A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 247

Brinley's mood improved considerably. With her mother, Harriet, securing a connection with some influential figure named Arthur in Yoran, their family's troubles there seemed to be nearing a resolution. The news was enough to restore the mother-daughter duo's familiar air of superiority and fill Brinley with a renewed sense of invincibility.

After Xenia left, a call came through from Harriet.

"Don't worry," Harriet said soothingly over the line. "Everything here in Yoran is nearly settled."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Brinley's spirits soared.

The looming crisis in Yoran had emboldened Darleen to treat her with disdain, but this news changed everything. It was a stark reminder that a woman's power often came from the strength of her own family, a force that could make even the most difficult in-laws think twice.

"Sally told me you slit your wrist," Harriet said, her tone shifting from pleased to disapproving.

Brinley's heart tightened at her mother's change in tone. "Mom, you have no idea how they've treated me since you left…"

Her voice broke, trailing off into a choked sob.

Harriet sighed. "I always told you that your mother-in-law was no good, but you never believed me. You insisted she treated you like her own daughter."

Harriet had always seen through Darleen's facade. As the matriarch of Marina City's most powerful family, Darleen projected an image of kindness in their social circle, but her sweet words were often laced with poison, subtly sowing discord in other families. Her affection for Brinley had always been conditional, predicated on Harriet's own influence.

"I have to be with Fairfax," Brinley insisted. "You know it's not just because I love him."

It was also about the intertwined interests. Faraday's death had left a portfolio of assets and investments deeply entangled with Fairfax's. If she married Fairfax, she stood to gain significant control over those assets, including a potential stake in the Yelchin Group.

"But let's be clear," Harriet warned. "No more suicide attempts. Do you understand?"

The news had terrified her, even from so far away.

"I know. Don't worry."

"And what about Quest? Have you mentioned him to Fairfax?"

At the mention of the name, Brinley's expression hardened, a flicker of resentment in her eyes. "So much has happened, I haven't had the chance. But don't worry, Mom, I'll handle it."

Brinley had long suspected Quest was her mother's illegitimate son with a man named Clyde. Her mother's persistent inquiries only fueled her suspicion, and with it, a growing sense of dread. A venomous thought took root in her mind.