Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Now that Shawn had injured his leg, he was pretty much out of commission and couldn't cause any trouble. Finley was so exhausted he just plopped down on the floor.

Idris returned and was a bit taken aback when he saw Shawn.

"Sir."

"Go fetch Bernie back."

Idris hesitated. "Fetch him back?"

They had just kicked the guy out.

Idris had a pretty good idea of what Ronald was planning. It was classic Ronald-trying to get something for nothing.

Kicking Bernie off the yacht was just the first move, a way to show him that no matter where they were, Ronald was in charge.

Based on what Idris knew of Ronald, there was definitely a plan in place. But right now... it was best not to overthink it. "Yes, sir. I'll get on it."

They'd already made the necessary threats. Grabbing Bernie back at this point should achieve the desired effect. Idris left to carry out his orders.

Finley glanced over at Ronald. "Relax about Star. Xander wouldn't hurt her."

Everyone knew Xander had a thing for Stella. Things could have been fine between them all.

But somehow, Xander and Ronald ended up on opposite sides, and seeing Stella became a rare occasion.

Back when the old man was still alive, he'd shown a clear interest in Stella.

Who would have guessed the old man would meet an untimely end, and the Schultz family would undergo such drastic changes at the same time? Xander and Ronald found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of change and chaos.

...

Soon enough, Idris returned with Bernie in tow, looking worse for wear. He was sporting a couple of bruises and it was clear he'd been roughed up a bit before being tossed off the yacht.

Seething with anger, Bernie spat, "Mr. Quinn, what's the meaning of this? Are you trying to sever all ties with Cyris Isle?"

Crossing him meant crossing the shadow power on Cyris Isle - his brother.

Ronald didn't flinch. Instead, he shot Idris a cold glance.

Idris caught on immediately, stepping forward and kicking Bernie's legs out from under him.

Bernie went down hard on his knees. His anger was palpable, but he held his tongue.

Ronald clasped his hands, leaning forward slightly. His gaze was calm, yet menacing. "I told you before, Bernie, I want the thing."

There was no offer of negotiation,

no

of civility. If Ronald had

played it polite earlier, his true

sw novel?

intentions were unmistakable now.

Finley, long accustomed to Ronald's forceful ways, sat off to the side, unfazed.

But Shawn felt the pressure mounting in his chest. If Xander kept holding onto Stella, Ronald might just decide to take it out on him. Bernie picked up on Ronald's threat. "It's not on me."

"Oh?"

"Let me go, and I'll take someone with me to get it."

Ronald chuckled darkly. His eyes locked onto Bernie, turning even more dangerous.

"It's really not on me," Bernie insisted.

Ronald turned to Shawn. "Did you hear that?"

Shawn froze. He suddenly realized his role in all this.

"Shawn," Ronald said, his voice soft yet chilling, "I've watched you grow up. You know what Star means to the Quinn family, don't you?"

The gentle tone sent a shiver down Shawn's spine. Glancing nervousty

at the gun Ronald was cases

toying with, he nodded "I

understand."

"Do you want Xander to live?"

Shawn felt his heart sink.

See? He knew they couldn't touch Stella. With just one word from Ronald, they might not make it off this yacht alive.

"I'll call him right now."noveldrama

Wasting no time, he looked at Finley, who had confiscated his phone.

Finley tossed it back to him. "Talk some sense into your brother. Of all people, why go after Star? If he needs a hostage, he can take me instead. I'm a rough man. Ronald won't get this worked up over me, right?"

It was like snatching food right out of Ronald's mouth. He was bound to be furious.

Shawn sighed inwardly.

But wasn't this exactly what Xander wanted?