Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Stella was silent, her mind churning as Yorick mentioned the Larkin and Quarry families. It hit her then - Ursula's mess was probably Ronald's doing too.

Wait a minute. Ronald had seemed peeved when she mentioned her car accident.

Stella couldn't hold back her sarcasm. "Wow, Yorick, still got the nerve to be snippy with me, huh? Color me impressed."

He knew full well the drama involved her, yet here he was, adopting that tone over the phone.

Stella retorted, "Just a friendly reminder, pal. Ursula cost me a lot two years back. And you know, I've got this flaw where if someone owes me, I'm not comfy until I see some interest on that debt." Her words made it sound like she was the bully.

So, when they were pushing her around, they were the saints?

Stella snorted, adding, "Twice the cost seems fair to me."

That set Yorick off. "Stella," he bellowed, anger vibrating through each syllable.

But before he could continue, Stella hung up.

So it's Ronald's doing? Not hers to worry about. Ursula's mess was her own fault.

Stella had been ready to overlook Ursula's supposed ailments, as per Tegan James' account. But she didn't expect Ronald to...

Thinking about how Ronald had always had her back, a warm feeling spread through her, despite not knowing where this situation would lead them.

...

Stella felt weak, barely able to muster the strength to stand, her forehead burning with fever.

Attempting to get up for some water, her legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the floor. The pain was searing, making it hard to even think about getting back up. When Ronald entered, he found Stella crumpled on the ground, unable to rise.

Hearing the door, Stella looked up, her eyes pitiful. "Ronald..."

Ronald, still in his overcoat with snowflakes clinging to his shoulders and hair, had clearly just come in from outside.

He rushed over, scooping Stella up from the floor. "What happened, huh?"

Stella burst into tears. "It hurts... I feel so weak."

The pain and weakness were new to her.

Ronald, holding her, immediately felt

her unusual body heat. He laid her back on the bed, checking her, forehead, which was indeed &

up.

Ten minutes later, Finley was summoned.

Stella's temperature had soared to 102 degrees. "How did it get this high? Are you hurt?"

Stella

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her tense up, her.

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The injury was, indeed, in a rather awkward place.

Seeing Stella's silence, Finley pressed, "Are you hurt or not?"

His impatience was palpable, especially since he felt Stella had caused trouble for Ronald.

Stella swallowed hard, nodding slightly. "Yes, but I'm not entirely sure."

It seemed like an injury, and it was quite painful.

Ronald and Finley exchanged glances, both looking at her intently.

Especially Ronald, whose piercing gaze felt as if it could see right through her.

Ronald then told Finley, "Step out for a moment."

"Huh?" Finley was puzzled.

Why? He was the doctor here. What could possibly be so secret?

But catching Ronald's look, Finley decided not to push it and left without further questions.

With just Stella and Ronald left, he moved to sit by the bed, reaching to lift the blanket. "Let me see,

Stella was baffled.

See what?

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