Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella) novel Chapter 541

Was she really that easygoing in their eyes?

Would she call someone "Mom" just because they handed her a piece of candy? Although, it’s not like Cloudia ever tried to charm her with sweets.

Ever since she arrived in Portis City, Ursula seemed to have a knack for stirring up trouble, as if she had a new trick up her sleeve every day.

Even during those two months in the hospital, Cloudia would pop in every now and then, staying just long enough to say hello before she left, like a flickering candle in the wind.

Cloudia's version of motherhood was a far cry from Lottie Lugar's, and because of that, Stella never took Cloudia seriously. She didn't acknowledge her then, and she sure wouldn't now.

Stella cuddled closer to Lottie. "I would never."

This brought a relief to Lottie as she hugged Stella tighter.

"That’s good," she said, her voice dripping with playful pride.

If Stella had started calling anyone else "Mom", Lottie would have been beside herself. After all that the Larkin family put her through, she would have been relentless in her pursuit of justice.

Stella wrapped her arms around Lottie. "Mom, I missed you so much."

"If you missed me, why didn’t you come back sooner, you little rascal."

The mention of coming back struck a somber chord in Lottie's voice. Not just Stella, even she, with her years of wisdom, had never faced such upheaval.

The chaos from three years ago still lingered, a wound that had yet to heal. Her husband was gone, the Quinn Group was in turmoil, and both Yvonne and Stella had been kidnapped, with Stella's whereabouts unknown.

"I'm just glad you're back. That's all that matters."

Words of reproach melted away, replaced by the relief of having her family together again after all they'd endured.

After they held each other close for ten minutes, Ronald finally intervened, unable to watch any longer. "Alright, enough with the hugging."