Chapter 382 

Inside the room, Stella was still deep in slumber. 

“Star, Star?” 

Ronald called to her softly. Stella mumbled something incoherent, turned over, and seemed determined to keep sleeping. 

With a sigh, Ronald picked up her clothes and gently lifted her from the bed, trying to coax her into waking up. 

Stella blinked groggily, her eyes barely open. “What’s going on? Are we there yet?” 

Ronald chuckled, “Your phone’s been buzzing non–stop, and it’s time for us to get off the plane.” 

As he spoke softly, he helped her into her clothes. The weather between Portis City and Cyris Isle was as different as night and day. 

Stella was too drowsy to protest and allowed him to help her. By the time she was fully dressed, she had finally started to wake up properly. 

Hearing her phone’s incessant buzzing, Stella answered without checking the caller ID. “Hello?” 

“Star, it’s me.” 

Tegan James’s voice came through the line, snapping Stella to full alertness. “Tegan? How did you get this number?” 

Tegan replied, “You gave it to me.” 

“Oh, right.” 

Since Ronald had changed her phone, Stella had been careful about who got her new number, hoping to cut off ties with the Larkin family. 

“So, what’s up?” 

“I arrived in Portis City about six hours ago.” 

Stella raised an eyebrow. “And?” 

“Mrs. Larkin has been camped outside, insisting on seeing me. She won’t leave.” 

Stella sighed. Cloudia had heard about Tegan’s return to Portis City and was now staking out the Horner family 

home? 

Her persistence for the sake of Ursula was unmatched. Even with all the drama Lola had caused over Ursula, Cloudia still thought of seeking out Tegan. 

“Maybe you should go see her?” Stella advised. 

“Hmm?” 

“Remember to give her a glimmer of hope.” 

Tegan was taken aback. 

Giving Ursula hope? Wouldn’t that just lead to more despair? 

Before leaving Portis City, Tegan had reviewed Ursula’s medical reports. The prognosis was grim. 

From her years of medical experience, Tegan knew Ursula’s body was failing rapidly, with a life expectancy of less than six months. 

And that was with medical intervention. Without surgery, Ursula’s time was even shorter. 

And now, without having undergone surgery or receiving proper medical care, what hope was there? 

11:15 

Chapter 38 

“You’re suggesting I cause her both physical and emotional pain.” 

Hope might be the cruelest gift of all. Tegan suddenly grasped Stella’s intent. 

“When someone sees no hope, they might choose to end things swiftly,” Stella explained. 

“Got it.” 

The idea was to prevent Ursula from finding an easy escape. 

Years ago, Ursula had attempted to harm Stella in the most vicious ways possible. 

Beyond the car accident, she had tried to interfere at the hospital. If Tegan and Susanna hadn’t acted quickly, Stella might not have survived. 

Reflecting on it now, Tegan was relieved that they had managed to keep Stella safe. 

Had something happened to Stella, with her status as the cherished daughter of the Lugar family, Mr. Quinn would have torn through Portis City in retribution. 

“So, I’ll head to the Larkin family. Dinner together tonight?” 

Stella glanced at Ronald and, feeling the discomfort in her body, replied, “Let’s do it tomorrow.” 

She had no desire to go anywhere today, still feeling the lingering ache. 

Tegan agreed, “Alright.” 

After hanging up, Ronald scooped her up with a tender smile. “Such a good girl, thinking about your health first.” 

“Well, when I’m in this much pain, going out is the last thing I want to do.” 

Whether she was being good or not, the discomfort was very real. 

Ronald didn’t say another word, simply carried her off the plane. 

In the past, Stella might have insisted on walking herself, but today she didn’t. She meekly nestled her face against Ronald’s chest, content to be cared for.