A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 166

But it seemed her mother was right.

Seeing Brinley’s stunned silence, Darleen softened her tone slightly, though the message remained firm. "Get some rest. And think about your future. The Yelchin family will not treat you unfairly."

But her future with Fairfax, she left unsaid, depended entirely on how her mother handled the crisis in Yoran Country.

Brinley's chest felt tight, as if she couldn't breathe.

Darleen turned to leave. "Let's go," she said to Xenia.

"I... I'll stay with Brinley..." Xenia stammered, but a cold glare from her mother cut her off. "Alright, let's go, then."

She turned back to Brinley. "You get some rest, Brinley. I'll come see you in the morning."

With that, she hurried after Darleen.

Alone in the room, Brinley’s composure shattered. With a guttural cry of rage, she swept everything from the bedside table onto the floor. The room filled with the sound of shattering glass and plastic.

"Aaargh!" she screamed, a raw sound of fury and betrayal.

So this was how people were. Her mother's business had a hint of trouble, and suddenly Darleen's attitude did a complete one-eighty. She thought of Starla’s taunt: Let's see what your status in the Yelchin family will be then. She had scoffed at it before, but now she saw the chilling truth in those words.

Her mother hadn't even collapsed yet. She hadn't even been officially removed as Vice President. And already, Darleen was showing her true colors. What would happen if her mother really did fail?

A vicious glint appeared in Brinley's eyes. They wanted to treat her like they treated Starla? They could dream on! Her mother would not fall so easily. She was a Seabrook, and no one would dare cast her aside!

"Then what's the primary one?"

Darleen didn't answer. Hadn't the last six months made it obvious?

"Forget it. Stop asking."

It was just one more frustration. What terrible luck did the Yelchin family have? Neither of their sons' wives had brought them any real benefit. Especially not Starla. Marrying into the family, she had contributed absolutely nothing.

When Darleen entered the room, Fairfax was drinking water while Gabriel was opening a bottle by the bed. She couldn't resist a sarcastic comment. "In other families, when a husband is hospitalized, his wife is by his side day and night. But look at you now. When I say you married the wrong woman, you get angry. A woman who tried to poison you!"

Just thinking about Starla filled Darleen with resentment.