Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 828

The moment her eyes fluttered open, they were still glistening with tears—big, blue, and glassy.

When she saw it was Ronald, Stella sniffled, her little nose twitching, and the look on her face just screamed "poor me."

"Why did it take you so long to get home?" she whined, her voice clogged with emotion.

Clearly, she’d been crying for ages before she fell asleep.

Ronald just sighed, a little helpless, and pulled back the comforter to scoop her into his arms. "You little drama queen," he murmured.

"Rona…," Stella started.

He shot her a look, drawing out the end of his name as a warning.

She quickly corrected herself, "Babe…"

Her tone was pure misery.

Ronald pressed her head gently against his chest. "You started doubting me the minute that package showed up, didn’t you?"

"I…"

Well, what did he expect? She’d been in a total panic.

He didn’t bother explaining, just asked, "You had time to think things through now?"

"Huh?" Stella blinked up at him.

"Think about it," Ronald said, "I’ve been on a plane for like, what, eight hours just to get back here. Have you figured things out, sweetheart?"

As soon as Stella sent her frantic messages, Ronald had dropped everything and caught the next private jet back, taking the fastest route possible.

She snuggled closer into his chest, looking like a kid who’d just lost her favorite teddy bear.

Ronald kissed the top of her head, fingers tangling in her hair.

Stella tried to squirm away, but Ronald just gently pinned her hands so she couldn’t escape.

She made a soft, wounded sound.

It was a while—right until she was breathless and flushed—before Ronald finally let her go. "Honestly, you…"

Stella still looked so pitiful, staring up at him with those big watery eyes.

His tone was equal parts fond and exasperated, which only made her pout harder.

"There’s nothing going on. Okay?"

"Then the package…?"

"We’ll find out who sent it. Mom’s already got people looking into it. Alright?"

"Taking you to the kitchen. You need to eat."

"But I’m not hungry!"

She was pretty sure she’d been running on pure adrenaline and anger all day.

"Doesn’t matter," Ronald said. "You’re eating for four now, remember? If you don’t take care of yourself, the babies won’t get what they need, and you’ll run yourself ragged. Come on, be good."

When she heard him mention the babies again, and realized he was really just worried about her, Stella’s heart softened a little.

Downstairs, the butler breathed a huge sigh of relief when he saw Ronald carrying Stella into the kitchen.

God knew, they’d all been worried sick when she wouldn’t eat a bite all day.

Lottie, the housekeeper, tried to hide her relief by pretending to be cross. "Star, the food Johnny brought up to you is still untouched, you know!"

Accused of skipping dinner, Stella buried her face in Ronald’s chest again.

Feeling her warm cheek pressed against him, Ronald just chuckled. "Don’t scold her."

"I know she’s upset," Lottie huffed, turning to Ronald. "But honestly, Ronnie, what kind of mess did you get yourself into this time?"

Ronald just looked skyward. He hadn’t done anything!