Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 954

For all the time Susanna had spent in Litamark, the weather had never truly been cold. She certainly hadn’t expected to stumble upon a snow-capped mountain up here.

Hull watched her, genuine amusement flickering across his otherwise steely features as she scampered through the snow with the giddy abandon of a child.

“You like snow?” he asked.

“Absolutely!” Susanna beamed. Ever since she was little, snowy days had been her favorite. Back home, she’d cozy up with a plate of hot wings and watch the flakes drift down, feeling a rare, private happiness. More often than not, she was alone—her mother always so busy. If Tegan was around, Tegan would keep her company, and later, Star took on that role.

Suddenly, Hull’s phone vibrated. Silas was calling. Hull answered briskly, “Go ahead.”

“Derek just tracked your location—he’s already on his way,” Silas reported, always keeping close tabs on Derek’s movements.

Hull threw a look over to where Susanna was still playing blissfully. His voice turned frosty. “He’s coming alone?”

“He’s got Caden, his driver, with him. That’s it.”

No extra reinforcements. Seemed Derek at least had the good sense not to escalate things.

“Got it,” Hull replied, ending the call.

He’d barely hung up when a snowball came flying his way—Susanna again, pure mischief on her face. In moments like this, she really was just a kid at heart. She watched with delight as Hull easily snagged the snowball midair.

“Wow, you’re amazing!” she cheered.

“Don’t overdo it,” Hull chided. “You’re still recovering, remember?”

Susanna’s face fell. Leave it to him to ruin the moment. She hadn’t even thought about her injury since this morning—the ointment he’d used must have worked a miracle, since she’d felt a twinge when she woke up but nothing at all after running around like this.

“Come on,” Hull said, “let’s go check out the hot springs.”

“There’s a hot spring here too?” Her eyes sparkled at the thought.

“Yep,” Hull confirmed. “So. Do you want to ski, or soak?”

“Ski!” Susanna answered instantly. Skiing near Portis City was nearly impossible—she’d always had to catch a flight abroad just to spend a day on the slopes. She wasn’t about to miss this chance now.

“How good are you, really?” he pressed, worried despite himself.

Susanna thumped her chest. “Trust me—I’ve got this covered.”

She didn’t dare boast about other things, but when it came to skiing, she had every right to be confident.

Hull’s concern faded the instant she hit the snow. She flew down the slope with effortless grace, looking like a total pro. Hull, who had always figured her for a bundle of trouble, couldn’t help feeling a flicker of genuine admiration.

Derek didn’t reach Wyloch Mountain until after four in the afternoon. By then, Susanna and Hull were done skiing and had settled into a cozy mountain cabin. On the terrace, Susanna insisted on making hot wings over a portable stove, and Hull indulged her whim.

When Derek finally arrived, the sight of his daughter and Hull lounging outside, laughing and eating together, sent his temper flaring to its peak. He’d spent days steeped in anxiety—yet this defiant girl of his seemed untouched by a care in the world.

Just then, he overheard Hull ask, “So you’re really just going to ignore what’s happening with Black Gate?”

Susanna shrugged. “What’s there to worry about? That man’s not my father. None of this is my concern.”

Derek stood, speechless, the words landing like a punch.