Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 857

Two-thirds of Slatepeak Mines were gone. Westonville and Loutan Lake were a complete mess—if they didn’t hand the people over soon, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Derek hurled his water glass at the floor. “You think I don’t know we need to hand them over immediately? The problem is—where the hell are they?”

Shards of glass scattered, and a piece sliced right into Adelle’s shin.

She hissed in pain, but Derek, still consumed by fury, didn’t even notice. Once upon a time, he would have rushed to her side if something like this happened.

But this wasn’t once upon a time. This was now, and Derek was blind with rage.

His voice was practically a growl. “Will someone finally tell me—where are they?”

It was obvious: not being able to find Susanna and Lacey for so long had driven Derek over the edge.

He’d always been gentle and patient with Adelle. Not tonight. Tonight, she barely existed to him.

Adelle’s eyes welled up as she looked at him. “Derek…”

He was really lashing out at her because of that woman and her daughter, wasn’t he? Of course he was.

She’d always known it—Lacey was the real threat. The one who, by some stroke of luck, had gotten away all those years ago.

Adelle stared at Derek, feeling like she couldn’t breathe, her eyes full of hurt but her lips sealed. She’d always used this look when Derek started to doubt her—a silent, wounded plea. It had always worked before. Derek would soften, apologize, wrap her in his arms.

But tonight, power meant more to him than anything. This wasn’t a petty argument; this was Black Gate hanging by a thread.

Derek rubbed his temples, his voice sharp. “Finch!”

Finch flinched. “Dad, I swear, they’re not with me!”

He was panicking now too.

“Then where the hell are they?” Derek snapped, his tone icy.

Tears spilled over in Adelle’s eyes. “They’re not with us, Derek. Why won’t you believe us?”

Finch cut in, “It’s gotta be Dan.”

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