Hogan. Hogan.
That half-brother of his.
Lately, with the whole power struggle inside the Quarry family, Imogen and Hogan Freeman had been at each other's throats—sometimes out in the open, sometimes behind closed doors.
Ever since Hogan came back to the Quarry estate, there hadn’t been a moment’s peace.
But now, with what Yorick was saying, Stella couldn’t help but wonder… Had they actually buried the hatchet and joined forces? Were they suddenly united against everyone else?
Or was it something else entirely...?
“Wait—so you’re saying, once the Quarry mess is sorted, you’d still be in charge of the whole Quarry Group?”
That had to be it, right?
Ronald hadn’t shown the Quarry family an ounce of mercy lately. He was relentless, never letting up, and the Quarrys could barely catch their breath.
Even if Hogan tried to take over, it wouldn’t do a thing. Ronald’s fury was way beyond that.
Stella herself didn’t feel much about it.
But from Ronald’s perspective, after what happened during those three years she was stuck in Portis City, both the Quarrys and the Larkins had treated her like dirt.
Yorick said, “If you stop now, I’ll step in and explain things. But if these rumors get to Ferrowland, are you sure they won’t affect the Quinn family?”
Stella didn’t answer.
Yorick pressed on, “Even if it’s a tiny chance, people will look at Ronald differently from then on.”
Stella’s tone turned icy. “You really think anyone would dare look at Ronald like that?”
She knew the rumors might have some effect, but with Yorick, she was more defiant than ever—so much so, you’d never guess she was worried about the Quinns at all.
Yorick sighed, “Everyone should walk away from this. It’s not going to end well for anyone.”
“Not for anyone? You mean not for the Quarrys.” Stella shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.
As for the Quinns—there wasn’t any real risk on their end.
Yorick obviously understood what she’d left unsaid. He sounded tense. “Stella…”
She cut him off, “Yorick, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Ronald’s the last person to back down when things get ugly.”
Of course, that only went for people on his level.
When she realized it was Ronald, she pouted, her lips set in a stubborn line, and her usually sharp eyes looked suddenly misty.
Ronald asked gently, “Who got you all worked up, huh?”
Stella sniffled. “You’ve heard about what’s going on back in Portis City, right?”
Ronald paused, his face hardening.
Stella saw his reaction and knew immediately—of course he knew.
He cupped the back of her head with his big, warm hand. “Is that what’s got you worried?”
His tone softened, a warmth sneaking in. Sure, she acted tough most of the time, ready to throw down with anyone who crossed her. But what really got to her was the thought of those rumors hurting the Quinn family.
She didn’t say anything, just looked at him with wide, wounded eyes.
Ronald smiled, just a hint of it at the corner of his mouth. “Those rumors have been flying for days. But did they ever make it to Ferrowland?”
Stella blinked. “Huh?” Did he mean they hadn’t spread? Or that he’d stopped them?
He kissed her, slow and lingering. His breath grew heavier. “It’s just a storm in a teacup, Stella. Nothing more.”

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The readers' comments on the novel: Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)
Amazing stuff, can't wait for more Chapter 245...