Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

Chapter 823

Adelle glanced at Derek, then turned to Yvonne with a gentle smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Ms. Quinn, Susanna-we honestly didn't take her. If you're looking for someone to blame, you've got the wrong crowd."

Yvonne shot her a frosty glare. "Don't talk to me. My brain's not exactly firing on all cylinders today, so who knows if I'll see through your little act."

Adelle's expression darkened instantly. She'd spent years by Derek's side, and in all of Riverford, folks usually gave her a good measure of respect, if not outright deference.

How long had it been since someone spoke to her like this? So openly dismissive? She could barely remember.

"Ms. Quinn-"

"I told you, don't speak," Yvonne snapped, her tone icy.

Her defiance only made Derek's patience run thinner.

"Ms. Quinn, you do realize you're being disrespectful in my own house? That sort

of attitude won't get you far in this town."

it's gotten me this

the crap. Hand Susanna over. I've got people waiting

interested in Derek's power plays. She just wanted to find Susanna and get out of here. If she failed, God help her-Hull

of Hull's temper, Yvonne became even

got any proof we took

Stealing

or patience to

"Ms. Quinn,

"Zip it, I told

kind of woman Adelle was-smooth on the surface, ice cold underneath. The kind of stepmother whad never accept Derek's

with Derek staying

"Mr. Murray, do you even know why your daughter Leanne is lying in

into a thin

Adelle stiffened. "Ms. Quinn!"

injuries clearly

just wanted to

really? Just a curious, caring sister dropping by

woman's clenched fists. This was no simple