A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 248

If he was truly her mother's son, then he couldn't be allowed to live. Everything her mother possessed had to be hers and hers alone.

Oblivious to Brinley's dark thoughts, Harriet pressed on. "You need to get Quest away from Fairfax as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the riskier it becomes."

"I know."

"And about the sick child…" Harriet's voice trailed off. She had been kept fully informed of every development by Sally. The little girl's condition was worsening; she might not survive this latest crisis.

"She's just a girl anyway," Harriet said, her tone chillingly casual. "If she's going to die, at least make her death count for something."

Her words were soft, yet they dripped with a terrifying malice.

Brinley felt a tightness in her chest, but it was quickly replaced by a cold resolve. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll make sure the baby’s death is worth it."

As the words left her lips, the door to her room clicked open.

Brinley's hand jolted, and her eyes shot up to see Fairfax standing in the doorway. He had nearly overheard her last night, and now this…

Harriet's voice continued from the phone. "I know it must be hard, but given the circumstances…"

Before Harriet could finish, Brinley frantically ended the call. The volume had been loud, echoing clearly in the quiet hospital room.

Finally, Fairfax spoke, his voice low and dangerous. "Why didn't you answer?"

His sudden words, laced with ice, made her jump. That tone… had he really heard? Panic seized her, and her face went ashen. If he had, this was very, very bad.

No, the door had been closed. He couldn't have heard her clearly, right?

Wait, what had she even said? In her terror, her mind went blank. She could only remember her mother's last words. And her own final, damning response: "I'll make sure the baby’s death is worth it."

Brinley's breath caught in her throat.