Cross handle faucet would not come off

[Codrin]

My bathroom faucet is leaking (hot water) and I want to replace the cartridge. Turned off the water, turned the handle to the open position, unscrewed the metallic bonnet, but when I pull on the cross handle, it wouldn't come off. There is no screw on top of the handle, there is no hex screw on the side and there is no anti-vandal tap under the cross handle. It doesn't look like the faucet handle puller would work in this case. am I supposed to pull harder on the handle? Is there a different way that would allow me to change the cartridge? I do not know the brand & model of the faucet. I am attaching photos. Thank you for your help.