Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Susanna was in a pickle.

Hull, the stern-faced authority figure, was as unyielding as a rock, and Barnaby's sharp tongue was annoying.

Feeling the heat of the moment, Stella flopped right down on the sofa, arms crossed. Susanna, clearly rattled, clung to Stella's arm like a lifeline, her eyes

wide with worry.

Arms crossed in an authoritative stance, Barnaby said, "Ms. Tucker, cuddling up to Princess Stella won't help. The investigation will proceed as planned."

Seeing Susanna being treated this way lit a fire under Stella. "You know Finley's off in the Muliba Desert, right?" she retorted.

Barnaby's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean by that, Princess Stella?"

Stella smirked, "It means if you keep running that mouth of yours, I'll have Ronald send you along with him."

Barnaby gulped. The Muliba Desert was the last place he wanted to go.

Still anxious, Susanna felt a bit of relief seeing Stella hold her ground in this strange place.

"Star, you can't leave me," Susanna pleaded, her voice quivering with fear. She believed without Stella, she'd be helpless in this intimidating foreign land, where one wrong move could spell disaster.

Stella nodded, her voice soothing. "Don't worry, Susanna. I'm not going anywhere."

control. "Princess Stella, Mr. Miguel insisted I escort you

her head defiantly.

sighed, "Staying here won't help Ms. Tucker. You

not to let go. If she couldn't leave, then neither

again, "Ms. Tucker, let go of

way. Star, you're not leaving,"

not leaving," Stella reassured

"Mr. Miguel's orders are clear. I have to take

was tense, with

refusing to budge, and Barnaby insisting

situation was getting awkward.

said I'm not leaving," Stella

"Fine, we'll wait for Mr. Quinn to come

knew better than to force Stella. Ronald wouldn't take kindly to anyone treating

trudged upstairs to report back to

half gratitude, half fear. "Star, you can't

"I won't.

all I've

you much for this. You're sing her

t now," Susanna

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