Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Cloudia and Ursula's voices grew fainter, clearly signaling that Susanna was distancing herself from the heart of the commotion. Regarding Stella's question, Susanna chuckled, a hint of schadenfreude in her voice.

"How would I know what went down? Maybe the hospital couldn't do squat for her and didn't want to bleed them dry?"

Stella was at a loss for words.

Who'd buy that excuse? Certainly not her.

Susanna clicked her tongue twice. "I mean, Ursula had the backing of the Larkin family and the Quarry folks, right? So how come the hospital shoved her out the door like that? You didn't see the scene; it was like they couldn't wait to get rid of her. Such a 'conscientious' hospital, first time I'm laying my eyes on one."

Susanna continued, "For someone with her ticking clock, why waste the dough, right?"

Stella's drowsiness was effectively chased away by Susanna's gloating.

She turned over. "Why do I get the feeling you're not exactly fretting over the Larkin's finances here?"

"I'm fretting over money, just not the Larkin family's money."

That statement seemed alright at face value, but something felt off.

"Hey, why are you snatching

Stella was confused.

came through the phone.

tone was laced with venom, and even through the phone,

his voice, Stella muttered, "Talk

clueless about what was going on at the hospital, and now here was Yorick, pinning it

she thought, silently wishing for him and Ursula to be out of the picture.

voice cut through her thoughts. "Being wronged? Are

I know you grew up with the Lugars, but get this straight: how are you any different from Ursula? You're nothing but a foster child to the Lugar family. If you keep abusing your power, beware they might all turn their backs

sharp, each one

infuriated, retorted, "Damn it, Yorick, come say that to my

wished she could

every accusation landed on her?

wanting nothing more than to wring Yorick's neck. Yorick said, "That's my advice to you, don't misuse your power." Misuse power? Oh, now he

Ursula. Have you forgotten how you tried to crush

leave me with nowhere to