that whatever happens between Susanna and Hull right now is a total mess, and Stella’s brain feels like it’s turning to mush.

They exchanged a few more words on the phone before hanging up, and just then, Ronald came out from the back room.

He spotted Stella leaning against the door and ruffled the back of her neck. “What’re you looking at?”

“Huh? Oh, I was watching my sister… Wait, where’d she go?”

She was right there a second ago!

She just took a call from Susie and poof-gone.

Ronald glanced at the now-empty doorway. “She went out.”

“Yeah, Xander came to see her. She was saying something about ‘kicking Xander out.””

Wasn’t she going to kick him out? Why’d she disappear too?

Honestly, with her, who knows—maybe she just needed to go blow off some steam.

Wouldn’t be the first time.

“Oh, right, Susie called me just now,” Stella said.

Yvonne could handle herself just fine around Xander, but Susanna’s situation was actually serious this time.

Ronald frowned when he heard Susanna had called again. “She called you again?”

“Yeah, she’s freaking out.”

“Hull’s handling her stuff. What’s she so worried about?”

Ronald sounded a little annoyed. He didn’t like how Susanna always ran to Stella for everything.

Back before she’d gone to Portis City, she used to hang on his every word…

But Stella didn’t pick up on Ronald’s mood. “Didn’t you say you’d have Hull take care of it?”

“Did you know Hull actually asked Susie for payment?”

Ugh, unbelievable.

Susanna’s got nothing right now, and if Hull really insists, I guess I’ll just have to pay up for her.

But to shake her down now, of all times? That’s just low.

And the worst part? The guy doing it is one of Ronald’s people. That’s even harder to swallow.

Ronald raised an eyebrow. “He asked for money?”

Stella’s news that Hull wanted something from Susanna took Ronald by surprise, too.

After all, men know men.

He knew exactly what Hull thought of Susanna.

In this situation, money shouldn’t even be in the picture.

Stella shook her head. “It’s not money. It’s something else.”

If it were just cash, it’d be simple.

No matter how much, I’d just pay it and be done.

Ronald asked, “What else?”

Not money? What the hell is Hull playing at?

Stella groaned. “We have no clue. Hull told Susie to guess, but she hasn’t got a clue.”

It’s enough to drive anyone crazy.

Chapter 639

“So, what exactly does Hull want?”

Stella mumbled, her tone making it clear she was less than thrilled about Hull demanding some sort of payment.

It wasn’t just that he wanted something in return; what really bugged her was that he wanted something she couldn’t even give.

Well, Stella was dying to see what that could possibly be.

Ronald let out a sigh. “To be precise, he only wants something Susanna can give him.”

“Huh?” Stella blinked.

“Anyway, from now on, just leave it alone. Given how things are for Susanna right now, sticking with Hull is probably the safest option.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Stella nearly shrieked.

Seriously, what the hell kind of payment was Hull after?

Now that Ronald had said it like that, she was even more confused.

It wasn’t money.

And it was something only Susanna could give, not just anyone? What on earth was that?

Maybe it was the pregnancy brain, but Stella just couldn’t figure it out. She used to be so sharp, but with Ronald talking in circles, she wasn’t getting any closer to an answer.

“I get that Susie needs to be with Hull for now, but this whole ‘payment’ thing… what is it?” she pressed.

Especially with all the drama between Lacey and Black Gate still unresolved. Susanna’s situation was precarious; no matter where she went, it wasn’t exactly safe.

Even if things did get sorted out, a peaceful life seemed like a pipe dream. Lacey had been away from Black Gate for years, and now she was dragged back in. It was obvious something huge was going down.

Ronald was starting to look exasperated with Stella’s fixation on Hull’s so-called payment. He reached over and pinched her nose, grinning. “Let Susanna figure it out for herself.”

Stella gaped. “…Again with the ‘let her figure it out’ thing!”

That was exactly why she was asking Ronald—because Susanna couldn’t figure it out! And now he was just repeating himself.

Stella shot Ronald a look full of resentment, sulking like a kid denied dessert.

He just shrugged. “It’s something only Susanna can give. It’s not money. So what do you think Hull wants?”

“Susie herself?” Stella’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Ronald made a noncommittal sound.

Stella’s jaw dropped. “Wait, wait-are you saying that’s what he’s after?!”

No way. Hull wanted Susie, just like that?

“That’s not gonna work,” Stella said flatly.

“Hull lives on the edge, always one step from disaster. If Susie got mixed up in his world… well, she’d lose it.”

Ronald just shrugged again.

“Susanna’s future isn’t going to be much different from his anyway. They’re two peas in a pod at this point.”

Stella’s heart skipped a beat. “You can’t mean that.”

Making Susanna live like Hull? That was insane.

“And besides, didn’t Susie already propose to him? He didn’t even say yes-so there has to be something else.”

Ronald glanced at her, amused. “Susanna proposed to Hull?”

“Yup,” Stella nodded, looking exhausted. “Susie’s always trailing after him, and everything that happens is just a mess.”

Chapter 640

Ronald chuckled.

While he was distracted, Stella sneakily shot a text to Susanna: [Hull wants you as payment.]

Whether Susanna would buy it or not, Stella herself wasn’t convinced.

Meanwhile, Susanna stared at Stella’s message, completely dumbfounded. Wait, what? That can’t be right…

Wasn’t this supposed to be about compensation?

What the heck did Star mean by that text?

She immediately called Stella, ready to get to the bottom of this, but Stella was already on her way to a gala, with Ronald right there. She didn’t answer, just hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, Susanna squinted at the message again, then fired back: [What’s that supposed to mean?]

It was just supposed to be compensation. How did she suddenly get dragged into it?

Stella replied: [My brother said Hull wants you. You’re what he wants as payment.]

Susanna just…froze.

He wants her? If that was true, then-oh my god.

[I don’t buy it.]

She shot back without even thinking.

Stella was honest: [I don’t either, but that’s what he said.]

Who knew if it was true, but Ronald had said it, so…who could really say?

Susanna: …

She didn’t buy it either.

[Why not?]

She typed, and immediately regretted it. Why did that sound like she was offended he *didn’t* want her?

Stella: [!!!]

Right now, she was sitting next to Ronald, who was busy reviewing something on his tablet. Seeing Susanna’s reply, Stella zoned out for a second.

Why didn’t she believe it? Should she be brutally honest? Nah, that would sting too much.

So she just replied: [I just don’t.]

No way she could tell Susanna about those women who used to hang around Hull, each one looked like they belonged on the cover of Vogue. Meanwhile, Susanna had caused a ton of drama around Hull lately, and it was always at the worst possible moments.

Yet, nothing had ever happened between them…

Even though Yvonne had said Hull wasn’t interested, Susanna had checked, and wasn’t it supposed to be fine? And if it was, why had nothing happened?

Only one explanation: Hull probably didn’t have those kinds of feelings for Susanna.

When Susanna didn’t reply, Stella sent another careful suggestion: [Maybe just ask Hull what he wants?]

All this guessing was exhausting, and Susanna didn’t have time for mind games right now. If Ronald was right, Susanna could just ask Hull to get it straight from the source.

Susanna read Stella’s text, feeling her nerves flare up again. [How am I supposed to ask?] she replied.

Seriously, Star…how was she supposed to bring that up? Subtlety clearly wasn’t working, but being direct sounded terrifying.

And besides, hadn’t she already said she’d marry him if it came to that? She’d already lost her so-called ‘innocence’ – she could marry him, but Hull never agreed to it at the time.

And now, if she was the ‘payment’… what did that even mean?

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