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.

was terrifying, her

even Regina's own mother had come to visit

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

to how much she envied her. With a foster mother like Lottie, Stella was better off than Regina had ever been, even with her

before

begging you-let me go.

young and stupid, I made

Lottie: "..."

women shared a

in? So

the

glanced at the caller ID, her

"Stella."

"Yes, Mom?"

ask her yourself." Lottie's tone softened as she turned to

had to

Stella nodded obediently. "Alright."

sharp as she stared Regina

saw clearly

turned away, walking out

with the butler

without Lottie in the room,

over at

she finally spoke. "Why am

bitterness

after all that anger and