Chapter 217
[ 556 words ]
Ronald shot Finley a look, one that spoke volumes without uttering a single word.
Finley rubbed his hands together for warmth and shot back, “You pushed and huffed, and I barely know the girl. Don’t pin this on me.” That shove from Ronald, though, could almost be considered merciful by Finley’s standards.
But he knew better. With Vivian Warner likely plotting her next move and Stella being targeted, Ronald wouldn’t let it slide so easily. But truly, it wasn’t his circus, not his monkeys.
Ronald quizzed. “Weren’t you two arriving together?”
“Yeah, we came together, but barely know each other. Met just the once. Star, you got beef with her?”
The memory of their previous encounter, nearly escalated to blows, hung heavy between them. It was clear there were unresolved issues.
Stella confessed, “She’s Ursula’s bestie.”
That made Finley’s lips twitch involuntarily. No wonder. That explained everything.
Ursula’s problem with Stella was evident – she feared Stella might overshadow her in the Larkin family’s eyes. With that mindset, smearing Stella’s name was practically a given. Anyone associated with her was bound to take a dislike to Stella. Even the Larkin parents were brainwashed by Ursula, so what’s a best friend in comparison?
Finley muttered, “Had I known her connection to Ursula, I’d have steered clear.”
Who would want to get on Ronald’s bad side?
Noticing Ronald’s gaze, he shifted the subject, “Mr. Patel has arrived. Are you going to meet him?”
“Idris and Yates are on it.”
“Oh.”
So, he was here solely for Stella’s spa day?
Recalling today’s task, Finley glanced at Stella. “Haven’t been keeping up with your acupuncture these past years, have you?”
Stella merely hummed in response.
Finley thought as much. The girl feared needles, and apart from Ronald, who else could possibly handle her?
…
Fuming, Vivian dialed Ursula, venting her frustrations at length.
“I was this close to securing Finley for you, and then Stella, that witch,” Vivian seethed.
A daughter the Larkins barely acknowledged, yet somehow, she had her protectors.
Ursula’s mood soured further upon hearing about the encounter at Spring Hill. She, too, had been longing for a spa retreat.
Traditionally, the Larkin family visited Spring Hill every winter, yet this year, her absence was marked.
As Vivian continued, Yorick’s figure caught her eye.
“Yikes, why’s Yorick here too?”
Ursula, puzzled, asked, “He’s at Spring Hill?”
“Yeah, just saw him. Don’t tell me he’s here for Stella?”
Vivian’s speculation stirred a dark thought in Ursula.
Vivian warned, “You’ve got to keep a close eye on men, especially with Stella around. She’s cunning, nearly married Yorick before. And now, with another guy shielding her and Finley showing interest, you’ve got to watch out. She could lure Yorick away too.”
Mentioning Finley only fueled Vivian’s anger. Despite seeing another man by Stella’s side, Finley was still relentlessly pursuing her.
CUMS
Ursula, visibly upset, clenched her jaw and muttered, “Got it.”
Cutting Vivian off, Ursula hung up, her grip on the phone tightening as her breath grew uneven. Unable to hold back, she dialed Yorick, only to be met with rejection as the call was abruptly ended. Not taking her calls? Was Vivian right? Did he visit Spring Hill for Stella? Was he unable to let her go?
A sinister thought crossed Ursula’s mind, her frustration growing as she redialed Yorick, only to be cut off again. Furious, she persisted.
Meanwhile, at Spring Hill, Yorick, already agitated by Stella’s antics and frustrated over the missing Lugar heir, was in no mood for
Lula’s incessant calls.
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