Chapter 177 

When Idris led Jeremy to the private room, they found Ronald, the sole occupant, lounging on the porch. Upon laying eyes on Ronald, Jeremy stepped forward with a respectful nod. “Mr. Quinn.” 

Ronald set his cup of coffee aside, fixing Jeremy with a frosty gaze that sent a chill down his spine. 

Behind him, Caius caught the sharp glint in Ronald’s eyes. He quickly looked away. 

The man emanated an aura so commanding, one could hardly bear to look directly at him. Was this the man who had raised Stella like his own? 

Gaius couldn’t help but feel a surge of dread. With such a figure in her corner, the Larkin farmily and Yorick had truly stirred a hornet’s nest, oblivious to the danger they courted. 

Ronald’s icy stare fixed on Jeremy. “You expect Stella to compensate you?” 

Jeremy was momentarily lost for words, as was Caius. The chill in Ronald’s tone made their hearts skip a beat. 

Jeremy was the first to recover. “Oh, Mr. Quinn, it’s not like that at all. I wouldn’t dream of asking Ms. Quinn for compensation. I was merely concerned that the ring might cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Since Ms. Quinn lost it, let’s just forget about it. I only hope you don’t hold any grudges.” 

The very idea of demanding anything from Stella was ludicrous. Jeremy could feel Ronald’s displeasure radiating. 

To even suggest Stella should compensate? That might just seal his fate. 

Caius, listening to Jeremy’s deferential tone, was struck once again by Ronald’s formidable reputation. Not even in Portís City had he seen anyone command such respect. 

“So, Mr. Patel, you’re saying this was all just a misunderstanding? You have no romantic intentions towards Stella?” Ronald asked, his voice calm but heavy with unspoken implications. 

Jeremy caught the underlying threat and quickly clarified, “Absolutely not! I harbor no such feelings towards Ms. Quinn.” 

Any hint of such intentions, and Jeremy feared a storm would ensue. 

“Please, Mr. Quinn, don’t get the wrong idea.” 

As the weight of Ronald’s gaze bore down on him, Jeremy couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret. He should have stood by Stella when the Larkin family and that scoundrel Yorick had targeted her. If only he’d had the foresight to recognize the force behind her, he might have earned some favor in Ronald’s eyes. 

Ronald lit a cigarette, taking a drag before tossing the pack to Jeremy as a peace offering. 

Jeremy quickly added, “I’ve confined my sis Sirena, ensuring she won’t trouble Ms. Quinn again.” 

Such devotion to a sister was rare indeed. Jeremy couldn’t shake the thought: Ronald’s feelings for Stella seemed too intense to be purely fraternal, though it was none of his business. His main concern was appeasing Ronald. 

Ronald eyed him coldly. “Are you certain everything’s been taken care of?” 

“Absolutely. If you doubt my word, I’ll have Sirena thrown in jail this instant.” 

The corner of Caius’s mouth twitched at Jeremy’s declaration. Was this really how a brother acted? Idris’s gaze was just as cold as he intervened. “Mr. Patel, you should leave now. We’ll be in touch.” 

“Mr. Quinn,” Jeremy began, but Idris cut him off. 

“Mr. Quinn is already aware of the situation.” 

Jeremy hesitated, his gaze lingering on Ronald’s inscrutable expression. He wanted to say more to Ronald, to glean some insight from his inscrutable expression. 

But Ronald was an enigma, leaving Jeremy with more questions than answers. 

As Idris escorted him out, Jeremy couldn’t help but ask, “Idris, does Mr. Quinn still have doubts?”