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.

woman was terrifying, her

even Regina's own mother had come to visit

see the sun again, it would be because of the

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

barely crossed Regina's mind before she suddenly

please, I'm begging you-let me go. What

my fault. I was young and stupid, I made Ms.

Lottie: "..."

shared a glance, both

in? So what about that

finish the

at the caller ID,

"Stella."

"Yes, Mom?"

Lottie's tone softened as

she had

Stella nodded obediently. "Alright."

stood, her gaze sharp as she stared Regina

her eyes, and saw clearly the warning shining

look, and Lottie turned away, walking

was just Stella and Regina, with the

Lottie in the room, Regina

over at

voice was shaky as she finally spoke. "Why am I even

bitterness in

anger and resentment,