Chapter 176

[ 643 words ]

For reasons she couldn’t fathom, every time Stella crossed paths with someone of the opposite sex, she’d feel inexplicably guilty. It was peculiar, especially since she felt nothing significant for these individuals. What was there to feel guilty about? When Ronald didn’t seem upset, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Her phone vibrated.

Stella glanced at the caller ID; it was Imogen calling. After a moment’s hesitation, she declined the call and went a step further by blocking the number.

She had distanced herself from the Larkin family, and by extension, she felt no obligation to engage with their circle anymore. Stella had little patience for pointless socializing, especially not with those who flaunted their seniority over her. Shortly after, a landline number tried to reach her. Without a doubt, it was someone from the Quarry family. True to form, she hung up and blocked that number too.

It was only when Tegan’s name flashed on the screen that Stella picked up, “Hey Tegan.”

“The Larkin family are frantic right now,” Tegan shared.

“They can be frantic for all I care. Are they bothering you non-stop?” Stella asked.

“Yeah, they’ve been relentless. Ursula’s been through a string of specialists and experts, and for some reason, they’ve latched onto me.”

Stella said, “Because it’s a complicated case. Heard they mentioned there are a few types of cancer.”

Tegan responded, “Last I heard from the hospital, it’s been getting worse, beyond control.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “So, Ursula’s on her way out?”

This brought to mind their bet of a hundred thousand dollars.

Would Ursula even be alive to pay up?

If she lost, could she be frustrated enough to kick the bucket?

Tegan continued, “Hard to say if she’ll make it, but the Larkins and Yorick are freaking out.”

“Have they tried threatening you?”

Threats were a tactic the Larkins and Yorick were all too familiar with, judging by their past attempts to strong-arm her.

Hearing the word “threat”, Tegan laughed dismissively, “Would they dare?”

“Of course not!”

Stella had momentarily forgotten about Uriah, Tegan’s low-key but formidable backup. No wonder Yorick and the Larkins were pestering her instead of directly confronting Tegan. “When are you coming back?”

“Uriah wants me to stay with him a bit longer, so I won’t be returning anytime soon.”

Stella uttered, “That’s going to drive Yorick and the Larkins absolutely mad.”

Indeed, their current desperation for Tegan’s return would only add to their frustration.

Tegan asked, “Then will the Larkins give you the hard time?”

With Tegan not having contacted with Susanna, the former naturally wasn’t aware that Stella had Ronald’s backing now. She was afraid of Stella getting into trouble once the Larkins went desperate. “Don’t worry about me. They can’t touch me,” Stella replied.

“Alright. Call me if anything comes up,” Tegan said.

She loathed people from the Larkin family, remembering the period when her family declined, how ugly Mrs. Larkin’s attitude had been.

Karma served them right; the Larkin family got their comeuppance.

After exchanging a few more words, they ended the call.

Stella then called Susanna to catch up, while Susanna jabbed upon hearing the lunch plan.

“Your brother would have an issue with me if we keep eating out.”

Give his protective nature over his sister, she might be in trouble if she continued taking Stella’s time.

Stella said, “He’s busy during the day.”

“Alright then.”

…

Elsewhere, Jeremy found himself waiting an unprecedented half-hour for Idris, a situation unheard of in Portis City.

However, both he and Caius dared not complain.

They were led to the place by Idris. It was merely a modest café, but both Jeremy and Caius were acutely aware of the numerous bodyguards lurking in the shadows.

Caius whispered to Jeremy, “Did you see what those men take on their waist?”

Jeremy asked, “What do you think that is?”

Caius remained silent.

Was it guns?

No wonder Yorick had been in a disadvantage when facing Ronald, considering what kind of a man Ronald was a man brooking no provocation from others. He should feel lucky that Ronald hadn’t just shot.

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