A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 171

Fairfax’s grip on the phone tightened. He was about to say more when the line went dead with a series of beeps.

Gabriel hurried down the stairs, finding Fairfax sitting in his car. He approached respectfully. "Sir."

"Why does she know what I told you?" Fairfax demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

He was referring to Starla. Tanya’s words on the phone made it clear that Starla was aware of his intentions.

Gabriel froze for a second. “You mean Mrs. Yelchin knows? I didn't tell her anything, sir. I can't even get through to her phone.”

He denied it quickly and truthfully. He hadn’t spoken to Starla; there was no way to pass on the message.

“Could it have been your mother or Ms. Xenia?” Gabriel ventured.

It was plausible. Whether they knew the full details or not, they were certainly capable of stirring up trouble with Starla.

Fairfax’s head throbbed with anger. He slammed his fists onto the steering wheel hard. The back of his hand, where the IV had been, immediately started bleeding again.

Gabriel saw the blood and was alarmed. “Sir, we should get a doctor to look at that.”

But Fairfax ignored him, grabbing his phone and dialing Darleen’s number.

It was the middle of the night. After two attempts, she finally answered, her voice groggy. “Fairfax?”

“Starla and I are not getting divorced,” he snarled, all respect for his mother gone from his tone. “So you can stop wasting your energy.”

On the other end of the line, Darleen was still half-asleep and confused by his sudden call. “What are you talking about?”

It was a restless night for everyone—everyone except Starla. The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed, only to find Tanya sitting on the bed, staring at her resentfully. The dark circles under her eyes were a clear sign of a bad night’s sleep.

“Couldn’t get used to the bed?” Starla asked. She herself could sleep anywhere, anytime.

“Did you seriously not hear me on the phone last night?” Tanya grumbled.

“You were on the phone? I had no idea.”

"You kicked me! You didn't hear my phone buzzing?"

"I forgot," Starla said with a shrug.