Chapter 341
Yorick stood in the biting wind, his thoughts tangled with frustration. He wanted to go inside to see what was happening, but the security guards stood firm, not budging an inch.
Just then, Finley emerged from inside. He spotted Yorick and saw Orion with him, trying to negotiate with the guards.
Finley had half a mind to ignore it all, but recalling how furious Ronald had been, he figured there might be serious consequences once they got back to Portis City.
He finally pulled his car over and rolled down the window halfway.
Their eyes met directly, and Finley asked, “Here to see Star?”
Hearing Finley’s nickname for Stella sent another wave of unease through Yorick’s chest.
The way Ronald’s people referred to Stella made it clear how important she was to the Lugar family.
Yorick pushed down the discomfort gnawing at him. “How is she?”
Finley could tell that Yorick had already heard some things. He replied seriously, “She’s the little princess of the Quinn family. Her safety isn’t your concern.”
Yorick felt the sting of silence.
The Quinn family, the little princess?
Once, everyone thought she was raised by a poor rural family, unloved, uncared for, and without… manners.
And now? It was almost laughable. She was one of the famous Quinn sisters from Ferrowland. The eldest Quinn’s sister never missed a chance to brag about her sweet little sister.
Finley continued, “Mr. Quarry, let me remind you: you’re not a match for Star. Her family will never approve.”
She was the Quinn family’s little princess, known throughout Ferrowland, always by her eldest sister’s side, never knowing what it was like to be wronged.
And yet, here in Portis City…
“She has nothing to do with you anymore. Don’t look for her.”
Hearing Finley’s words, Yorick felt his breath catch. He couldn’t explain why, but it felt as if a part of his heart had been hollowed out. There was no blood, yet the pain was deep and raw.
Finley drove away.
Orion, looking anxious, approached Yorick. “Sir, the family doctor called. He’s too afraid to go to the Larkin family.”
Right now, Ursula and Jaxon at home both desperately needed medical attention, one gravely ill, the other seriously injured.
Yet, throughout Portis City, not a single hospital would admit them, and no doctor dared to make a house call.
Yorick had no choice but to go against Imogen’s wishes, sending the Quarry family doctor over.
And now this…
Ronald was clearly determined to block any aid to the Larkin family. Truth be told, the Quarry family wasn’t faring much better.
“Ms. Ursula is calling.”
Orion’s phone vibrated, and he glanced at the number before handing it to Yorick.
Yorick answered, “Ursula.”
“Rick, I might not make it,” Ursula said weakly, her voice laced with genuine pain.
There was no pretense in her voice now, only an overwhelming sense of physical agony. She truly regretted everything with Stella.
Yorick closed his eyes for a moment. “Don’t worry, I’ll… figure something out.”
Those words “figure something out”-sounded incredibly hollow. He’d never imagined anyone could corner his family like this in Portis City. They were utterly trapped, with no way out.
“But I really can’t hold on any longer. I lost so much blood last night.”
Not just from her nose, but elsewhere too. Ursula was terrified. If this dragged on, she might actually die.
After hanging up with Ursula, Yorick desperately tried to reach Stella, but her phone was unreachable.
And the security here was on high alert due to recent events, refusing to let anyone through.
Meanwhile, on the private jet.
Ronald’s was already flaring, but suddenly, his phone rang.
Chapter 342
Stella lay nestled in his arms when she heard the phone buzzing. She nudged him gently. “Your phone’s ringing.” “Ignore it.”
His voice was rough like it had been dragged through the gravel.
But the phone kept buzzing insistently.
Stella urged, “You should answer it. It might be important.”
Deep down, she feared it might be Xander. After all, they hadn’t left Patrina yet. Since Ronald could receive urgent calls at any time, his plane was equipped with a special setup.
Stella’s persistence finally got to him. With an annoyed huff, he got up and glanced at the screen.
An unknown number.
He answered curtly, “Speak.”
That single word was as cold as ice, as though it could slice through stone.
“It’s Yorick,” came the voice from the other end.
The call was loud enough for Stella to hear from the bed.
Yorick? What on earth was he thinking?
Meanwhile, Ronald’s expression grew sharp. “What is it?”
His voice carried a dangerous edge that seemed to pulse through the phone line.
The air on the other end thickened with an invisible pressure.
Just as Ronald was about to lose patience and hang up, Yorick spoke again. “The Larkins are still her blood family. There’s no need to wipe them out.
They desperately need a doctor.”
Yorick had no choice. He couldn’t reach Stella directly. She had blocked him long ago and likely changed her number.
Ronald chuckled. Blood family, huh? Star, do you need them?”
He looked at Stella, his demeanor growing even more menacing.
Stella shook her head. “I don’t.”
Those so-called blood ties were nothing but a burden now. For two years, the Larkins had tried to ruin her. And now they wanted to talk about family?
Yorick, on the phone, seemed to hold his breath, almost as if he hadn’t heard Stella’s response. He pressed on, “There’s one left, her blood brother.”
Ronald laughed softly. “Did you not hear? She doesn’t need them. Besides, are you really in a position to speak of blood ties?”
The words “blood ties” dripped with scorn. Yorick knew exactly what Ronald meant. The Larkins had always mixed up their loyalties between Ursula and Stella.
Yorick tightened his grip on the phone. “Ursula lived with the Larkins for so many years. Of course, they care about her.” Oh, the irony of caring. The Larkins could care for Ursula all they wanted, but they had been ruthless to Stella. And now, they expected Ronald to show mercy because of blood ties?
Ronald chuckled again. “Honestly, if they weren’t her blood family, they’d probably meet a quicker end.”
Stella’s brow furrowed at his words. Yorick was stunned into silence.
Ronald coldly hung up. Dealing with someone like Yorick was a waste of breath.
Tossing the phone aside, he turned back to the bed and pulled Stella into his embrace.
“Star.”
His voice was a mix of restraint and tenderness. Before Stella could process it, she was swept into a whirlwind.
Years of restraint finally given way, and there was no holding back now…
Chapter 343
The icy wind howled through the streets, biting deep into Yorick’s bones. He stood there, phone pressed to his ear, listening to the endless ringing. His mind went blank.
“If they weren’t her blood family, they’d probably meet a quicker end.”
Either way, it felt like a dead-end. Not being related might make it less painful?
Orion approached Yorick, his expression grim. “Sir, Ms. Stella has already left Portis City.”
It had taken a considerable effort to pry even this small snippet of information from the security team. Getting any news about Stella these days felt like pulling teeth.
No contact, no sightings. Someone who used to be so close now felt a world apart.
Yorick shivered from the cold. “When did this happen?”
“Right after…everything.”
Yorick frowned. With Stella out of Portis City, there was no chance of finding her- no opportunity for the face-to-face conversation he desperately needed.
His jaw tightened as Ronald’s cutting words over the phone replayed in his mind. It was clear Ronald wouldn’t forgive the Larkins easily.
But Ursula couldn’t wait. He had visited her yesterday, and the moment he stepped into her room, an oppressive sense of despair had engulfed him. She was alive, but her room felt like a tomb.
Orion continued, “She might have gone back to Ferrowland.”
Yorick’s heart sank. Back to Ferrowland? That meant she was even further out of reach now.
In the end, Yorick found himself at the Larkin residence once more.
The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by the sound of Cloudia and Blaise’s heated argument.
“Why, Blaise? Why would you do this to me? When did it start with that woman? You’ve even had twins with her? How could you treat me like this?”
Cloudia was hysterical, her voice cracking with each word.
Blaise, clearly frustrated, retorted, “What have you done for this family? Since marrying me, you haven’t worked a single day or faced any struggle. You’ve lived a life of luxury, and yet you couldn’t even keep the family together.”
His thoughts drifted to the recent turmoil at the company, all thanks to Stella, which Cloudia had triggered. Blaise had no patience left for her.
“Couldn’t keep it together? You know what Stella’s like! And now you’re blaming this all on me?”
Cloudia was losing it. The thought of those twins made her tremble with rage.
Right under her nose, at the company, he tangled up with the CFO, and she hadn’t had a clue.
But now, Blaise was denying every ounce of effort she’d poured into this family over the years.
Blaise glared coldly at her. “Whatever Stella is, you’re the one who raised her. And now, you’ve driven her to this.” “And it’s all my fault?”
Blaise snapped, “If not you, then who? Even Jaxon’s in this mess because of you.”
The mention of their eldest son filled Blaise with a heavy sorrow. Jaxon’s condition was critical, and without proper treatment, he risked a permanent disability.
“Cloudia, if Jaxon ends up disabled…”He didn’t finish the sentence, but the implication was clear to Cloudia.
The Larkin Group wouldn’t accept a disabled heir.
Jaxon used to be the only one, so what did this mean? Was Blaise paving the way for the illegitimate children to take Jaxon’s place?
Cloudia’s face turned a ghastly white with rage.
“You’re the one who cheated, who had children elsewhere. You’re the one who owes me an explanation.”
She screamed, her voice raw and trembling with anger.
But Blaise merely snorted, casting her a disdainful look before turning on his heel and leaving.
Cloudia shouted after him, “Where are you going?”
His only response was the slam of the door.
Cloudia wanted to chase after him, but her legs felt like lead, heavy and unmovable. She collapsed to the floor, burying her face in her hands, sobbing.
“Why? Why is this happening to me?”
She was no longer young. Why, in her later years, did she have to endure this? Why did fate deal her such a cruel hand?
Yorick watched from the hallway, feeling awkward. As a younger relative, he didn’t know what to say. He headed upstairs to find Ursula.
As he passed Jaxon’s open door, he caught sight of him lying there, eyes vacant.
Yorick hesitated, then stepped into the room.
Jaxon acknowledged Yorick with a bitter smile. “Did you hear everything?”
The argument downstairs had been loud enough for him to catch every word.
It was hard to believe. The family he’d always taken pride in, with its harmonious facade, was now shattered.
The illegitimate children…
All of it had happened right under his nose, and he hadn’t a clue.
Yorick settled into the chair beside Jaxon’s bed. “Don’t let the older generation’s issues weigh too heavily on you.”
Chapter 344
“That woman even had a son.”
Yorick fell silent at those words. The news hit him like a ton of bricks, and he hadn’t quite processed it yet.
Whenever he looked at Blaise before, he never would have pegged him as the type to have an affair.
“How did Cloudia find out?” Yorick asked, turning to Jaxon.
Jaxon paused for a moment, then let out a mocking laugh. “With all the drama surrounding Stella lately, it’s obvious she’s behind this. It’s her way of getting back at the Larkin family, tearing apart even her own flesh and blood.”
Just mentioning Stella made Jaxon clench his teeth in frustration. She was his sister, yet she could do this to him.
The constant pain from his wound served as a sharp reminder, feeding the resentment that boiled inside him. Yorick frowned, irritation bubbling up at the mention of Stella.
“Don’t you think her relationship with Mr. Quinn seems… not quite like that of siblings?” Yorick ventured.
Jaxon narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Yorick’s mind flashed back to that scene at the Silk-River Residences where Ronald casually came out of the shower with just a towel around his waist.
Would normal siblings act like that? Obviously not.
Jaxon, however, didn’t have the energy or interest to concern himself with whatever was happening between Stella and Ronald.
After a moment of thought, he said, “I heard some gossip- she’s got a fiancé back in Ferrowland.”
Yorick’s already grim expression deepened further at Jaxon’s words.
What a piece of work!
Yorick felt like he was about to explode with anger.
Jaxon added, “Seems like she’s engaged to Xander Schultz.”
The Schultz family? The second wealthiest family in Ferrowland?
Yorick’s eyes turned icy.
Jaxon, watching him closely, felt an even deeper pang of desolation. Stella didn’t just have Mr. Quinn supporting her; she had the entire Lugar family behind her, and even Xander, the dandy Satan.
…
On the plane, however, Ronald, usually known for his self-control, completely lost it as the temperature in the cabin soared.
As things escalated, Stella’s voice grew more desperate. “I don’t want this, let me go, please, I can’t…”
Tears and pleas filled the air, but Ronald, uncharacteristically, didn’t relent.
Nearly two hours later, when Stella’s voice had grown hoarse from shouting, Ronald finally released her.
Exhausted, she lay in his arms, drenched in sweat. Her eyes, like pools of autumn water, were full of reproach. “You… you’re terrible. How could you be so… so wicked?”
Where did he learn all these tricks? She had never noticed how devious he could be before.
Ronald, looking entirely satisfied, chuckled softly before carrying her to the bathroom.
Once they were cleaned up, Stella lay on the bed, too drained to move. Ronald scooped her back into his arms. “Star, you gonna tell me now how you managed to escape from his villa?”
Xander’s villa wasn’t exactly Fort Knox, but with all the guards, it was close enough. Not even a fly could get out easily. Yet, somehow, Stella had slipped past them all.
Stella snuggled closer, her voice a bit raspy. “They got distracted by the dog barking. Couldn’t pay attention to me.” Ronald raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”
A dog? That was an interesting twist.
Stella continued, “The barking was quite the spectacle. They had to check it out.”
While everyone’s attention was on the dog, she’d made her escape.
Ronald pinched her nose gently. “I underestimated your stamina.”
They couldn’t catch her on foot, even with a car.
Stella nestled deeper into his arms, finding a comfortable spot. “For the first hour, they were all chasing after the dog.” There was no way the dog could run on the highway, and the whole point was to exhaust Xander and his crew. She had picked the strongest dog, and unless Xander’s men started shooting, it would be tough for them to catch up.
Ronald’s eyes widened. His face froze as he looked down at the little kitten in his arms who was now breathing steadily. From her few words, Ronald pieced together how she’d managed her escape.
Xander’s love for dogs was well-known, and it was just Stella’s luck that Yvonne’s month-long harsh training had included… communicating with animals.
When a person is suffering and unable to rely on anyone, they must make full use of any living beings around them with whom they can communicate.
“Ronald.” Stella, who had already closed her eyes, suddenly lifted her head to look at him. In the soft, orange glow of the lamp, her face seemed even more delicate.
“What is it?”
Stella said, “You have to hold me. I don’t want to be apart from you.”
Clearly, the brief separation had left a significant mark on Stella’s heart.
Ronald’s heart took a hit, and he held her even tighter. He kissed her forehead gently. “Sleep well, darling.”
His voice was full of affection, reserved only for her.
Chapter 345
The Larkin family was in a real mess.
Yorick and Jaxon had been discussing their next move, but it felt like they were up against a brick wall. The whole situation was infuriating and utterly exhausting.
Ronald had them cornered. He had blocked every possible avenue for the Larkin family, and even Cloudia’s efforts to rally the support of her social circle had hit a dead end.
As Yorick approached Ursula’s room, he noticed the door was shut, but he could hear Ursula having a heated argument with someone inside. Her voice was loud and filled with anger.
Normally, Yorick would have barged in without a second thought, but this time he hesitated, pressing his ear to the door. Inside, Ursula was completely unaware of his presence.
He could hear her seething. “Oh, you think I’m scared now? I’m practically at death’s door. Go ahead and spill the beans, let’s just get it over with.”
She was on the brink of madness. Caught between Stella’s relentless pressure and the threats from this killer, she was also dealing with the agony of her illness.
What had she done to deserve this kind of punishment? All she wanted was to hold on to what she had. Was that so wrong?
“The Larkin family has been so good to you, and this is how you repay them? Cut the crap. I want two million,” the killer demanded, clearly doubting Ursula’s words. Everyone in Portis City knew she was the most cherished adopted daughter in town.
Hearing the demand for two million, Ursula’s heart sank even deeper.
“Two million? You’ve got some nerve. All the costs from that car accident were settled. This is just blackmail. And don’t forget, I wanted Stella dead. Did you manage to get that done?”
Ursula’s rage flared up, and she screamed in frustration.
It was all because Stella was still alive. If Stella had died in that car accident, she wouldn’t be facing this nightmare now.
“I wanted Stella dead, and you led to deliver. I paid you all those fees, and now you’re blackmailing me?”
Just as she finished, the door flew open with a violent crash, slamming hard against the wall.
Ursula, who was still on the phone, froze at the sudden noise.
Her eyes met Yorick’s – deep, stormy, filled with fury. Her mind went blank as if the very air around her had exploded. Yorick’s eyes narrowed, filled with anger that spread across his entire face.
Ursula’s breath caught, her blood ran cold, and everything else seemed to fade into silence.
The killer was still on the phone, saying, “I don’t care. I want two million. If you don’t pay up, I’ll send all the evidence of your attempt to murder Stella. Oh, and wasn’t Mr. Yorick Quarry Stella’s fiancé once? Imagine how he’ll react when he finds out you tried to kill his fiancée. Let’s see if he still wants you after that…”
Before the killer could finish, Ursula hurriedly hung up the phone.
She looked at Yorick, trembling, her lips quivering as she tried to form words. “Rick, I, I…”
What was she even trying to say? Her thoughts spun wildly, a chaotic storm she couldn’t control.
Yorick’s face was unreadable, but his eyes told her everything she needed to know. He’d heard it all.
It’s over. The thought crashed through Ursula’s mind like thunder, leaving her hollow.
She took a deep, shaky breath. “You… you have to let me explain. It’s not what you think. I…”
Yorick’s eyes were icy as he stared at her and he didn’t wait for her to finish. Without a word, he turned sharply and walked out, the door slamming shut behind him.
Ursula felt the coldness in his footsteps as he walked away, and her heart suddenly felt empty.
…
Downstairs, Cloudia had been trying to calm herself and think of a plan when she saw Yorick coming down. She instinctively stood up and called out, “Rick.”
But Yorick ignored her completely, heading straight for the door with a chilling demeanor.
Cloudia was taken aback, glancing toward the staircase, hesitating for a moment before rushing upstairs to check on Ursula.
She found Ursula sitting on the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Cloudia’s heart clenched as she approached. “Why are you crying? What happened with Rick?”
Ursula collapsed into Cloudia’s arms. “Mom, Rick’s left me. He’s left me.”
“What happened?”
“He’s gone. He’s never coming back,” Ursula said in despair.
Chapter 346
The Larkin family was in turmoil, and the only person Ursula felt she could rely on was Yorick.
But Yorick had just walked out the door, leaving her behind. He had heard everything every word and didn’t even give her a chance to explain.
“What on earth happened?” Cloudia asked, her voice tinged with alarm.
Hearing Ursula say this, Cloudia was also deeply shocked. If Yorick didn’t want Ursula anymore, this wasn’t good news at all, especially with their family in its current state.
The ladies of high society were all two-faced; not a single one of them had stepped forward to help this time.
At this moment, Ursula didn’t even know what to say. She could only mutter, “It’s Star, always Star. She took Rick away, Mom. She already has Mr. Quinn. Why does she have to take Rick, too? I have nothing left. Why does she treat me like this?”
Tears streamed down Ursula’s face, dropping like a broken string of pearls.
Hearing Stella’s name made Cloudia’s face harden with an anger she hadn’t shown before.
It was her again. Always her! That wretched girl. Why hadn’t she dealt with her back when she had the chance? Cloudia was fuming, practically shaking with rage.
Ursula cried, “I feel like I’m dying, Mom. I really can’t hold on much longer.”
She could feel her body deteriorating, her time running out. Without treatment, she was genuinely on the brink. “Why won’t she leave me alone now that I’m like this? Why did she have to take Rick away?” Despair and hatred welled up in Ursula, threatening to consume her entirely.
After an eight-hour flight, Stella had been nestled in Ronald’s arms, sleeping like a contented kitten. Her peaceful demeanor was irresistible.
At one point, Ronald couldn’t help himself and teased her a bit more. Stella, playful yet annoyed, had bitten his shoulder in protest, though Ronald barely felt it.
As the plane landed, the jolt woke them both.
Stella opened her bleary eyes, catching sight of Ronald. For a moment, she was dazed, her mind foggy from sleep. Then, as if on instinct, she snuggled closer to him, rubbing her cheek against his chest.
“I’m hungry,” she murmured.
She hadn’t eaten since Xander had whisked her away, and exhaustion had kept her from thinking about food. But now, the hunger pangs made themselves known.
“Hungry, huh?” Ronald asked, his voice playful with a hint of mischief.
Stella immediately caught on to his teasing tone, recognizing his cheekiness.
Annoyed but amused, she pinched his side. “I mean my stomach’s hungry.”
Ronald captured her wandering hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
Her fair skin contrasted with the slight blush on her palm, and he couldn’t help but smile, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Stella pulled her hand back quickly, hiding it away. “You…”
Watching her flustered expression, Ronald kissed her forehead. “What do you want to eat? I’ll take you out for something.”
“Hot wings.”
Ever since coming to Portis City, hot wings had become Stella’s new favorite.
Ronald paused, then chuckled. “You’re getting easier to please.”
Back in Ferrowland, the pampered little princess had never settled for anything so simple.
Stella snuggled closer, her voice taking on a pleading tone. “Please?”
She was exhausted and in need of a treat.
“Alright.” Ronald’s voice was deep, his throat tightening slightly. He gently pushed her off him, standing up. “Let’s get going.”
If they didn’t hurry, they’d end up stuck on the plane for several more hours…
Stella pouted, reluctantly getting up.
Ronald handed her a fresh set of clothes, helping her into a sweater, her small hands slipping into the sleeves.
Worried she might be cold, he added a vest underneath before helping her into a coat.
“I can dress myself, you know,” Stella mumbled.
Ronald paused, his hands lingering on the coat’s collar. A teasing smile spread across his face as he ruffled her hair. “I keep forgetting you’ve grown up.”
Stella’s cheeks flushed. How could he forget something like that?
Her mind wandered briefly to the past, to when she was a child. Back then, Ronald used to dress her for school every morning while she mumbled sleepily, too groggy to do it herself. Despite always being late, she could never fully wake up on her own.
Just as Ronald finished helping her, knocked on the door. “Sir, are you up?”
Throughout the entire flight, Idris and the others had kept their distance, knowing better than to interrupt.
Chapter 347
Ronald pulled open the door with a swift motion, and Idris stood there with an air of urgency.
“There’s something you need to know,” he said respectfully.
Ronald frowned, glancing back at Stella before he stepped out with Idris.
Stella got up, slipped into her jeans and socks, and glanced at the dresser. There lay a brand-new smartphone, likely arranged by Ronald for her.
She picked it up and dialed Susanna.
As soon as Susanna answered, her voice was fraught with worry. “Stella, are you okay?”
Once assured of her friend’s safety, she shifted into gossip mode without missing a beat.
“Listen, Star, Mrs. Larkin knows everything now. She’s already stirring up trouble over the division of assets. And Lola, she’s making a fuss about moving into the Larkin estate. She’s not too thrilled about Jaxon and Ursula’s… connection. If she moves in, it’ll be chaos. Ursula might just lose her mind with all the drama.”
Stella could practically see it- the clash between Lola’s fiery temper and Ursula’s manipulative tendencies.
Ursula and Jaxon needed a doctor, and with Cloudia now aware of the twins, Lola’s antics were just the cherry on top. “They really need a doctor, huh?” Stella mused.
Susanna chimed in, “Speaking of doctors, Yorick defied his mother yesterday. He tried to get the family doctor to check on Ursula and Jaxon. Guess what happened today?”
“What?”
“Yorick visited the Larkin estate and, get this, on his way out, he kicked over a potted plant at the entrance.” Stella blinked in surprise. “What? Really?”
“Yeah, smashed it to bits. He looked like he was ready to demolish the whole estate.”
“What on earth got him that riled up?”
Is Yorick losing his temper at the Larkin estate? That didn’t add up.
“No idea what happened inside, but he was furious. You know how much he cares for Ursula.”
This sort of behavior was unusual for Yorick, especially in front of the Larkins.
Stella speculated, “Did he and Ursula fight?
“Unlikely. Ursula’s barely hanging on. There’s nothing to argue about. If there was a disagreement, it had to be something Yorick couldn’t stomach. What could push him over the edge?”
Maybe Ursula had some overseas flings, and Yorick found out?”
Susanna hesitated. Well… that’s a possibility.”
Men usually want their partners to be squeaky clean, after all.
“Wasn’t Yorick always defending Ursula?”
“Maybe he caught her cheating?”
“Does she even have the energy for that right now? Even if she wanted to, her health wouldn’t allow it.”
“True. So we have no clue what set him off. But one thing’s clear- he’s acting like he’s done with her. Ursula’s really in a tough spot now.”
The Larkin estate was in shambles, and they couldn’t care less about her. Yorick had been her only hope, but somehow, she’d crossed him.
“Let’s not dwell on them. You’ve already gotten back at them enough.”
Stella hadn’t done anything directly, but seeing the family in such turmoil felt like justice served. Especially Ursula- she didn’t need Stella’s intervention. Karma had taken care of it, as if the universe was siding with Stella.
“But how do you know all this?” Stella asked, puzzled.
The Larkin estate was miles away from where Susanna lived.
“I was busy heading to an interview, scheduled at one of the villas in the Larkin estate, and I happened to see Yorick come out and kick a potted plant flying.”
Stella was amazed. “You really have a knack for catching gossip wherever you go.”
“Oh, and guess what, Tegan is coming back. Are you heading back to Portis City? If you do, Mrs. Larkin will definitely find a way to bother you.”
“Then again,” Susanna added with a chuckle, “with her husband’s twin surprise, she might not have the time.”
After a few more exchanges, Stella hung up just as Ronald returned.
“Looks like we wo be having those hot wings after all,” he said.
Stella looked up in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Ronald stepped forward, gently ruffling her hair before reaching to help her take off her heavy coat.
Chapter 348
“We need to fly to Cyris Isle immediately.”
“Right now?”
Ronald nodded. “Yeah, right now. I’ve already arranged for some summer clothes to be sent over for you.”
Cyris Isle was in the middle of a scorching summer, and Stella’s outfit from the plane was totally unsuitable.
“But I’m starving,” Stella said, looking at Ronald with hopeful eyes.
Could they maybe eat something before heading out? She hadn’t eaten in two days and nights, and running around in Patrina had completely drained her energy.
Not to mention the long haul with him on the plane.
Thinking about it made Stella give Ronald a resentful look.
“I’m tired, hungry, and sore.”
Ronald’s eyes softened as he gently tousled her hair. “Food will be here soon.”
Stella perked up. “Okay, as long as I get to eat.”
As Ronald helped remove her scarf, his gaze fell on the faint marks underneath.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, his voice quieter now.
The question caught Stella off guard. Her face went beet red, and her mind blanked for a moment.
This time, Ronald was especially patient. Although it was hard for him to control himself, he didn’t want to hurt her. Instead, he made Stella experience an unprecedented sense of bliss.
But his stamina was… overwhelming so much so that, even without any injuries, it still hurt a little after such a long time. She managed a small nod. “Just a bit.”
Ronald chuckled at her flushed face and pinched her cheek gently. “Go freshen up. Food’s waiting.”
With that, he stepped out.
Stella dashed into the bathroom, glaring at her rosy cheeks in the mirror. She splashed her face with cold water.
“Jerk,” she muttered to herself.
Who would’ve thought the usually stern and composed Mr. Quinn had such a teasing, carefree side? He could bring up something like that without batting an eye.
…
Outside, Ronald made a quick call to Finley, reminding him to pick up some ointment on his way.
Finley paused on the line before launching into a rant, “You know, you’ve treated her like a precious gem all her life, and now you’re letting her get hurt repeatedly.”
Ronald cut him off, “Just get the stuff, will you?” then hung up without another word.
Idris stood behind him, pretending not to hear a thing. This was definitely not something he wanted to get involved in.
Meanwhile, in the car, Finley heard the dial tone and grumbled, “He’s acting like I’m the one who hurt her.”
Hull shot him a glance. “That mouth of yours will get you in trouble one day.”
Finley scoffed. “So now I’m not supposed to speak the truth?”
Who did the hurting, anyway? The one who causes harm gets off scot-free, while the one who talks about it gets blamed?
“There’s a pharmacy about two hundred meters ahead. Let’s stop there.”
Looks like they’d need to keep that kind of ointment on hand from now on.
He’d seen Ronald’s… before when they showered together.
Anyway, most people wouldn’t be able to handle it, especially someone as petite as Stella.
…
Stella emerged from the bathroom, ready to leave, when Susanna’s call came through. She picked up, “Hey, Susie.” “Star, I’ve got someone clinging to my leg.”
“What?”
“Mrs. Larkin is looking for you. If you don’t want to talk to her, just say the word, and I’ll kick her out.”
Susanna was fuming. What kind of person does that? She was itching to give Cloudia a good push.
After all these years of parading around as the grand Mrs. Larkin, and this is what it’s come to?
“Just kick her out.”
Stella sighed and ended the call.
Cloudia was probably looking for her because of Ursula- or maybe to blame her for the Larkin family’s decline. She had no patience for that negativity, especially when she was constantly on the move.
Stella stepped out of the lounge, her face still flushed despite the cold water. Ronald was waiting at the dining table with a glass of wine and a simple steak dinner.
Stella had a more substantial spread: steak, pasta, and a bowl of creamy corn chowder. She used to dislike these dishes, but now, she was so hungry she could eat anything.
Ronald was cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces for her.
“Start with the corn chowder,” he suggested.
She’d been starving for so long and needed to ease into eating.
Before he even finished speaking, Stella was already sipping the chowder. She was truly famished.
Hull and Finley boarded the plane just in time to see Stella eating ravenously.
Finley quipped, “Xander’s supposed to be your fiancé, and he can’t even feed you?”
The air went still with tension. Everyone turned their eyes to Finley.
Idris thought for sure that Finley’s mouth was going to get him into trouble one day.
Hull instinctively shifted away from him, wary of getting caught in the crossfire.
Ronald’s glare was enough to freeze anyone in their tracks.
Stella felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Finley really did have a knack for getting himself into trouble.
Chapter 349
The Larkin family household was in turmoil.
Cloudia clung desperately to Susanna’s leg, her voice trembling with urgency. “Ms. Tucker, please, just let me say a few words to her. I’m begging you…”
She was completely frantic. Ursula had just coughed up blood, and Jaxon’s vacant eyes haunted her constantly. She felt on the brink of madness. She knew that just a word from Stella could solve Ursula and Jaxon’s troubles.
Susanna chuckled disdainfully. “Mrs. Larkin, isn’t this a bit beneath you?”
How much did Cloudia love that adopted daughter of hers, Ursula, to go to such lengths?
“I…”
Cloudia was at her wit’s end. Seeing Ursula so frail and coughing up so much blood, she feared Ursula was running out of time.
“Our family really needs a doctor, Ms. Tucker. Could you please put in a good word for us with Stella?”
The mention of “needing a doctor” ignited Susanna’s temper. Her eyes flickered with disdain as she kicked Cloudia aside.
Just then, Lola, carrying a child, stepped out of the car and witnessed the scene.
“Mrs. Larkin,” Susanna continued, “I just don’t get it. Ursula nearly cost Stella her life, and yet you still…”
“No, there’s been a misunderstanding,” Cloudia interrupted, shaking her head in agony.
“Misunderstanding?” Susanna scoffed. “Then why did Ursula run away?”
“We didn’t want Stella to make a fuss, so we forced her to leave. It was all us. Tell Stella Ursula’s willing to take responsibility for everything now. Just get her treated, and Stella can decide the punishment later,” Cloudia pleaded desperately.
“Later?” Susanna retorted. “What are you planning to do then? Cut off her credit card? Shut down her studio? Or kick her out of Portis City?”
Wasn’t that what they had done before?
Susanna’s disdain deepened as she recalled the lengths the Larkin family had gone to for an adopted daughter.
“A bunch of people who can’t tell family from outsiders.”
With that parting shot, Susanna lost all patience and walked away.
Cloudia, seeing Susanna walking away, grew even more anxious. “Ms. Tucker, Ms. Tucker…,” she called out.
But before she could chase after Susanna, Lola suddenly appeared, blocking her path.
Cloudia’s breath hitched. “You… You need to step aside.”
Cradling the child in her arms, Lola smirked mockingly. “She’s right, you can’t even figure out who’s important.”
“You… Lola, don’t be so shameless.”
“Shameless? I’m holding your biological grandson here.”
Since the child’s return, Cloudia had been cold and indifferent, not even sparing him a glance. At least the grandfather had checked on the boy twice, bought him toys, and provided a generous amount for child support. But Cloudia? Lola continued, “Seems that lady was right. Your heart is completely with your adopted daughter. Were you really planning to marry her off to Jaxon? Then why did you mess with Ms. Sirena Patel? Did you think you could keep everything in the family and still ruin a good girl?”
After a heated argument with Sirena, Lola had calmed down and investigated everything. And what she found Jaxon treasured his adopted sister, and so did Cloudia.
“You- how dare you mention Sirena, you wretch.”
The Patel family was already at odds with the Larkins. And with Lola forcefully moving in, the Larkin family was in chaos. The worst days were upon Cloudia and Ursula.
As Susanna left the gated community, her phone rang. It was her mother.
“Mom, it’s not time yet, right? It’s not time for my allowance.”
Susanna had mixed feelings about her mom. They seldom spoke unless it was about money, and her mom only ever called to check if the funds had arrived.
“Pick up some documents for me at the airport.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll text you the number. Just contact him when you get there.”
Susanna was about to say she was busy and needed to get back to writing, but the call ended abruptly.
That was her mother for you- straight to the point, no extra words, no room for discussion.
As soon as the call ended, her phone buzzed with the incoming number. Susanna sighed… her initial plan to return to the office slipping away. With a reluctant shake of her head, she turned her car toward the airport.
Chapter 350
The car had barely hit the airport highway when Susanna’s phone started buzzing. She glanced at the screen and saw it was an unfamiliar number. Assuming it was the airport courier, she answered nonchalantly, “Hello?”
“It’s me,” came the voice of Yorick on the other end.
Susanna sighed inwardly. Was he serious? Without a second thought, she was ready to hang up.
But Yorick spoke again, “You can reach Stella, right?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped back.
Was he expecting her to speak on Ursula’s behalf again? Did these people think she, Susanna, was some kind of pushover?
Yorick’s voice carried a hint of desperation through the line. “Is she coming back to Portis City? Or will she ever?”
“I don’t know,” Susanna replied curtly. Even if she did, she wouldn’t tell him.
“If she does come back, please tell her I want to see her,” Yorick pleaded.
Susanna scoffed, “Yorick, who do you think you are? You want to see her? You’re nowhere near important enough for that now.”
Stella was practically untouchable these days, cherished by both the Lugar and Quinn families. Yorick didn’t stand a chance anymore.
The line went silent, save for Yorick’s heavy, strained breathing. Susanna’s words had struck him where it hurt, shattering whatever illusions of superiority he’d clung to. For the first time, he seemed to realize he had never been worthy.
Susanna briefly wondered what had transpired at the Larkin family gathering today. But then again, it wasn’t her business, and Stella probably had no interest in Yorick’s drama anymore.
Without another word, she ended the call.
It wasn’t until she reached the airport that Susanna started to ponder. Yorick’s tone had seemed a bit… melancholic. Maybe his desire to see Stella wasn’t about Ursula at all. What was it then? Could it be that this jerk was having second thoughts?
Even if he was, it was too late for him now.
“Ah, my dear sweet lord, what an idiot,” she muttered to herself.
……..
Meanwhile, on the plane, Ronald rested his arm casually on the back of Stella’s seat, creating a protective barrier around her. From across the aisle, Finley watched with a growing sense of discomfort.
Ronald was fiercely protective; he’d snap at anyone who dared joke about Stella.
“I didn’t even say anything bad!” Finley protested, feeling unjustly accused. Ronald shot him a cold glance, and Finley gulped, sensing the tension.
Stella is oblivious or maybe just pretending to be focused solely on her meal, entirely ignoring Finley.
Hull sipped his wine while observing the scene with mild amusement.
Ronald watched Stella eat with a fond smile. “Take it easy, no one’s going to steal your food.”
Her cheeks were puffed out like a chipmunk’s with all the food she’d stuffed in.
Seeing her like this stirred something in Ronald, a thought that flickered in his mind before he dismissed it immediately. Whatever it was, he knew Stella wouldn’t go along with it.
Stella had already polished off a steak, a plate of spaghetti, and a bowl of corn chowder, but her appetite showed no signs of waning. Her eyes drifted to the untouched ice cream sitting in front of Ronald.
Finley couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Did Xander starve you or something?”
“Mmph!” Stella made a noise, too busy chewing to respond.
Finley looked at Ronald, perplexed. Was he wrong again for just asking if she was hungry?
Hull drained his glass of red wine in one go and glanced at Finley, his gaze tinged with sympathy for his lack of tact. “Why bring up Xander? Just ask what you want to ask.”
“Well, wasn’t Star practically starved by Xander? Oh, by the way, Star, is Xander broke now?”
So broke he couldn’t even afford food? Otherwise, how could Stella end up looking so famished?
Stella paused, recalling the images of Xander’s lavish homes.
“If you’re looking for trouble, don’t drag me into it, thanks.” She rolled her eyes at Finley’s ridiculousness.
“I’m just curious, okay? He’s been dodging your brother’s attempts to catch him for years. That must’ve cost a fortune,” Finley said, oblivious to the pain he was causing.
Stella’s head was beginning to throb. She buried her face in her hands, pretending she hadn’t heard anything.
Some people never learn she thought, shaking her head.
Finley’s bruises must have healed, judging by his reckless banter.
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