Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

At that moment, Hull glanced over at her and spoke up, his words cutting through the air like a cold blade. "You're not taking her with you."

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Stella's lips twitched. "Hull, this is..."

"She might be connected to Black Gate."

Stella's mind raced. The name struck her like a punch to the gut.

Two years ago, Xander had some dealings with them from Black Gate. It was precisely because of those connections that she feared it would create messy problems for Ronald. She had compromised then, choosing to follow Xander's advice.

Upon hearing Hull mention it again, Stella's face visibly paled.

But when it came to Susanna...

She shook her head defiantly. "No, she can't be related to them."

Hull's eyes were cold as ice. "Whether she is or not, we'll know once we investigate."

Stella's shock was palpable.

Hull took a sip from the water glass on the nightstand, his every movement exuding an intimidating aura that brooked no dissent.

Stella opened her mouth to argue further.

Barnaby, watching the exchange, understood the situation all too well.

He quickly stepped in. "Hey, Princess Stella, let's talk it out. Mr. Miguel's tired and needs some rest."

Stella argued, "Susanna has nothing to do with the Black Gate."

"I know you trust her, but trust and reality are two different things." Barnaby gently but firmly guided Stella out of the room, leading her downstairs.

Stella wasn't about to back down. "I'm taking her with me. No question about it."

When Stella was in Portis City, Susanna had called three times daily, clearly terrified. Leaving her here with Hull was asking for trouble, Stella thought. To her, Susanna was clearly overwhelmed.

When someone's head was spinning, they would make mistakes. Right now, Susanna could do anything wrong.

Stella's resolve didn't work on Hull's crew. Barnaby was blunt. "You can't take her."

The words only fueled Stella's determination. She shook off Barnaby's hand and turned to

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backupstairs. "I'm not talking to you. I'm going to talk to Hull."

She realized she couldn't reason with Barnaby. It all came down to Hull's decision.

But as she turned, Barnaby grabbed

her arm again. "Talking to him won't change anything. It is his decision. Once we've sorted everything out, we'll discuss letting her go, okay?" noveldrama

Stella was frantic. "How long until you find out?”

"That's hard to say."

Stella's frustration grew. Hearing 'hard to say' made her more terrified. What if something happened to Susanna here?

"I'm telling you clearly, I'm taking her today."

Barnaby stood his ground. "You can't."

Back and forth they went. One decided to take, the other steadfast in refusal. Susanna witnessed the exchange in the living room, and tears fell uncontrollably. She had believed that when Stella returned, she'd be free from this madhouse. But now, even Stella couldn't take her away?

Feeling utterly hopeless, Susanna burst into tears.

The sudden crying brought silence between Stella and Barnaby, and they turned to look at Susanna.

Seeing that, Stella became even

more anxious. She quickly descended the stairs to Susanna.

"Susie, don't worry. I'm getting you out of here today." fo

Barnaby insisted, "You seriously can't take her."

Susanna wailed louder, her cry echoing in the house.

Stella snapped, "Just shut up."