A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 119

And as for living at her in-laws' mercy? Aside from the fact that she and Fairfax had moved out of the Yelchin estate right after their wedding, her recent actions painted a very different picture. She acted less like someone seeking approval and more like a queen holding court.

Clyde knew all of this, but he couldn't say it out loud. He swallowed his frustration one last time. “Ms. Lansbury, Harriet genuinely wishes to resolve this amicably. Please, state your terms. She is prepared to meet any of your requests.”

“So now she wants to be amicable?” Starla’s voice was dangerously low. “Tell her to use the same energy she had when she was trying to help her daughter steal my husband. She can use that to fight me instead.”

Clyde’s face fell. It was true that ever since Faraday’s death, Harriet had been maneuvering to have her daughter marry Fairfax. They had profited immensely from their connection to the Yelchins over the years, and Harriet had no intention of letting that stream of benefits dry up. But hearing Starla state it so baldly was jarring.

“Does your attitude mean you have no intention of negotiating?” Clyde asked, his patience finally snapping.

“She attacks me when she wants, and then expects a peaceful negotiation when it suits her? She can dream on,” Starla spat, her voice turning to ice.

That was the last straw for Clyde. A man accustomed to dealing with the most powerful figures in society, he refused to be disrespected any longer. He stood abruptly, smoothed the wrinkles on his suit, and shot Starla a threatening glare before turning to leave. The door slammed shut with a resounding bang.

“Ma’am,” Molly said, rushing to her side, her voice filled with worry. “You know what Harriet is capable of. Antagonizing her like this will only make things worse for you.”

Starla had already alienated the Yelchins, and now, with Harriet as an enemy, Molly feared she would be overwhelmed.

Starla looked at her calmly. “Molly.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Go and buy a bottle of vinegar, please.”

“Vinegar? But we have some.”

“The one we have,” Starla said evenly, her expression unreadable, “has expired.” It was as if she were merely discussing a condiment.

Starla understood. She didn’t press for details.

Having worked for Yardley, Garret was no stranger to handling such complications.

“Once you’re clear, come pick me up at Petal Villa,” she said simply.

“Understood.”

After hanging up, she was about to get up when her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number.

The message, however, was unmistakably from Xenia. It was short and to the point: [Stay away from Herbert, and I'll give you everything back, including Petal Villa.]