SWNOVELS Chapter 278
"I'll arrange for you to get out of the country as soon as possible. Once abroad, you can stay in a hospital there."
Who could have imagined that Stella would stir things up so much that even admitting Ursula to a hospital in Portis City had become an unattainable luxury? Ursula's eyes widened at the suggestion. "Out of the country?"
Jaxon nodded. "Yeah. Things are pretty tough here in Portis City. Mom's called every doctor she could think of, but no one's willing to help."
"The Lugar family is going this far... just for Stella? But she's just an adopted daughter. How did she manage to..."
She cut herself abruptly.
No, she couldn't risk giving Jaxon or anyone else the wrong impression about Stella. If they turned their focus on Stella now, it would only backfire on Ursula. But Jaxon's mind was already wandering.
Just an adopted daughter, yet Mr. Quinn was willing to go such strengths against the Larkin family? What did she do to earn such loyalty?
Ursula thought about the situation in Portis City and finally nodded. "I'll go abroad, then."
She had no choice but to give in.
Jaxon murmured a quick, "Alright," and started making arrangements.
After a brief conversation, Jaxon left the room.
Once Ursula was alone, her eyes hardened with determination.
"Stella, you've really outdone yourself."
If it weren't for her illness, would Stella have had the chance to strike like this?
Just wait. Once she recovered, she would make sure Stella regretted this.
Stella sat, looking pitifully at Ronald. The entire process of applying ointment had been anything but pleasant for her.
Calling it "applying ointment" was a stretch...
"What are you still doing here?" she mumbled, noticing that Ronald hadn't left.
Her cheeks were flushed like ripe apples, partly from the embarrassment of the ointment process.
The last thing she wanted now was to face Ronald; she just wanted some time alone.
But Ronald didn't seem in any hurry to leave. Instead, he shrugged off his robe, revealing silk pajamas underneath, and climbed into bed. "Time to sleep."
Stella blinked, her mind racing.
Wait, what? Was he planning to sleep here? With her?
Hold on...
"What's going on? This...this..."
Ronald raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"
Stella hesitated. "No...is there?"
Her mind flickered back to the billiard room, where he had treated her so tenderly in front of everyone She was baffled by how much had changed between them. They Kad grown up together, yet now everything felt so different
Shouldn't he be more cautious about this?
"What's on your mind?"
Noticing her silence, Ronald reached over and gently pinched her nose.
"I'm just wondering... is this really okay?" Stella asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she wrung her hands nervously. Ronald chuckled. "Why wouldn't it be?"
Stella bit her lip.
Why? That was a loaded question.
Last night, and again in the early hours of this morning, she'd thrown caution to the wind.
But now, with a clearer head, the reality of their situation was sinking in. Everyone in Ferrowland believed they were siblings. Even though they weren't related by blood, Ronald's status made her worry about how this might affect him.
For the past two years in Portis City, she'd lived recklessly, unconcerned with what others thought or how Ursula had smeared her reputation. She didn't care.
But when it came to Ronald, she was terrified of the damage rumors could cause. She could handle it, but she didn't want anyone or anything hurting him. "Star."
Seeing her reluctance, Ronald pulled her into his arms. With a swift motion, he held her, pressing her head to his chest.
His voice, deep and soothing, was
like a balm to her nerves. "Weren't
iel
you the one demanding I take responsibility for you this morning? What's changed, hmm?"
"Ronald, haven't you heard of the power of gossip?" Stella asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Around Ronald, she couldn't keep secrets. Even if she tried, he'd effortlessly unravel her thoughts.