Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

When Yvonne spoke, a storm brewed in Xander's eyes, making them look like a dark, turbulent sea.

Even though Yvonne wasn't particularly afraid of him, the danger lurking in his gaze gave her a jolt. She swallowed reflexively. "I'm just stating the facts."

The documents had been missing for days. What good would it do to get them back now? Anything worth leaking was likely already out. In Yvonne's view, there was no point in worrying about retrieving them.

Xander chuckled, a sardonic sound. "True, as far as that goes, but..."

He paused, his mind flashing back to a conversation he overheard on a cruise ship, between Dan and another person in a passing room.

So, Dan dared to steal from him? Alright, he would have to return Dan a 'favor,' and it was going to be significant.

Xander lifted his eyes and gave Yvonne a devilish grin. "Want to marry me? Fine, bring your paperwork and meet me at the city hall tomorrow."

Yvonne blinked. "Huh?"

The sudden shift in his demeanor was dizzying. They had been at each other's throats just moments ago, and now this?

She scrutinized Xander, checking for signs of fever-induced delirium.

"What are you playing at?" Yvonne felt a bit dazed.

Xander's smirk grew more mischievous. "Isn't it the plan to tie me to you with marriage? Go ahead."

The weight he put on "tie me" sent a shiver down Yvonne's spine. The man had clearly snapped. How could he go from hysterical to so calm in an instant? Her instincts screamed that something was off, a red flag waving wildly.

Xander stepped forward and gripped her chin. "What's wrong? Having second thoughts?"

"No, I just..."

It wasn't about second thoughts. It was about understanding Xander's sudden shift, which left Yvonne perplexed.

Hearing her response, Xander released her abruptly. "That's good."

Then he tapped her cheek. "Remember, tomorrow at ten. If you don't show up..."

He let the rest hang in the air, his mischievous smile chilling.

Even without his words, Yvonne could guess his intentions. He was set on pushing things to the edge.noveldrama

Xander left, leaving Yvonne alone, her mind replaying his transformation over and over. How could someone change so drastically?

Stella was making her way to find Ronald when Xander's long strides caught up with her.

She was walking with Dylan. Seeing Xander, Dylan instinctively moved to shield Stella.

"Mr. Schultz." He greeted Xander with a respectful nod.

Xander scoffed, "This is the Quinn estate. What do you think I could do to her here? No need to be so protective."

Clearly, at the Quinn estate, Stella was untouchable. No one dared to harm her. Even if Xander was furious about her involvement with Ronald, he couldn't just drag her away here.

Dylan kept his head bowed, saying nothing more.

Xander turned his gaze to Stella. "Stella, I sure as hell underestimated you before."

No wonder she never entertained any marriage proposals over the years. Her heart had been set on Ronald all along.

Stella turned her face away, ignoring Xander.

With a derisive snort, Xander walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, Stella then looked at Dylan. "He just left like that?" Dylan nodded. "Yeah, just like that."

The way he had approached, one would think they were about to come to blows.

Footsteps approached from behind. Stella turned to see Yvonne's grim expression.

Stella stepped forward. "Sis, did he do anything to you?"

Yvonne waved her hand. "Don't worry, he didn't hit me this time."

The way she said it, with that particular tone, anyone listening might think Xander was in the habit of hitting Yvonne.