Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 811

Back in the day, Yvonne never hesitated to shove people away. If she was in a bad mood, she made it obvious—didn’t want anyone near her? She’d push you off without a second thought.

But now, the way she was squirming in Xander’s arms? It was so half-hearted that, to someone like Xander—who’d seen her throw punches over less—it really just felt like she was snuggling up to him.

Seriously, if you hadn’t met the old Yvonne, you’d think she was as docile as a kitten right now.

Especially with the way she tried to insult him, all puffed up but with zero bite—like an angry little tabby that’s lost its claws.

Truth be told, Yvonne had already blown up when she heard Xander say she was “playing hard to get.” Now, with him teasing her about “cuddling,” she was fuming.

“Who’s cuddling with you? You smell like a gym bag—there’s nothing to cuddle here!”

Her bristling, kitten-like outrage was actually pretty adorable.

Xander just chuckled. “See? Still denying it. You’re totally cuddling.”

He had her wrist in his hand, holding her effortlessly. That would never have happened with the Yvonne of old.

Yvonne tried to yank her arm back, but she was too weak. Just like Xander said, she looked fragile—more like she wanted to say “no” but didn’t really mean it.

Shawn took in the scene, raising his eyebrows. It was like watching a couple bicker-flirt in a romcom.

He cleared his throat loudly. “Alright, alright, let’s give these lovebirds some privacy. No point hanging around while they’re having their little honeymoon moment.”

He waved everyone toward the cars, grabbing Chloe by the shoulder and steering her away. “Don’t worry—my brother’s with her, she’ll be safe. And legal.”

Chloe tried to protest. “Wait, it’s not—”

She wanted to explain that Yvonne was still feeling the after-effects of being drugged.

But before she could finish, Yvonne, already boiling over from being teased, snapped.

“I’ve been drugged, you idiots! Can’t you tell?”

Just the mention of Susanna made Yvonne wince, glancing at Chloe.

Chloe shook her head quickly, turning to Xander. “I searched the whole mansion. She’s not here.”

Xander took that in, his gaze shifting back to Yvonne, eyes thoughtful—a different look from before.

Then he said, “You think maybe Derek took her?”

Yvonne stared. “Derek? Her father?”

Derek used to run Black Gate. If anyone could sneak someone out from under Yvonne’s nose, it was him.

“That’s her dad, though,” Yvonne said, conflicted. “Wouldn’t it be better for Susanna if Derek took her? I mean, he’s her father. He wouldn’t hurt her… right?”

Xander just gave a dry laugh. “Let me remind you—Derek married his last two wives for convenience. He never loved Lacey or Dan’s mom, and he sure as hell didn’t care about the kids they gave him.”