Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Ronald's long, slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the dining table, creating a tension that made Finley glance nervously at Stella.

Stella sat still, focused on nothing but the task of not drawing attention to herself.

Why was Finley looking at her? There was no way she could defend Skye. Ronald had drilled into her the importance of being ruthless with anyone who posed a threat. And Skye? Speaking in her defense would only invite one of Ronald's scathing lectures later. Finley was on the verge of panic. "I really don't think that girl has the brains to pull off whatever you're suggesting."

"Oh, really?" Ronald's voice was dripping with sarcasm. "Then why did she ditch Yvonne's people? What game is she playing?"

Finley was at a loss for words, feeling like he was on the brink of tears. Why on earth did Skye dump Yvonne's crew? What was she up to?

Ronald, clearly done with Finley's faltering, shifted his attention to Stella. "You'll stay by my side for the next few days."

Skye was proving to be a difficult opponent, and Ronald didn't want to risk her taking Stella away. If Skye could leave Yvonne's people behind, who knew where she might take Stella?

Stella nodded obediently. "Okay."

But then she hesitated. "I have to go to the studio tomorrow."

"No need to go to the studio, Miss," Idris chimed in unexpectedly.

"What?" Stella was taken aback, her mind reeling. What did he mean by that? It sounded like her studio was done for.

Just as Stella was about to question Idris further, her phone buzzed. It was Tabitha calling.

Stella answered, "Tabitha?"

problem. StarRiver Corp. has pulled out

was shocked. This was bad news. A client bringing in hundreds of thousands annually was about to

Stella jumped up from her chair,

the phone, feeling frustrated. "What happened? We were doing fine, weren't we?

"I don't know. We just got a call from their business department. They

give a

"No."

them without explanation was a recipe

too slow? Tell them we'll

all Ronald's fault. If

happened. Now they were

en novelxo

afford to let that happen. Too many designers depended on her to keep the

said they don't

need us?" Stella repeated,

kind of

mean we have to return the design

we don't need to return

Stella's jaw dropped. "Huh?"

was indeed a big player.

upfront fees without a second thought? Were their funds just blowing in the

bit her lip. "Is

Tabitha answered, "None."