Chapter 1050
[ 699 words ]
Ronald took Stella’s hand in his, brushing his thumb over her knuckles with indulgent affection. For weeks, he’d done everything in his power to shield Stella from anything—or anyone that might upset her. And yet, here she was, fuming again.
Stella huffed, “It’s nothing.” But as much as she said it, her anger toward Uriah boiled inside her. She’d hit her limit with him. Let’s see what he says after Leslie is arrested. How could he possibly insist Leslie wasn’t involved? And calling Tegan’s kidnapping some kind of childish stunt? What had Leslie whispered that convinced him of such nonsense? Yet somehow, he bought it—hook, line, and sinker. To him, Tegan’s kidnapping was just a game.
Ronald pinched her cheek, grinning. “Nothing,’ huh? Then why’s your cute little face all puffed up?”
Stella let out another stubborn huff. “I said I’m fine.”
Across the table, Yvonne had eaten more than usual, as had Xander. Since leaving Litamark, Yvonne’s pregnancy nausea had all but disappeared. Maybe coming home was the best medicine after all. She turned to the butler. “From now on, you’re in charge of my meals.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the butler replied smoothly.
“And Xander’s as well.”
The butler smiled and nodded, already making mental notes. Xander glanced at Yvonne but kept quiet; he knew she was plotting her own brand of payback against Mona and Yale. And good-those two had it coming. Of all the people to antagonize, they picked the Quinns. Mona was no doubt still puzzling over how she’d lost control of the family finances—when in truth, she didn’t have a clue how it’d slipped through her fingers. Those purse strings were her only way to bankroll Berry’s endless quest for perfection.
After a long session of consoling, Ronald finally helped soothe some of Stella’s tension. Over on the couch, Yvonne had already settled in. As soon as Stella joined her, Ronald shot Xander a look; the two men headed to the study to talk in private.
Now alone, Stella leaned in with a conspiratorial smile. “So? How’d it go at the Schultz place last night-any spoils to report?”
Yvonne grinned wickedly. “The minute I took over the finances, Mona lost her mind. This morning, she was already plotting to trip me up.”
Truth be told, Yvonne had never cared about the Schultz family’s petty power games -the supposed ‘benefits’ were barely worth her time. But Stella saw it differently. What was a minor privilege to Yvonne was pure gold to Mona. The fact that Mona was trying to sabotage her at sunrise proved just how desperate she was.
Stella snorted. “She manipulated her way into Mr. Schultz’s heart by playing the part of the sweet, sensible woman who wanted neither his money nor his name.”
Yvonne rolled her eyes. “Right. If she didn’t want money or status, what was she after-a guy fifteen years older Give me a break” She shook her head That pitch works on Tristan, but the moment she steps outside, she never lets anyone forget she’s ‘society.”
“Exactly,” Stella agreed.
Yvonne went on, “And about the money if she really doesn’t care about we’ll see what she does
now that it’s gone Let’s see how long she can keep up her good-girl act with Tristan.”
For years, Mona had played the part of the perfect wife. Now, Yvonne wanted to see just how long she could keep the mask on.
“That’s my point,” Stella said, a sly sparkle in her eye. “She claims she’s so above it all? Well, let’s help solidify that image for her.”
Any irritation Stella had felt was now replaced by a mischievous, downright wicked smile.
Yvonne poked her lightly on the forehead. “You know, when you were stuck in Litamark, I was worried sick you’d get bullied.”
Stella grinned. “As if! I had it all figured out. Even if you and Xander hadn’t made it back, I had a backup plan ready for them.”
Yvonne’s curiosity flickered. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”
Stella’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I was going to find her a rival.”
“A…rival?” Yvonne echoed, eyebrows raised. Was Stella really this devious?
Stella nodded with mock innocence.
“Yep, someone young, gorgeous, with an incredible figure-long legs porcelain skin, all the works. The kind of woman who’d send Mona straight into a meltdown just by walking into the room.”
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