Chapter 54
After learned of Ursula’s return, she’d contrived some great moves to deal with her. Yet, within a mere couple of days, Ursula was hospitalized, plagued by serious illnesses. Even without Stella’s meddling, Ursula was already suffering.
What was Cloudia thinking?
Asking Stella to persuade Tegan to treat Ursula?
Cloudia should consider Ursula was lucky enough that Stella hadn’t taken her life personally.
“Stella, I told you, Ursula didn’t do what you think she did. Why won’t you believe me?”
“I know what I know. I don’t need you making excuses for her!” Stella’s tone was firmer than Cloudia had ever heard before.
On the other end of the phone, Cloudia was incredulous at Stella’s attitude.
alla should be struggling in the plight. Hadn’t hard times taught her anything?
Cloudia bit back her frustration, “I guess you don’t want your card unblocked!”
“You think I care about that measly two grand you throw my way?”
Despite her indifference, she felt the Larkins all lost their marbles; they wouldn’t blink at dropping ten grand on some fancy piece of jewelry for their darling adopted daughter.
But when it came to their own flesh and blood, they’d nitpick over a monthly allowance, threatening to cut her off at the slightest provocation.
“Next time will you drop me down to two hundred on Ursula’s say–so?”
Stella was certain of it, no doubt in her mind. They hung on Ursula’s every word as if it were gospel.
Cloudia retorted, “So, you think the money’s not enough?”
“Do you think it’s a lot? Mrs. Larkin, what’s two grand to you? Probably wouldn’t even cover a handbag for Ursula without you feeling it’s beneath her to carry it, right?”
Cloudia fell silent in an instant. Because Stella was speaking the truth.
Ursula, with her entourage of high–society friends, represented the Larkins wherever she went. Cloudia wouldn’t dream of letting her step out with anything less than luxury.
“What do you have to compare with her? Your worlds are different. Why waste money on things you don’t need?”
Stella couldn’t help but smirk. So, to them, Stella was a waste.
“Yes, I’m a waste, I love wasting. Is that okay with you?”
Cloudia, snapped, “You think it’s not enough? Fine, I’ll give you back your original allowance. How’s ten grand a month?”
Her tone sounded exasperated.
It was clear Cloudia wanted to end this argument as quickly as possible, not even waiting for Stella’s response before adding, “That’s settled then. I’ll call the bank and set up the ten grand for you. But there’s something you need to do for me.”
Stella asked, “There’s a catch?”
All these two years, she had already got used to it. But the moment Cloudia mentioned a condition, Stella knew it must have something to do with Ursula.
Cloudia retorted, “Stop with the sarcasm. I need Tegan back here. Also, you know Finley Yoder, right?”
“Finley?”
“You both attended the Patel family’s banquet. Don’t play dumb with me,” Cloudia remarked resentfully.
Stella chuckled scornfully, “So, you’ve done your homework, huh?”
She hadn’t planned to play dumb to begin with. Cloudia was just making it too easy to rile her up.
But a request involving Tegan was already a hard pass, let alone adding Finley into the mix.
Cloudia pressed, “Just make sure they’re both at the hospital tomorrow, and I’ll make the call to the bank. Your allowance is waiting.”
All for Ursula.
Stella couldn’t control clicking her tongue, “Just ten grand to save Ursula’s life? Is that all she’s worth to you?”
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