Yorick snapped, "Don't come to me about her anymore."

"What?"

Before Cloudia could respond, Yorick hung up.

Hearing the dial tone, Cloudia instinctively gripped her phone tighter. Her eyes narrowed as she looked over at Ursula.

Ursula's breath hitched, and her face turned pale after hearing Yorick's words.

Almost breathless with disbelief, Cloudia demanded, "What's going on between you and Rick?"

"What happened that day?" Cloudia practically shouted, her voice echoing with anger.noveldrama

Tears welled up in Ursula's eyes, spilling over. "Mom, I... I..."

"You, you... What am I supposed to say to you? Tell me the truth, what happened?"

With Yorick backing out, Cloudia felt a wave of panic.

Good heavens, the Larkin family had already gone through so much recently. Was the last lifeline with Yorick now cut too?

Why was Yorick treating Ursula like that? Could Stella's accident really be connected to her? Cloudia's thoughts spiraled, the confirmation she dreaded seeming all too likely now.

With a tight-lipped expression, she looked sternly at Ursula.

Meeting her gaze, Ursula shook her head, tears streaming down. "Mom, I, I..."

Cloudia's chest heaved with emotion. "Was it you who caused Star's accident?"

"It wasn't me. It wasn't! You have to believe me. I'm not that kind of person."

"Then why has Yorick turned his back on you?" Cloudia couldn't hold back her frustration any longer.

At a time when they desperately needed help, every avenue seemed blocked. Even Yorick, who had always been there for Ursula, was pulling away. How could anyone believe nothing had happened? Outside the room, Lola stood with her arms crossed, smirking at the scene inside.

"Can't you see? He must have overheard her plotting against his ex-fiancée. That wicked attitude of hers, only the Larkin family would be blind to it.

No matter how much he loves her, no man would want to marry someone so scheming and spiteful, especially when his ex-fiancée is involved." Lola chuckled.

Ursula snapped, "You..."

This wretched woman, stirring trouble when things were bad enough already?

"Mom." Ursula anxiously turned to Cloudia.

Cloudia's breathing was uneven, her gaze sharp as she looked at Ursula. "Is what she's saying true?" Ursula paled. "Mom."

"Is it true?" Cloudia shouted, trembling with anger. Her face turned ashen, her breath coming in short, panicked bursts.

She didn't want to believe Lola, but with Yorick distancing himself so obviously, what else could it mean? Yorick's cold demeanor as he left that day and during the phone call earlier screamed he was moving away.

Ursula's tears fell like rain. "It's not me! I didn't do it."

"Then explain why Yorick is ignoring you!" Cloudia yelled.

Yorick had always cherished Ursula. Even when engaged to Stella, he couldn't let go of her.

How could he walk away like that unless something serious had happened?

While looking at Ursula's tear-streaked face, Cloudia's heart hardened, her gaze more piercing than ever.

...

Meanwhile, Stella and Ronald returned to Mist Bay.

As they got out of the car, Ronald adjusted Stella's coat.

"It's just a few steps."

"The doctor said you shouldn't catch a chill."

Stella sighed. "I know."

Winters in Portis City were indeed bitter cold. The chilly wind made Stella instinctively snuggle closer to Ronald as they made their way inside.

Noticing her instinctive movement, Ronald felt a wave of tenderness. He wrapped his arm around her, guiding her inside.

As they walked, Stella mentioned, "Ronald, I'm craving some cinnamon rolls today."

"Cinnamon rolls?"

Ronald hadn't heard of them before.

Stella explained, "It's a local treat here in Portis City. Sweet and comforting."

"Sweet, huh?"

Stella nodded. "Yeah, just felt like having some."

Ronald chuckled. "We'll have some for lunch then." Stella beamed.

As they entered the house, the rich

aroma from the kitchen wafted over, making Stella's stomach turn. She instinctively covered her mouth, feeling a bit queasy.

Noticing her discomfort, Ronald asked, "Are you okay? Feeling sick?" Stella grimaced. "What's cooking today? The smell seems stronger than usual."

Ronald glanced at the butler, who quickly stepped up, bowing

respectfully to Stella. "Today, hol net

have your favorite, the grilled salmon."

"Really? It smells different, kind of too strong."

The butler hesitated. "It's the same recipe. I assure you. The salmon was fresh."

Yet the scent seemed off.

Ronald frowned. "Cancel the grilled salmon for lunch."

The butler's eyes widened.

Any slight indication of Stella's displeasure was enough for Ronald to make it disappear.