Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

"Seriously?" Hull's gaze was piercing as he looked at her. "Why should I trust you? Do we have any trust between us?"

Susanna felt a jolt. There was no real bond between her and Hull. Getting Hull to trust her was like asking for the moon.

But staying glued to his side? No way.

"Look, you have to believe me. I didn't do it on purpose this time. Please, just trust me."

Susanna was practically begging and bent over like she was praying. It was clear how desperate she was to put some distance between her and Hull.

Hull's response was cold. "Whether you did it on purpose or not, we'll have it investigated."

He was all about the investigation.

Susanna's mind was spinning. "How long is that going to take?"

Her earlier confidence crumbled under Hull's unyielding logic.

Hull shrugged, "Can't say for sure."

Susanna was on the brink of a meltdown. Staying another minute near Hull was more than she could handle, and now he was giving her vague timelines.

"How efficient are your people, anyway?" she asked, clinging to the hope they'd be quick enough to clear her name so she could leave.

But all Hull offered was another noncommittal, "Can't say for sure."

Susanna was speechless. That was driving her insane.

Checking his watch, Hull said, "Go make some oatmeal."

Susanna was startled. "What?!"

"Never mind, I'll have someone else do it," Hult replied, as if recalling her culinary mishaps. The last time she'd made oatmeal, it turned out fine But there was no guarantee she wouldn't burn it this time.

Susanna stumbled out of Hull's room and retreated to hers to callnoveldrama

Stella. No luck, though. Stella was on

and the signal was spotty

even with the best onboard service.

Meanwhile, on the plane, Stella had dozed off again after Ronald's

reassurances, and he'd tuckedne

before stepping out to find Finley sipping wine.

in

Finley turned away petulantly upon seeing him, clearly still miffed.

Ronald settled into the opposite couch, pouring himself a glass of wine.

Finley grumbled, "Is Star asleep?"

Ignoring him, Ronald sipped his wine.

Finley pouted, unhappy. He hadn't anticipated this situation with Stella. Ronald had always seemed to have everything so well-planned with her.

And for an unexpected pregnancy, well, as Ronald had put it, who'd dare spread rumors?

Ronald took another sip. "So, how did you earn your reputation as a miracle worker?"

"What do you mean? Are you doubting my skills?"

Ronald simply nodded. "Not doubting—just stating facts. You're not up to par."

Finley was stunned, his breath catching. "Dude, I'm not a gynecologist, okay? Isn't pregnancy more in her friend's domain?"

Ronald replied, "The human body isn't that complicated. How can you call yourself a genius if you haven't mastered the basics?"

"That's unfair," Finley retorted, flustered. Who was Ronald to talk about medical expertise?

It was clear to Finley that Ronald was trying to ship him off to the Muliba Desert under the guise of needing his expertise there.