A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 103

In the end, Fairfax didn't respond to Darleen; he just hung up the phone.

Xenia, who had heard the entire conversation on speakerphone, was practically vibrating with anger. "Is Fairfax really going to make us give it all back to her? On what grounds?"

"You heard what he said," Darleen snapped. "If we don't return it, this media storm will never end!"

Xenia fell silent, fuming.

Darleen was trembling with rage. "And Herbert… how could he possibly fall for a woman like her?"

The mention of Herbert cast a pall over the room. Darleen's expression darkened, and an odd, unsettling look crossed Xenia’s face. Beneath the covers, her hands clenched into fists, the hatred in her eyes so intense she looked ready to tear Starla apart.

"I was just about to ask Tess Larkin to connect with the Farleys and set you up with Herbert," Darleen lamented. "And now this whole mess happens!"

The more she spoke, the angrier she became.

"Then let Tess do it," Xenia said, her voice tight with resentment.

Darleen froze. "What are you saying? But he and Starla…"

"What could there be between him and Starla?" Xenia shot back. "Starla is Fairfax's wife, and Fairfax is his friend. There can't be anything between them!"

She had been smitten with Herbert ever since she first met him at the airport upon his return from abroad. But Starla… that damn bitch! After ruining her brother, Fairfax, was she now trying to sink her claws into Herbert? Not if Xenia had anything to say about it.

Darleen nodded in agreement. "You're right. Even if she divorces Fairfax, she has no right to be with Herbert. She can forget about it. I'll have Tess contact the Farleys right away."

She had originally planned to wait until after Brinley’s postpartum recovery period to arrange things between Xenia and Herbert, but now it was clear the matter couldn't be delayed.

Just as Darleen was about to call Tess, Xenia asked, "Do we really have to give everything back to her?"

"Right away, sir."

After hanging up, Fairfax pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to soothe a budding headache. A moment later, a knock came from the door.

"Come in," he said.

The door opened, and a young secretary with a pleasant voice spoke respectfully. "Mr. Yelchin, Darian is here to see you."

Fairfax’s brow furrowed at the sight of the unfamiliar female secretary. The executive office didn't hire women. Didn't Gabriel know that?

Darian stepped out from behind the secretary. "Fairfax."

"Come on in," Fairfax said, deciding not to address the issue in front of Darian.