Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath

But right now, Regina had none of the arrogance she once wore so proudly. She looked a mess-disheveled, beaten down by life.

They say your surroundings can change you.

They can lift you up high, but just as easily, they can drag you into the dirt.

Once upon a time, Regina couldn't stand the sight of Stella-always looking down

on her for being the Quinns' adopted daughter, always trying to step on her, whether it was out in the open or behind her back.

But now, the way she looked at Stella was filled with nothing but anger and resentment...

This was the first time Stella had seen Regina since that whole mess three years ago.

Their eyes met.

Regina glared at Stella like she wanted to bite her head off.

Lottie, standing to the side, clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Seems like your years in prison didn't teach you a damn thing, Regina."

Regina froze.

The second she heard Lottie's voice, it was like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over her.

When the butler led her in, all she'd seen was Stella-she hadn't even noticed anyone else. Now, Lottie's words snapped her out of it, and in a split second, she hid every emotion that had been written all over her face.

"Ms. Lottie," Regina said, her tone suddenly respectful.

She knew all too well that it was the Quinns who'd landed her in prison for three years, but she didn't dare show even a sliver of resentment in front of Lottie.

terrifying, her methods

not even Regina's own mother

she'd see the sun again, it would be because of the very

time, Regina realized that her hatred for Stella was almost nothing compared to how much she envied her. With a foster mother like Lottie, Stella was better off

crossed Regina's mind before she suddenly dropped

begging you-let me

I was young and stupid, I made Ms.

Lottie: "..."

shared

she walked in? So

could finish the thought, her phone

the caller ID, her

"Stella."

"Yes, Mom?"

Lottie's tone softened

she had to

Stella nodded obediently. "Alright."

gaze sharp as she

to meet her eyes, and saw clearly the

turned away,

it was just Stella and Regina, with the butler and two maids

the room, Regina didn't dare make

over at

finally spoke. "Why

was bitterness in

after all that anger and