Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)
Chapter 34

Cloudia felt like she was on the verge of exploding. Had it not been for Ursula's current dire state, she would've given Stella a piece of her mind.

Right now, she didn't want to waste her breath arguing over the phone. Taking a few deep breaths, she bit back her anger, "Where are you? I'm coming to you."

"Why do you come to me?"

"We need to have a serious talk!"

Ursula was deteriorating, and Cloudia wanted to resolve whatever issue Stella had face-to-face. Whatever Stella wanted, she was ready to give, just to have Tegan James back as soon as possible. But here she was, ready to make concessions, and Stella couldn't care less.

"I have nothing to talk about with you. Also, everything that needed to be said has been said clearly.

Mrs. Larkin, I can't deal with the Larkin family drama, and frankly, I don't need you as a mother. It's better if we just act like we don't know each other."

With that, Stella coldly ended the call.

Her phone was already a challenge to reach, and now she had directly hung up, leaving Cloudia trembling with rage.

Especially that line about not needing her as a mother, it made Cloudia's heart stuffed with frustration.

Jaxon stepped out of the hospital room, only to find Cloudia looking utterly heartbroken. Without asking, he knew Stella must've upset her again. Seeing Jaxon, Cloudia lamented, "Why is she like that? Couldn't whatever grievances she has wait until Ursula gets better? Why now?"

No matter what she said, Stella wouldn't have any of it.

Jaxon frowned, "I'll go talk to her."

Cloudia lamented, "It's not like we're asking her for her life. Just to call Professor James, and she won't even do that. How did I end up with such a daughter?" They hadn't even reached the point of discussing organ transplants. If that were the case, would Stella broadcast to the world that she had no connection to them? Jaxon remained silent.

Cloudia continued, "Ever since she came back, she refused to take our surname, which just shows she never truly wanted to be part of this family. I wonder what kind of people raised her, to turn out this way." Initially, when Stella was found, Cloudia felt somewhat grateful to the Quinn family. But now, her grudges towards Stella had morphed into resentment towards the Quinns. She blamed them for not raising her right. Jaxon frowned, "You should talk to the doctor. Ursula had a tough night; see if there's anything stronger to alleviate her pain, no matter the cost."

Cloudia nodded, "Alright, I'll go. Please, when you talk to her, be kind."

Despite her frustrations, Stella was key to Tegan's situation, and they couldn't afford to upset her further.

Jaxon nodded, "I understand."

Cloudia went to find the doctor, while Jaxon headed straight to Silk-River Residences to find Stella.

...

Back in the hospital room.

Ursula, after suffering through the night, was slightly relieved by the medication the doctor prescribed.

Weakly, she looked at Yorick, "Rick, I guess I won't be able to see the sunrise for a while, huh?"

The sunrise was Ursula's favorite thing. Sitting by the beach, watching the sun slowly rise above the horizon, felt like basking in the vitality of life itself. She yearned to experience it.

Yorick took her hand, "As soon as you're better, I'll take you there."

"Are your family causing you trouble?"

Ever since finding out she wasn't a blood Larkin, the Quarry family's attitude had made Ursula detest those elders. But in front of Yorick, she never let it show.

Yorick replied, "Don't worry about that."

Ursula sighed, "I couldn't help even if I want to. I feel like I might not make it this time."

Yorick sharply retorted, "Don't talk nonsense!"

His reaction only added weight to the heavy feeling in Ursula's heart.

Ursula then asked, "Can you still go ahead with the wedding to her?"

Yorick went silent. Dangerous hint traced across his eye at the mention of the wedding.

That man in Stella's room last night flashed through his mind. As he entered, he noticed that man clearly just took a shower, his waist wrapped in a towel that looked exactly like Stella's given the color. That man was special to Stella from all these aspects. But these two years, he hadn't discovered she contacted any man; she always was alone.

Could she have met that man before returning to the Larkin family?

Moreover, he even carried a gun with him, seemingly quite dangerous. "Rick, Rick."

"Hmm?"

Yorick came back to the reality, gazing at Ursula.

"If your family all approve of Stella, then proceed with the wedding," Ursula's frail voice suggested marrying Stella, despite her own deteriorating health.

Yorick's expression turned even grimmer, "I won't marry her."

His outright refusal made his already heavy heart feel even more suffocated.

Ursula uttered, "What? You..."

"Alright. Let's focus on your health for now," Yorick cut her off impatiently, unwilling to delve further into the topic of Stella.

Just then, Orion knocked at the door and entered, his gaze heavy with concern.

Understanding the cue, Yorick stood up, "I'll step out for a bit. Rest now."

"Okay."