A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 19

“That’s all your hard work,” Tanya said, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Harriet was a ruthless woman. Countless small businesses in Marina City had been ruined for crossing her. Starla’s own ventures were thriving, and it would be a tragedy to see them destroyed in a pointless act of revenge.

Starla squeezed her friend’s hand. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

…

Brinley’s condition was severe. She was in the operating room for over an hour to repair the damage, with Fairfax waiting by her side the entire time. The sight of his face seemed to be the only thing that kept her calm.

“See?” Darleen remarked with a sigh. “She only feels better when you’re here.”

The moment he was out of sight, Brinley’s emotional state would spiral.

Fairfax’s lips were a thin, hard line. Gabriel approached and whispered in his ear, “It’s all been handled.”

Fairfax gave a slight nod. He glanced at the now-sleeping Brinley and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” Darleen asked, a hint of panic in her voice. “Brinley will be frantic if she wakes up and you’re not here. After what Starla did today, she needs you more than ever.”

The memory of Starla’s two assaults on Brinley made her teeth ache with hatred for the little bitch. She was going to make her pay!

The phrase ‘she needs you more’ made Fairfax stop. His brow furrowed so deeply it could have crushed a fly. He turned to face his mother. “I think you’ve forgotten something.”

“What?” The look in his eyes made Darleen’s heart pound.

“Brinley is Faraday’s wife,” he said, his voice cold and precise. “And I am Starla’s husband.”

His words hit Darleen like a physical blow. Before she could recover, he had turned and walked away, leaving a chilling silence in his wake.

What was wrong with him? Why was he still protecting that girl? What was so special about that Starla anyway?

“This is infuriating,” she muttered.

Just then, Brinley stirred, her voice weak. “Mom.”

“Oh, Brinley, you’re awake! How do you feel? Is the pain very bad?”

As Darleen dialed Fairfax’s number, she missed the flicker of smug satisfaction that crossed Brinley’s face.

…

In Starla’s room, Tanya was peeling an apple for her when Starla’s phone buzzed with a WhatsApp message from Brinley: [Fairfax should be back with you by now, right? I bet he won’t even stay for five minutes this time. Want to bet?]

Starla’s expression darkened.

“Who is it?” Tanya asked, noticing the change. She glanced at the screen and her own face soured. “That Brinley is an absolute bitch!”

A bitch who was shamelessly proud of it, no less.

Just as the message arrived, Fairfax appeared at the doorway.

Tanya snatched Starla’s phone and marched over to him. “Here, take a look at the charming messages Brinley has been sending Starla.”

So, she wanted to provoke them? Fine. Let Fairfax see the true, disgusting face of his gentle, respectable sister-in-law.