Chapter 280 

Over the years, the Lugar family’s relentless search for Stella had only proven how much they treasured her. Cloudia was livid, her heart pounding with rage. “Why did I ever bring her into this world? I should have never brought her back. Growing up with the Lugars, she’s brought us nothing but trouble.” 

The thought of all the company issues Stella had stirred up made Cloudia’s anger boil over. 

Jaxon opened his mouth, about to respond, when his phone rang. He answered curtly, “Hello?” 

“Sir,” came the assistant’s voice, heavy with unease. 

Jaxon, cold as ice, spat out, “Speak.” 

“Miss Ursula can’t leave the country.” 

Jaxon’s eyes widened at the words. He instinctively glanced at Cloudia before pressing on with a strained voice, “What do you mean by that?” 

“No country is accepting her. Her passport has been flagged, and she can’t buy a ticket.” 

Jaxon’s heart pounded. He wasn’t naive; with everything happening around Stella, it was clear who was behind this. Was she really trying to trap Ursula? 

“Then go to another city,” Jaxon growled through gritted teeth. 

If leaving the country wasn’t possible, at least they could move Ursula to another city–anywhere but Portis City. They’d figure something out once they were out of there. 

“That’s impossible too. She’s restricted to Portis City. I’ve tried everything–land, sea, air–there’s no way out.” 

Jaxon felt a sinking weight in his chest. 

No way out? Even hospitals were refusing to admit Ursula, and no doctor would make a house call. Stella was truly pushing them to the brink. 

& 

His face turned ashen as he ended the call. 

Cloudia had overheard the conversation. 

“Ursula can’t leave the country, or even the city?” she asked, her voice tinged with desperation. 

Jaxon closed his eyes, anger simmering beneath the surface, and gave a stiff nod. 

“Yes.” 

“How could she do this to Ursula? She’s practically killing her!” Cloudia exclaimed. “I need to call your father 

She dialed Blaise, but after just two rings, the call was cut off. Frustrated, she tried again, only for the same thing to happen. 

ebu 

Just then, Jaxon’s phone buzzed again. It was someone from the company. 

As soon as he picked up, a project manager’s tense voice came through. “Mr. Larkin, our partnership on the Windmere project is being terminated.” 

“What?” 

“They’re adamant, sir. They’re not even willing to pay the penalty and are threatening legal action.” 

For a moment, Jaxon was speechless. Windmere was one of the few valuable projects they had left. Were they trying to drive them out of business? 

“Where’s my father? He should be at the company by now, right?” 

“He’s not here,” the manager replied, his voice heavy with anxiety. 

14:23 

– 

fapter 280 

Jaxon’s breath quickened. He glanced at Cloudia, who was too consumed by her worry over Ursula to notice the conversation. 

Jaxon felt like his head was about to explode. “I’ll be there soon.” 

His father had mentioned working late before he left- so why wasn’t he at the company now? 

Meanwhile, in Mist Bay, Stella was sulking, her glare fixed on Ronald. 

He chuckled, giving her cheek a playful pinch, clearly amused. 

Stella huffed and turned her face away, her expression as stubborn as ever. 

Ronald, unfazed, wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “Come on, let’s get some sleep.” 

Stella pouted. “I’m not talking to you.” 

He had the nerve to make her do something like that. 

Ugh! 

Ronald smirked. “You don’t really have a choice.” 

Frustrated, Stella rubbed her head against his chest. Ronald’s low laughter rumbled above her. “Alright, alright. 

Let’s not start a ruckus.” 

Stella grumbled, “No more of that next time.” 

Ronald didn’t respond. Instead, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. 

Stella narrowed her eyes. “Did you hear me?” 

What was with his silence? Did he plan on doing it again? 

Ronald warned, “If you don’t sleep, I might come up with something even more mischievous.” 

Stella blinked in surprise. What could be worse than what he’d already done? 

Though thoroughly annoyed, she decided not to challenge him further, fearing he might actually follow through on his threat.