Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Stella blinked, caught off guard by Ronald's words. "Extra what?" she blurted out, completely confused.

Ronald just shook his head, grinning. "Kids shouldn't ask so many questions."

Stella's jaw dropped. "Excuse me?!"

Seriously? He was still treating her like a child? She was about to be the mother of his child, and he still wouldn't let it go.

Ronald turned his attention to Idris up ahead. "Melissa, stay out of our way from now on."

Idris nodded quickly. "Understood."

Of course, the real issue was staying out of Ronald's way. The Nortons had really shot themselves in the foot this time. If Melissa had just kept quiet, their family could've walked away with a lot more.

Then Ronald added, "And get in touch with the Charles family."

Idris froze in shock.

Was he... just going to switch families like that?

Well, the Nortons had gotten greedy-asking for way too much, even trying to arrange a marriage with the Quinns. Not just any marriage either, but one involving Ronald himself.

But whenever it came to Stella, Ronald never gave a damn about deals or losses.

He'd actually been looking forward to tonight's charity gala, even bringing Stella along. And these idiots still didn't get it.

Guess he'd played nice for too long, and they took it as a sign he was a pushover.

...

Back at the Quinn estate.

Lottie had gotten home first and was waiting in the foyer. When Stella and Ronald walked in, Lottie's expression was unmistakably sour.

"Hey, Mom," Stella said softly.

Lottie barely acknowledged her, turning to the butler instead. "Go ahead."

The butler nodded. "Right away, ma'am," and slipped out of sight.

Lottie's gaze locked on Stella. "Why didn't you just shut that woman down at the party?"

Stella's eyes widened. Huh? Was she hearing this right? Maybe she'd been away from the Quinns for too long-she'd almost forgotten how her family operated.

Lottie strode over, grabbing Stella's hand and giving it a firm pat. "Star, you're going to be the lady of this house. You can't be soft."

"I..."

"It's not just about not letting people walk all over you. You have to make them respect you-maybe even be a little afraid."

Lottie's tone was gentle, but those last words were sharp as a knife.

Stella paused, then nodded. "I understand, Mom."

"Good." Lottie smiled, satisfied, and turned to Ronald. "Are we really just lettingnoveldrama

the Nortons off the hook? The Charles family's second son just made his debut. If we step in now, there's a lot on the table."

Ronald yanked off his tie and handed it to Stella, giving a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah."

Lottie's eyes narrowed as she watched Stella take Ronald's tie. She was still fuming over Melissa Norton. Everything had been spelled out so clearly, and the Nortons still tried to play games.

Well, if that's how they wanted it, she'd just flip the whole damn table.

"Take Star upstairs to rest. I've got things to handle," she said curtly.

Stella glanced at her mom, then at Ronald. Ronald gave a small nod.

"Let's go," he said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

Once they were safely in their room, Stella asked, "What else does Mom have to

do so late? It's almost eleven. She's not going out, is she?"

Ronald smirked. "She's dealing with our business."

"Our business? What do you mean?"

He shot her a look, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "People are spreading rumors about us. Do you really think Mom's going to just let that slide?"

Stella felt a sudden warmth in her chest.

Ronald squeezed her hand, remembering how she'd stood up for them at the party-especially after those two women started talking trash about his mom and

him.

And Stella? She'd never backed down, not even a little.

"Hey, what are you-?" Stella clutched her pajamas, ready to go take a shower, only to see Ronald trailing after her.

She quickly blocked the bathroom door. "No way, buddy!"

Ronald glanced at her pajamas, his grin only widening. "Come on, let's shower together."