novelxo Chapter 227
After wrapping up his report on the Patel Group, Idris took a call. When he looked over, Finley was in the process of removing a splinter from Stella's hand. Stella, petrified by the minor procedure, refused to watch. Ronald, ever so indulgent, covered her eyes to shield her from the sight. Despite his efforts, Stella couldn't help but whimper in discomfort.
"There, there, it's all done now," Ronald soothed in a low whisper.
"This is the last time, right?" Stella mumbled hopefully.
"Don't even think about it. You'll need this treatment for at least a month, given your condition. Every three days, minimum," Finley interjected bluntly, showing no sympathy. Stella looked on the verge of tears.
Ronald shot Finley a frosty glare, signaling him to keep quiet.
Finley met Ronald's glare with a shrug, undeterred. "I'm just being honest. She might as well prepare her mentally."
"Does she need that from you?" Ronald challenged.
Finley fell silent.
So, Ronald was going to be this protective, huh? Did this mean Ronald planned to console Stella every time? Finley thought to himself as he finished up.
Because if so, he was in for a long haul. Stella wasn't exactly known for being easy to comfort, and this whole ordeal was proving to be quite the time sink.
Idris stepped forward. "Miss, a lady with the last name Lawson has arrived, wishing to see you."
Without needing further explanation, she knew it was Cloudia Lawson.
But why was she here? Was it because the issues with the Larkin Group had finally been figured out?
Impressive! Cloudia had outpaced Yorick in efficiency, who had been taking ages to investigate the owner of Wave Residence without any concrete results. Meanwhile, the Larkins had quickly gotten to the root of their current problems. Ronald exchanged a glance with Stella, then gently stroked her soft hair. "Do you want to see her?"
Stella shook her head. "No."
The disownment agreement was public knowledge; all of Portis City was aware that she and the Larkin family were no longer connected. Why keep any ties now? Ronald nodded in understanding and subtly gestured to Idris, who took the hint and quietly left to handle the situation.
Watching Ronald's doting gaze on Stella made Finley uncomfortable. He quickly packed up his things, eager to avoid playing third wheel any longer.
Left alone, Ronald tenderly held Stella's delicate hand. "Have they been bullying you?" he inquired, referring to Yorick and the entire Larkin family.
"Not really," Stella replied. It wasn't truly bullying if it was one-sided, and she certainly didn't see herself as a victim.
Ronald's expression softened as he kissed her hand, a gesture that evoked warm memories from her childhood.
Stella felt her body temperature rise
at the touch, instinctively pulling her hand back. But before she could fully withdraw, Ronald released first, playfully flicking her nose to bring her back to the moment.
"I'm not a child anymore," Stella protested, her cheeks flushing.
"Indeed, you've grown into a young lady," Ronald replied, his tone carrying an unusual hint of emotion at the term 'young lady.' "What would you like for dinner?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Let's try something local," Stella suggested without hesitation. She had heard rave reviews about Spring Hill's smoked duck, a delicacy marinated with spices and smoked over cherry wood chips.
"I've heard their cherry-smoked duck is excellent," she added, her interest piqued The dish was a popular
corporate gift during the holidays, and she was eager to try it herself.
"Alright," Ronald agreed, happy to indulge her wishes.
Meanwhile, Cloudia, who was facing the same man who had previously confronted Jaxon, was seething with anger.
Under normal circumstances, she would have already lashed out, but today was different.