Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Ursula's face was ashen. She was at her wit's end.

For the past few months, it had been either Stella causing trouble or Lola. Ever since returning to the Portis City, Ursula hadn't had a moment of peace. Even Yorick was giving her a hard time now, and it felt like she was on the brink of losing her mind. "You all want me gone, huh? Fine, I'll give you what you want."

Lola scoffed. "Oh, please. If you really cared so little about your life, would you bother trying to frame me?"

Cloudia, sensing Ursula's despair, almost softened her stance, but Lola's words snapped her back to reality. Anger trembled through her, unsure whether she was more furious with Lola or Ursula.

Lola crouched down and threw the necklace in Ursula's face. "Is this how you tried to ruin Stella too?"

Mocking Ursula's pitiful tone, Lola mimicked, "Oh, mom, don't blame her. It's all my fault. Don't be mad at Star, it's me who's wrong."

Ursula's face turned ashen with rage.

Lola stood up with a cold smile and looked at Cloudia. "What was it you said about me before? No manners?"

She shifted her gaze back to Ursula. "Well, your upbringing sure shows."

Both Ursula and Cloudia fell silent.

Having taken them both down a peg, Lola strutted out of the room.

Cloudia looked at Ursula with a pained expression. "Why would you do something like this?"

Even if she wasn't fond of Lola, this was a pretty low way to go about things. There were plenty of ways to get someone out of the picture, but this was just plain underhanded. "Mom, I..."

"No, don't say anything. You're sick and still can't keep out of trouble."

Cloudia turned and left, her anger barely contained.

Ursula's breath hitched, her face growing paler as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Why? Why does everyone want to take everything from me?" she cried out in frustration. First Stella, now Lola.

Recalling Lola's recent confrontation, Ursula felt the sting of humiliation burning all over her.

...

Over on Cyris Isle, Ronald and Stella

and in hand, followed b

Finley and the others as they left Bernie's family estate.

ne

Finley grumbled from behind, "Bert and Bernie couldn't be more different."noveldrama

Bernie seemed slimy enough, but Bert, on the other hand, seemed like

a decent guy. Once he knew wh they were after, he handed it over without a fuss.

If they'd known Bert had it, they wouldn't have needed to make the trip.

Ronald chuckled. "You think there's such a thing as a good guy here?"

Finley was taken aback.

Well... okay, Bert did manage to take control of the whole Cyris Isle by himself, not exactly saintly behavior.

"Maybe he just wanted to impress the lady? I noticed Bert seems pretty fond of his young wife."

Stella raised an eyebrow, glancing at Finley. "We're still on Bert's property, you know."

Finley, ever the gossip, was quick with his words.

Still, it was true- Bert's new wife was really young. He was pushing

l.ne

and she looked barely in her

Pies.

Finley shrugged. "I was just saying."

"Even 'just saying' needs the right time and place," Stella pointed out.

Finley pouted but fell silent.

Alright, alright. Stella and Ronald were right! Absolutely right!

The buzzing of Ronald's phone broke the moment. It was Xander calling.

As soon as Ronald answered, Xander's voice came through, dripping with sarcasm. "You lying to me?"