Chapter 427
In the study.
Ronald pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and tossed the pack over to Hugo, who caught it and fished out a cigarette for himself.
Taking a drag. Ronald said, “The Warner family… they’re doomed.”
Hugo paused mid–lighting. He had a hunch that Ronald was only indulging Stella back at the mall, hence why he hadn’t made a fuss.
Who would need big clients when they could strip them of their power of consumption? Stella’s entire empire in Portis City, from StarRiver Corp. to the luxury mall, was under Hugo’s management. Even the future plans for her studio had been in his hands.
At first, Stella wanted Susanna to take over her studio, but Susanna moved to Ferrowland. Stella couldn’t bring herself to trust others with her employees, so she left it all for Ronald to handle.
“Understood,” Hugo nodded.
Thinking it over, he glanced at Ronald and added, “Miss Stella hasn’t faced too much trouble these past few years in Portis City.”
Hugo had arrived after Stella’s discharge from the hospital. And the Larkin family had gone into a tailspin since then.
Ursula was practically begging for mercy after Stella was done with her. If Ursula hadn’t left Portis City back then, things could’ve gotten ugly.
Ronald flicked his cigarette ash, eyes narrowing slightly. “Their existence is an insult to her.”
Hugo widened his eyes. “Them? You mean the Larkin family?”
In a way, that made sense. Knowing your own family is that kind of people would be disheartening for anyone.
The Warner family didn’t stand a chance. They’d already been warned at Spring Hill but clearly hadn’t learned
their lesson.
This time, the outcome was inevitable. Especially since they’d upset not just Stella, but Tegan as well, whom the entire Horner family didn’t care for, yet Uriah had cherished for so long.
Meanwhile, in the car.
Uriah made a phone call, the purpose of which was clear. Just before hanging up, he said, “In a week, I want to hear that the Warner family is bankrupt.”
Tegan was stunned.
He hung up and pulled Tegan into his arms with ease, leaving her a bit dizzy.
“What are you doing? Can you stop doing that out of the blue?” Tegan protested.
Uriah’s eyes glinted mischievously as he tilted her chin up with his fingers, capturing her lips in a commanding
kiss.
Tegan tried to pull away but couldn’t escape. Their warm breaths mingled as Uriah murmured in a rough, low voice, “Still not used to it after all these years, huh?”
Tegan squirmed in his grip, only to be firmly held in place by Uriah.
“Don’t move.”
Tegan was exasperated.
Relenting, Uriah rested his chin on her petite shoulder. “Tegan, I got some news.”
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10:57
Chapter 427
Tegan’s breath hitched, tension creeping into her frame.
Uriah straightened, holding her chin to meet her eyes with his intense gaze.
“What news?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You met Forrest,” Uriah stated flatly.
Tegan froze, her breath catching.
Sensing her sudden tension, Uriah’s grip on her chin tightened. “What did he say to you?”
Forrest was someone Uriah had no desire to see again. There were matters from the past that seemed resolved but still held secrets.
Forrest harbored animosity toward Uriah, and Uriah couldn’t believe he’d meet Tegan without ulterior motives, let alone say anything positive.
It was evident from Tegan’s expression that Forrest had indeed said something.
Tegan’s eyes glistened as she looked up, her voice trembling, “Why are you worried?”
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