A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 131

As Fairfax left, he declared that their friendship was over. He also warned Herbert that he wasn't going to let the matter with Starla go.

After he was gone, the butler, Simon, approached Herbert respectfully. Herbert took a drag from a newly lit cigarette. "Is he gone?"

Simon nodded. "Fairfax looked very angry, Mr. Farley. You..."

He trailed off, then changed the subject. "The main estate called. They've requested you join them for lunch tomorrow."

Lunch tomorrow? Herbert frowned. It wasn't a family holiday or any special occasion. Why the sudden summons?

Seeing his confusion, Simon elaborated, "Tess arrived at the estate this afternoon. It was regarding Miss Xenia Yelchin."

"Xenia?" Herbert's tone grew colder. He had known Xenia since she was a child, but he'd never liked her. She was the epitome of an arrogant, spoiled brat. In his opinion, the Yelchins had failed spectacularly in raising her.

"Yes, sir," Simon confirmed.

Tess had just visited the Farley estate about Xenia today, and tomorrow they were summoning him for lunch? Herbert scoffed. "So the Yelchins are trying to set me up. Looks like my friendship with Fairfax really is over."

Simon remained silent. He knew the Yelchin family was in turmoil, and that Xenia was somehow involved. He'd even heard the rumor that Starla and Fairfax's marital home was in Xenia's name. A woman like that was nothing but trouble. Any family she married into would know no peace. "Tell the main estate that if they're calling me back because of Xenia, then they must be tired of their peaceful lives."

"Yes, sir," Simon said. He thought for a moment before adding, "I doubt they are fond of Miss Xenia either. They probably just want your opinion on the matter."

In the car, Gabriel saw Fairfax's distress and tried to comfort him. "Well, at least she's not with Harriet."

He meant that if she was with Herbert, she was at least safe.

But his words only made Fairfax's expression darken further. If she were with Harriet, he could at least try to negotiate with her. But with Herbert...

"Get me a list of all our joint projects with Herbert!"

"Sir, you intend to...?"