Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 996

“I don’t know if it’s true or not,” Stella said, voice low. “It was all so sudden—right now, we’re just guessing. So I’ve already had the butler quietly arrange for someone to look into it.”

Ronald arched his brow. “Melissa?”

Stella nodded. “Yep.”

Ronald’s eyes widened. “!”

“She’s insisted all along the pregnancy test wasn’t her doing. With Mom cracking down on everyone lately, the Norton family’s really taken a hit—she hasn’t had it any easier at home, either,” Stella explained. “So, she cut a deal with me: if Mom leaves her family alone, she’ll tell me what she knows.”

Ronald listened closely, his gaze turning thoughtful and deep—impossible to read.

Melissa…

He finally spoke. “Stay out of this. I’ll have Idris take care of it.”

“Xander doesn’t know about any of this yet,” Stella added.

Everyone in Ferrowland knew Xander and his stepmother couldn’t stand each other. Plus, he and Yale Schultz were always at each other’s throats—there was no way Xander could be in on this.

Ronald let out a brittle laugh under his breath.

He picked up the phone and called Idris, ordering him to come immediately.

When Idris arrived, Finley Yoder had tagged along. Ronald led Idris straight to the study, leaving Finley with Stella in the hall.

Stella watched Ronald’s imposing form as he vanished around the corner. Only then did Finley look over at her. “Okay, what’s going on? The boss looks seriously pissed! And it wasn’t me—I haven’t done anything to set him off.”

Stella just looked at him.

Finley prodded, “You didn’t do anything, did you? Nah… even if you did, he wouldn’t be in that kind of mood.”

“Just shut up already,” she sighed.

As for Berry, Stella didn’t bother bringing it up—she trusted Ronald to get to the bottom of it.

Finley made a face. “So, did you call Skye?”

Stella shot him a sideways glance. “If you’re so desperate for news about Tegan James, you call her yourself.”

He spluttered, “Hey, who said anything about me wanting to know? Don’t go making things up!”

Wait a second… “How do you even know all this, Finley? Did you have someone dig into Uriah and his sister?”

Finley scoffed. “Investigate him? Please. Who does that guy think he is?”

“Then how do you know?”

He shrugged, feigning innocence. “Just picked it up. You know, on the side.”

Stella rolled her eyes. Like that’s something you just happen to overhear.

Finley shook his head. “Look, things are getting complicated for your bestie. You might want to actually call Skye and give her a heads-up.”

“I’m not calling her. If you want to know so badly, you call.”

“What—why is this on me? I’m just being a good friend here. Look it up, good intentions—ever heard of those?”

Stella huffed dismissively and turned away.

Finley called after her, “Hey, come on! Don’t treat my concern like it’s worth nothing!”