Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 370

Xander lifted his head from his phone, noticing that Stella hadn't responded to him. She was staring intently at the TV, as if she'd discovered something groundbreaking.

Curious, Xander got up and walked over to see what held her so captivated. It was a live broadcast of a boxing match on a cruise ship.

Nothing special, he thought.

"What are you watching?" he asked, perplexed as to why she seemed so engrossed.

Stella's eyes were fixed on a man sprawled out on the ring, bloodied but oddly familiar. Despite the mess, she could see a resemblance to someone she knew.

He looked a lot like Yorick. No, he looked even more like Thane.

Xander noticed it too. "Isn't that your fiancé from Portis City? What's he doing, trying to be a punching bag?"

It was less of a legitimate boxing match and more a place for rich people to blow off steam. The poor guy on the floor clearly wasn't there to win.

Stella turned away, refusing to engage, but Xander wasn't one to be ignored. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"Stella, you're getting bolder these days, aren't you?"

"Let go," Stella snapped, grabbing his wrist.

This time, Xander released her almost reflexively. He knew she could bite, and he preferred to keep a safe distance from her mouth.

"Your phone's been ringing," Stella pointed out, breaking the tension.

Xander shot her an annoyed look before checking it.

It was from Shawn.

He answered, "Is he dead?"

"Bro, you're heartless," Shawn's voice came through, full of frustration. "You practically set Ronald on me. What's your game here?"

"Get to the point," Xander said, not in the mood for his theatrics.

"Ronald's using me as collateral for Stella," Shawn explained.

Xander raised an eyebrow. "And you think you're worth it?"

"You're impossible! Aren't we supposed to be family?" Shawn's anger was palpable.

Xander didn't bother replying. Instead, he took a drag from his cigarette, his gaze shifting to Stella. He considered blowing the smoke her way but decided against it when she shot him a warning look. Instead, he exhaled in another direction.

"Plus, he's got Bernie," Shawn added.

Xander paused, taking in this new piece of information. He took another drag, then glanced at Stella, who was watching him with a knowing smile.

Too calm. Too mocking.