Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

When Stella heard Susanna's voice, she lifted her head. "Huh?"

"Oh, just go back. Everything's fine here," Susanna insisted.

Stella couldn't believe her ears. Wasn't this the same person who had been calling her multiple times a day, crying her eyes out? And now she was saying everything was fine?

"Did Hull threaten you?" Stella asked, her voice laced with concern.

"What? No, it's not that. I can't really explain it right now, but you should head back," Susanna replied, sounding a bit flustered.

"I'll call you if anything happens, okay? Now go on, shoo!" Susanna added, trying to sound reassuring.

Stella was still in disbelief. Was this really the same Susie who had sobbed on the phone, begging Stella to return and take her away? And now she was telling her to leave?

As Susanna turned to walk away, Stella called out, "Wait."

Susanna turned back, looking a bit puzzled.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" Stella asked again.

Susanna nodded firmly. "Yeah, I'm sure."

Stella was baffled. "So Hull isn't threatening you?"

Susanna shook her head. "Nope."

Stella was at a loss for words. This was quite the turnaround. Just moments ago, Susanna clung to her, crying and pleading not to be left behind.

Susanna rubbed her hands together nervously. "Just go back for now, okay?"

was resolute, even if her

but Susanna didn't say a word, nor would she leave with

to head back to

Stella

oppe her

ain, "Wait."

turned again, her patience

from now on, don't get involved with anything related to Hull. Just... do nothing,

then

finger. Not

smile, then she nodded more vigorously. "Got

right, after all. There was no need to be overly helpful or involved. Just because Hull had helped her out once in Portis City didn't mean she had to play housekeeper. There were plenty of ways to repay

that, Susanna returned to Hull's

took Stella's

gently pulled her toward the

you think Hull threatened

her with a soft, affectionate smile. "With

considering. "True. Even if it's Hull himself,

I told Hull I was taking

out of the house and into their car, not bothering to answer her question further. Instead,

you doing? Let me sit by

complaint with a gentle chuckle.

do a check-up

glanced down. "But

midday. Stella had planned to pick up Susanna and head straight back to the Quinn family, but things hadn't gone as planned, and she hadn't even

bite to eat.