Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 823

Adelle glanced at Derek, then turned to Yvonne with a gentle smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Ms. Quinn, Susanna—we honestly didn’t take her. If you’re looking for someone to blame, you’ve got the wrong crowd.”

Yvonne shot her a frosty glare. “Don’t talk to me. My brain’s not exactly firing on all cylinders today, so who knows if I’ll see through your little act.”

Adelle’s expression darkened instantly. She’d spent years by Derek’s side, and in all of Riverford, folks usually gave her a good measure of respect, if not outright deference.

How long had it been since someone spoke to her like this? So openly dismissive? She could barely remember.

“Ms. Quinn—”

“I told you, don’t speak,” Yvonne snapped, her tone icy.

Her defiance only made Derek’s patience run thinner.

“Ms. Quinn, you do realize you’re being disrespectful in my own house? That sort of attitude won’t get you far in this town.”

Yvonne shrugged. “Well, it’s gotten me this far, hasn’t it?”

“Cut the crap. Hand Susanna over. I’ve got people waiting on me.”

She wasn’t interested in Derek’s power plays. She just wanted to find Susanna and get out of here. If she failed, God help her—Hull would have her head.

Thinking of Hull’s temper, Yvonne became even less polite.

Derek’s eyes narrowed. “You got any proof we took her?”

“Oh, please. You’re the ex-head of Black Gate. Stealing someone from me should be child’s play for you.”

Proof? As if she had the time or patience to hunt for evidence while the house was already on fire.

Adelle piped up, “Ms. Quinn, you’re being unreasonable here.”

She glanced at Adelle, noting the woman’s clenched fists. This was no simple family squabble.

With a sly smile, Yvonne said, “Adelle, Susanna means a lot to me. How about you do me a solid, hmm?”

She knew Adelle would never accept another woman’s child, especially after what Leanne and Ivanna had done to Susanna.

Adelle met Yvonne’s gaze, heart pounding. Truth was, she hadn’t taken Susanna. But she was terrified that if she said so, Yvonne would spill everything about Leanne and Ivanna’s little stunt with Susanna.

So Adelle took a breath. “I’ll have my people help you look. As soon as we find her, I’ll deliver her straight to you. Deal?”

It was the best way she could think of to keep Yvonne from running her mouth in front of Derek.

Yvonne arched an eyebrow. “How long?”

She was almost certain Adelle was behind it all, but kept her tone deceptively casual. To Adelle, though, it sounded downright threatening.