A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 116

“Where’s Darleen?” Brinley asked, her voice raspy. “Why isn’t she here?”

She had just given birth and needed support. Fairfax was absent, and now her mother-in-law was nowhere to be found.

Diana sighed. “It’s Starla. She’s been causing such a scene that the news reached Annika. Darleen just got a serious scolding.”

Darleen's position in the family had always been tenuous. As long as the formidable Annika was alive, Darleen would never be the true mistress of the Yelchin household.

Hearing Starla’s name again, Brinley’s anger flared. “She even wants Annika to give things back? Has she lost her mind?”

“Starla has gone too far this time,” Diana agreed. For years, everyone in the Yelchin family had sided with Brinley. Now, watching Starla’s rampage, they all felt she was being unreasonable, especially when it came to demanding the assets back. Forcing others to return gifts was one thing, but to demand the same of Annika, the family elder, was a sign of profound disrespect.

...

Harriet was in her own world of pain. She could only manage liquid foods, and even the slightest incline of her hospital bed sent sharp pains through her back. Her assistant, Clyde, watched her struggle to eat, his face etched with worry. Their partners abroad were waiting for her to handle the situation personally.

“What’s the status with Herbert?” Harriet asked, her voice strained.

At the mention of his name, Clyde’s expression grew even more grim. He had hoped to avoid the subject, but now he had no choice. “Mr. Farley isn't taking my calls. Rudolf said he’s unavailable.”

Unavailable. It was a polite way of saying Herbert was refusing to see her.

A cold fury washed over Harriet. “So what now? Are we supposed to just sit back and let him keep helping that little bitch?”

With a heavy heart, Clyde stepped away to make the call.

...

Back at Petal Villa, Fairfax had been in the kitchen for only a short while when his phone rang. He answered, and whatever was said on the other end made him immediately turn off the stove. Tossing his apron aside, he washed his hands and hurried out of the kitchen.

Starla was awake on the sofa. He knelt beside her, his still-damp hand gently touching her cheek. “I have to go out. Molly will make you something to eat. I’ll be back soon.”

Starla just looked at him with that same calm, mocking expression, her silence more damning than any accusation.

Fairfax couldn’t stand that look. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice coaxing. “I promise I’ll be back as fast as I can, okay?”