A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 230

"Was it for Herbert?" Fairfax snarled. "Is that why you're so desperate for a divorce? I bet he helped you with the baby, too, didn't he?"

Starla remained silent. It was always the same accusation. Every time they talked about divorce, he dragged Herbert into it. After what had just happened, she knew anything she said would be pointless.

Fairfax turned to face her, his eyes blazing with a hatred so intense it felt like he wanted to devour her whole. Just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. He answered, and Darleen's weak voice came through the line.

"Brinley… she slit her wrists."

Fairfax froze, his gaze fixed on Starla.

Darleen's voice broke into sobs. "Please, ask Starla what she wants. What more does she want from Brinley? What price does she want her to pay? If someone has to pay, let it be me. I'll take Brinley's place."

The past few days, with Starla's relentless attacks and Brinley's constant threats of self-harm, had pushed Darleen to her breaking point.

Fairfax looked at Starla, said nothing, and hung up the phone. He walked over to the sofa opposite her and sat down, pulling out a lighter and a cigarette. With a sharp flick, a flame leaped to life. He lit the cigarette and took one long drag after another.

They sat in silence, the air thick with unspoken animosity. The cold fury radiating from him was so intense, she could feel him fighting the urge to wrap his hands around her neck and choke the baby's location out of her.

Finally, the suffocating silence compelled her to speak. "I didn't take the baby."

Fairfax might be deaf to reason, but she still had a voice.

He took another heavy drag of his cigarette. "If not you, then who?"

There it was. That was his attitude, so infuriatingly closed-minded that communication was impossible.

Starla's lips curled into a mocking smile. "You'll call the police and have me arrested. Is that it?"

The menacing aura around him intensified. Without another word, he walked out. His silence and the sound of his receding footsteps were deafening.

She could faintly hear his voice as he gave orders to the security chief outside. "If anyone tries to take her from this house tonight, you have my permission to use lethal force."

Hearing his ruthless command, Starla closed her eyes. He was imprisoning her here until she produced the child. And if she didn't, he wouldn't hesitate to let her rot in jail.

Her eyes narrowed. She picked up her phone and dialed Brinley's number.

Brinley answered quickly. Before she could speak, Starla's voice, dripping with scorn, cut through the line. "You thought your mother's troubles were over, didn't you? That's why you got so bold."