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."

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

her head

"Staying here won't help Ms. Tucker. You can't take

tighter to Stella, determined not to let go. If

Susanna's desperation, Barnaby tried again, "Ms. Tucker, let go

Star, you're not leaving," Susanna

okay. I'm not leaving,"

exasperated. "Mr. Miguel's orders are clear. I have

room was tense,

refusing to budge, and Barnaby insisting

situation was getting awkward.

I'm not leaving," Stella

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

than to force Stella. Ronald wouldn't take

to

were brimming with tears, half gratitude, half fear. "Star, you

won't.

all I've

much for this. You're sing her eyes

t now," Susanna

ein