Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)
Chapter 33

Ronald looked around the modest 1,000 square foot apartment, feeling somewhat headache.

He'd given her more than enough money over the years. Was this really how she took care of herself?

A phone call had summoned Idris. Stella was packed up overnight and taken to the Wave Residence. Gazing at the grand estate, Stella turned to Ronald, eyes widened in shock, "This is yours?"

"It's yours," Ronald corrected her.

And it truly was. The estate was in Stella's name.

The corner of Stella's lips twitched, "My own?"

"Yep, remember this place? You once mentioned you liked it."

Stella drew a blank. She had said she liked many places; recalling any specific affection for this place was hard. But she had always known about it in Portis City.

Yorick had once been interested in buying the estate when he found out it was unoccupied, tasking Orion with finding out who owned it. Despite Orion's efforts, the owner remained a mystery. Now, knowing the estate was hers, Stella was genuinely stunned.

"We're going to live here?"

Ronald nodded, "Yeah. There are some things to take care of in Portis City. We'll be here for a while."

Stella merely hummed in acknowledgment. Ronald mentioned having things to handle, and she didn't pry. She rarely did when it came to his affairs.

So, Stella moved into the Wave Residence.

As Idris showed her to her room, he mentioned, "This was supposed to be your coming-of-age gift from Mr. Quinn. Though it wasn't sent by your 18th birthday, it's never too late." The term "coming-of-age gift" made Stella's eyes sting with unshed tears.

Ronald had promised her a gift she craved for her coming of age. The gift had been in preparation by Ronald personally before their father's untimely demise. It was such a shame. Stella, signing secretly, nodded, "Yes, it's never late."

The Schultz family had been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Ronald, securing his position at the pinnacle of Ferrowland's elite. No one could harm him now, and Stella was safe too. "Rest up, Ms. Quinn. Breakfast is being prepared. Once Mr. Quinn finishes his video conference, he'll join you."

Stella nodded, "Okay."

Her room faced the sea. As Stella settled in, she watched the dawn break over the horizon; the sunrise over the sea was breathtaking.

She remembered now. She had mentioned loving this view. Ferrowland was inland, and what Stella missed most was watching the sun rise from the sea's embrace. Ronald had remembered all along.

...

At the hospital.

Ursula had been wracked with pain all night, looking utterly worn out by morning.

Cloudia was beside herself with worry.

Jaxon had also stayed throughout the night, his temper flaring on more than one occasion.

But Ursula's condition was severe, and even the strongest painkillers barely made a dent. Yorick returned.

Cloudia rushed up, "Rick, any luck? Did she agree to call Professor James?"

Face sour, Yorick cast a glance at Ursula, a glance saying it all as the rest knew the answer he would make.

Stella hadn't budged.

Cloudia's frustration boiled over, "How can she be so cruel? This is a matter of life and death."

Ursula swept a glance at Yorick, then quickly turning away to hide her tears. Seeing her like this only hardened Yorick's view of Stella.

Cloudia dialed Stella's number directly, only to be met with a cold automated rejection.

Stella had already blocked her.

Unable to get through the call, she grew more furious, "She's pissing me off."

Cloudia promptly borrowed a phone from a nurse and finally got through to Stella. The call connected; before Stella could speak, Cloudia unleashed her frustration. "Stella, this is too much. Picking on Ursula is one thing, but now in her hour of need, you're still acting out?"

"Mrs. Larkin, are you accusing me? I don't believe you're in any position to," Stella's icy reply cut through.

Cloudia's hand gripping on the phone quivered at the words, her anger simmering. No mother in the world could accept the tone how their daughter addressed with. Cloudia corrected her through clenched teeth, "No matter what you call me, I am your mother. Your biological mother! That's unchangeable."

The disdain was palpable even over the phone.

Stella's derisive laugh echoed, "My biological mother? You've certainly shown me what that means."