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 back. Perhaps

head defiantly. "I'm

Ms. Tucker. You can't

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

Barnaby tried again, "Ms. Tucker,

you're not

okay. I'm not leaving," Stella

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

room was

budge, and

situation was getting awkward.

said I'm not leaving," Stella declared, her voice

frustratedly, Barnaby relented, "Fine, we'll wait for Mr. Quinn

Ronald wouldn't take

to report

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

won't. You're

all I've

much for this. You're sing

t now," Susanna

ein