Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 1025

What was this?

“The results aren’t even out yet, Derek! And you’ve already decided the child isn’t yours?” Adelle screamed, her voice shrill with hysteria. She shot a venomous look at Dan, then turned to Derek—and this time, her eyes really did fill with tears.

It was all happening so fast. One moment, everything was normal. The next, they were talking about a paternity test, as if the ground had just disappeared beneath her feet.

Adelle’s outburst was met with nothing but Derek’s icy stare.

Just as Dan had warned: the more Adelle lost control, the more it looked like she had something to hide. And what could that be, if not the desperate hope to keep the test from going through?

Representatives from all three sides—five from each—were there to supervise the proceedings. No one, no matter how clever, could rig those results.

Ever since they’d sent off the blood samples, Adelle had been crying and causing a scene. Derek, whose trust had already started to crumble, found every sob and shout only magnified his doubts.

So when Adelle cried out again, Derek’s eyes narrowed with dangerous intent. “We’ll wait for the results. Understood?”

He enunciated every word, menace clear in his tone.

By now, the doorway was crowded with bodyguards. It was obvious—if Adelle and Finch wanted to leave, they’d have to force their way past.

But it hardly mattered anymore—whether they ran or not, their fate was sealed. For Adelle and Finch, no amount of struggle could change what that test would say. And yet, if they didn’t try to flee before the results came in, would they ever get another chance?

After so many years, Derek’s coldness was finally aimed at her. For so long, that ruthlessness had been reserved for the other women and their children. Back then, Adelle had basked in the warmth of Derek’s affection—protected, adored by the most powerful man in the city. She’d been so confident, so sure of her place.

But now…

Right then, Adelle was truly afraid.

She had thought she could leave gracefully, playing the victim of disappointment. She hadn’t expected Derek to physically keep her there, forcing her and Finch to stay for the results.

Haunted by that old memory, a new fear took hold: when the truth came out, would she even be allowed to leave?

Dan watched the cracks forming across her beautiful mask, clearly enjoying the spectacle. He lit another cigarette, casually tossing the pack toward Derek. “You’ll need this.”

Derek shot him a frosty glare.

Dan only shrugged. “Don’t look at me like that. Relax. Trust me, things are about to get a whole lot messier.”