A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 272

"He didn't divorce me even after I burned down Petal Villa," Starla reminded her. "So why now? Because Brinley's daughter died?"

"Yes. Brinley's child died, and as for him..." Starla paused, her eyes meeting Tanya's. "He's finally given up on me."

Tanya frowned. Given up on her? The phrasing felt wrong.

Fairfax had given up on Starla because one of Brinley's babies had died. What was one supposed to make of that?

"So he's squarely blaming you for the baby's death," Tanya concluded grimly.

"You know the saying: trouble finds you even when you're minding your own business," Starla said with a sigh. "It's true."

She had been very open and direct in her rebellion lately. She had done nothing concerning the child, yet the Yelchins still pinned it on her. It was clear they would believe anything Brinley said.

"It's unbelievable," Tanya fumed. "Why do they trust Brinley so much?"

"Let them trust her," Starla replied, her tone full of hidden meaning. "I hope they trust her for the rest of their lives."

Tanya's head buzzed. "You sound like you're gloating. Are you implying something bad will happen if they keep trusting her?"

Starla just smiled at her friend without saying more. "Are you full now?"

Tanya nodded. "My stomach finally feels settled."

"Actually," Starla added, "the real reason Fairfax allowed me to leave today was so that when the police came to take me away, he wouldn't be involved."

Meanwhile, at the Yelchin Group, Darleen had spent a full hour in the reception room before calling Starla again.

"What if we don't agree to your terms?" Darleen asked first.

"Then I'll sue. I've already hired a lawyer."

"Who in Marina City would dare to take your case?" Darleen scoffed. The Yelchin family's influence was immense; no local lawyer would risk going against them. She didn't believe for a second that Starla had legal representation.

"I hired the best international lawyer," Starla replied coolly. "Far more reputable than anyone in Marina City."

The statement only enraged Darleen further.