Chapter 538

[ 742 words ]

When Stella heard Susanna’s voice, she lifted her head. “Huh?”

“Oh, just go back. Everything’s fine here,” Susanna insisted.

Stella couldn’t believe her ears. Wasn’t this the same person who had been calling her multiple times a day, crying her eyes out? And now she was saying everything was fine?

“Did Hull threaten you?” Stella asked, her voice laced with concern.

“What? No, it’s not that. I can’t really explain it right now, but you should head back,” Susanna replied, sounding a bit flustered.

“I’ll call you if anything happens, okay? Now go on, shoo!” Susanna added, trying to sound reassuring.

Stella was still in disbelief. Was this really the same Susie who had sobbed on the phone, begging Stella to return and take her away? And now she was telling her to leave?

As Susanna turned to walk away, Stella called out, “Wait.”

Susanna turned back, looking a bit puzzled.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?” Stella asked again.

Susanna nodded firmly. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

Stella was baffled. “So Hull isn’t threatening you?”

Susanna shook her head. “Nope.”

Stella was at a loss for words. This was quite the turnaround. Just moments ago, Susanna clung to her, crying and pleading not to be left behind.

Susanna rubbed her hands together nervously. “Just go back for now, okay?”

Her tone was resolute, even if her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty.

Stella didn’t believe her, but Susanna didn’t say a word, nor would she leave with her.

As Susanna started to head back to Hull’s ro

Stella

oppe her

ain, “Wait.”

Susanna turned again, her patience wearing thin.

“Listen, from now on, don’t get involved with anything related to Hull. Just… do nothing, okay?”

Susanna hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”

“I mean it, Susie. Don’t lift a finger. Not even to pour a glass of water,” Stella insisted.

Susanna’s lips twitched in a wry smile, then she nodded more vigorously. “Got it.”

Stella was right, after all. There was no need to be overly helpful or involved. Just because Hull had helped her out once in Portis City didn’t mean she had to play housekeeper. There were plenty of ways to repay kindness without overextending herself.

With that, Susanna returned to Hull’s room.

Ronald took Stella’s hand. “Let’s go.”

After that, he gently pulled her toward the door.

Stella mumbled, “Do you think Hull threatened Susie? I mean, did he?”

Ronald turned to her with a soft, affectionate smile. “With you here, who would dare threaten her?”

Stella paused, considering. “True. Even if it’s Hull himself, he’d have to show some respect.”

But something wasn’t adding up. “When I told Hull I was taking Susie, he flat out refused.”

Ronald led Stella out of the house and into their car, not bothering to answer her question further. Instead, he pulled her into his lap as they settled into the back seat

“Hey, what are you doing? Let me sit by myself,” Stella protested, squirming a bit.

Ronald brushed off her complaint with a gentle chuckle. “The medical team is

ready. We’ll do a check-up first, okay?”

Stella glanced down. “But I’m hungry.”

It was already midday. Stella had planned to pick up Susanna and head straight back to the Quinn family, but things hadn’t gone as planned, and she hadn’t even had a

bite to eat.

Hearing the plaintive tone in her voice, Ronald laughed. “Fine, let’s eat first.”

“Home-cooked meal?” she asked.

“Yeah, home-cooked,” Ronald confirmed.

They were close enough now, and homemade food sounded just perfect.

Their car glided smoothly along the familiar road. As they drove past the palm trees lining the street, even the scent in the air felt nostalgically familiar.

Half an hour later, they reached a hill on the city’s outskirts. As they wound their

way up, the entire skyline of Ferrowland came into view.

It was Stella’s favorite spot whenever she went out, especially at night when the

city lights spread out below like a twinkling blanket.

Leaning against the car window, Stella felt Ronald wrap his arms around her again.

“What are you daydreaming about?” he teased.

“I’m planning where to eat over the next few days,” she retorted with a playful grin.

“Ha!” Ronald laughed softly, indulging her. Her appetite had returned now that they were back.

“You little rascal. If we find out you’re pregnant, you won’t be able to eat out all the time,” Ronald chided gently, planting a kiss on the back of her neck.

The touch tickled, and Stella squirmed, ending up nestled against Ronald’s chest. Their eyes met, and Stella’s gaze was so tender it made Ronald’s heart melt. He leaned in, capturing her lips with his own.

Stella clung to his shirt, feeling a bit flustered. “Stop…”

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