"What did you just say?" Finley blinked at Stella, almost incredulous. Was she accusing him of trying to guilt-trip her? Did he look like that kind of person?

"Besides," Stella went on, perfectly unfazed, "there's really nothing for you to take responsibility for. It was just a hug, that's all."

Finley nearly choked on his own disbelief. Just a hug? That's all? He was starting to see it now-Stella was very clearly on Tegan's side.

“Star, haven't I always treated you well?" Finley said, sounding genuinely wounded.

Stella fell silent for a moment. "You have." She meant it, too. Everyone around Ronald had always been good to her.

“Then tell me honestly—do I really seem like that kind of guy to you?" Finley pressed.

"Then what exactly are you up to?"

Hearing that Finley had no hidden motives, Stella finally let out a breath of relief for Tegan. Honestly, the last thing Tegan needed right now was drama. She already had her hands full with Uriah—just thinking about it dampened Stella's mood. For years, Tegan and Uriah had been so good together. How had things gone so wrong?

And then there was Leslie... Tegan had barely mentioned her before, so Stella had always assumed the real issue was Helena—after all, Mrs. Horner adored Helena. But Leslie? That was Uriah's own sister.

"How about I just take responsibility for her, then?" Finley interjected suddenly.

“Huh?” Stella could only gape at him, her mind blanking out. "Wait-what do you mean? Tegan-!"

Did that one hug really lead to something so serious?

Watching Stella's stunned, wide-eyed expression, Finley let out a laugh. “Relax, I'm just messing with you."

Stella's entire body sagged with relief. "God! You nearly scared me to death... Is there any joke you won't make?”

"As a fellow doctor, I'm just trying to do her a favor," Finley said, shifting back to his usual nonchalance.

"Hm?" Stella said warily.

"Yoreland's a tricky place, and your people spend most of their time here in Ferrowland," Finley explained. "If you want backup, you should call Skye. She's already over there."

Stella had to admit he was right. Her

team was as solid as they come in Ferrowland, but outside their territory, things often went sideways hence why she always gent extra backup. She'd promise Tegan help, and she was determined to deliver. In fact, she'd even been considering asking Idris for a hand in Yoreland just in case her team couldn't handle it.

But now Finley was saying Skye Yoder was in Yoreland.

And Skye was legendary for getting the job done. Stella's own sister kad tried to outmaneuver her a number of times, only to fall short. With Skye involved fegan would be the one with the upper hand.

Still, Stella didn't exactly have a close relationship with Skye.

"How about you give Skye a call for me?" Stella turned to Finley with a hopeful look.

"You really want me to get involved in your business?" Finley eyed her skeptically.

"Well, you're the one who brought it up," Stella shot back. If he was going to suggest it, couldn't he at least help?

"I'm not making that call," Finley

replied flatly. He wasn't stupid. If he phoned Skye, asking her to keep an

eye on some woman in Yoreland, she'd interrogate him six ways to Sunday to figure out what was really going on.

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"Finley, pleaaase—”

Just then, Ronald walked in and saw Stella clinging to Finley's sleeve, her voice soft

and coaxing. Ronald's face darkened instantly.

Finley, oblivious to the brewing storm, glanced down at Stella tugging on his arm

and smirked. "So you're not worried about my stinky coat anymore, huh?”

He had no idea trouble was about three seconds away.

"Come on, just one phone call to Skye?" Stella pleaded.

"And you want me to tell her it's you who's asking?" Finley shot back.