Chapter 88 

Ronald raised an eyebrow at her stillness, “What’s up? Do I need to come over there and carry you?” 

“I’m…I’m just not hungry, that’s all.” 

Before she knew it, Ronald had risen from his chair and was striding towards her. 

His long legs closed the distance before Stella’s mind could even catch up, and in a swift motion, he scooped her up and headed for the dining room. 

Stella let out a little yelp, her cheeks flushing a bright red beneath her mask. 

Oh, heavens! 

“Put me down, I can walk on my own.” 

ald looked down, “Decided to listen now, have you? I thought these years outside had turned you completely rebellious, beyond taming.” 

At his words, Stella’s face turned even redder. 

Rebellious? Well, maybe leaving home for so many years did look like rebellion in the eyes of Ronald, and even Mom. 

Without further ado, Ronald carried her to the dining table and seated her. 

“Take off the mask.” 

This time, Stella didn’t resist, quickly removing the mask from her face. 

Sitting across from her, Ronald naturally noticed her swollen lips. 

“What happened to your lips?” 

The question brought back memories from the night before for both of them. 

The light in Ronald’s eyes deepened, and Stella’s mouth twitched uncomfortably. 

She knew he would ask. 

“I…I don’t know.” 

She dared not tell him it was because of his kisses. What if he didn’t remember anything about last night? The thought was terrifying. 

“You don’t know?” 

Ronald’s gaze on her grew more profound. 

Stella mumbled, “Maybe it was a bug bite.” 

The mention of a bug instantly made the atmosphere in the dining room a bit awkward. Stella couldn’t bring herself to meet Ronald’s 

gaze. 

Looking at her profoundly, Ronald asked again, “Did you dislike this bug?” 

“Uh?” 

Dislike? 

Why did it feel like he wasn’t just talking about the bug? 

Stella looked up, meeting Ronald’s gaze, yet finding no clues in his eyes. 

“I…dislike it,” she stammered, and then quickly lowered her head to sip her oatmeal. 

Unbeknownst to her, her face was as red as a beetroot. 

Ronald watched her, his eyes softening with intense affection. 

Stella hurriedly finished her breakfast and scurried off, looking very much like she was fleeing. 

Finley, who had just come in, caught a glimpse of Stella’s flushed face as he passed her. He turned to Ronald, “What did you do to make her blush so early in the morning?” 

“Curious?” Ronald shot Finley a knowing look. 

Finley felt the weight of his gaze, his heart tightening. 

“No, not really.” 

Ronald took a sip of his milk. 

Finley promptly sat where Stella had been, calling out to a servant, “Can I get a set of silverware héré? I haven’t had breakfast yet.” 

Chapter 88 

Ronald said, “Move from that spot. Sit somewhere else.” 

“Huh? What do you mean?” Finley was confused. 

Ronald stated, “Unless you want to join the dogs outside, I suggest you move.” 

Upon hearing this, Finley quickly got up. 

Ronald was a man of his word, after all. 

He shifted to a different seat, “What? Was that Star’s spot?” 

“Yeah.” 

Finley was speechless. 

Typical brother – overprotective to the core.