A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 31

After hanging up, Starla finished most of what was left of her meal.

Seeing that her appetite was decent, Garret sent a quick text to his contact back in Yoran Country.

Starla rested for a bit after lunch before announcing, "Get the car ready. I need to go out."

Garret froze, surprised. "Now? You should be resting."

"It's not like I'm going to do manual labor."

Garret fell silent. She had a point. He was just being cautious after reviewing her medical records, which recommended rest. But from her tone, it was clear she had business to attend to.

He arranged for a car and driver, adding a security detail for good measure.

They arrived at an art gallery, where the manager, Isla, greeted them respectfully. "You're here."

Starla's expression was grim. "What's going on? How could there be a problem with one of the paintings?" Nothing that left her gallery had ever been flagged before.

Just as Isla was about to explain, a voice called out from nearby, "Starla."

It was Caden. Starla stopped and saw him sitting on a sofa.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, frowning.

Isla, the manager, clarified, "He's the one who said there was a problem with the painting."

Starla was speechless.

Caden stood up and walked toward her. Though he was Fairfax's friend, he and Starla got along remarkably well, mainly because Caden couldn't stand Brinley or her mother.

And because of this shared sentiment, Starla had always subconsciously thought Caden was a decent guy.

She crossed her arms. "What's wrong with the painting?"

"Nothing's wrong with it."

"You…" Starla’s face darkened at his admission.

Caden flashed an apologetic smile. "Where have you been hiding? Your dear Fairfax is about to turn all of Marina City upside down looking for you. Also, did you block my number? He asked me to call you, but it wouldn't go through."

"Hey, are you... going to be in trouble? If you are, just call me. I've got your back," Caden said earnestly. From his perspective, Starla was perfect in every way, except for the fact that she was an orphan with no family backing. The Yelchins had been completely out of line for years, accepting her into the family but never showing her an ounce of respect. Fairfax had been the worst of them all in the last six months. He was all Starla had in that family, and he had let her down completely, leaving her with nothing.

"Don't worry," Starla said. "I know how to pick my battles. If I've decided to stop putting up with it, it's because I finally have the means to fight back."

Caden chuckled at her words. He sat across from her and took a sip of his coffee. "That's true. You've always known when to bend and when to stand tall." Especially in front of the Yelchins. When she couldn't fight back, she endured. Now that she was done enduring, it was clear she was ready for whatever came next.

"Hearing you say that, I guess you don't need my protection after all," Caden said.

They chatted for a while longer. Once he was sure she was okay, Caden asked her to unblock his number and then left.

With no real issue at the gallery, Starla headed back. The moment she arrived at Creek Haven, a maid brought her a bowl of soup.

"What kind of soup is this?"

"It's squab soup, miss."

A mocking smile touched Starla's lips. Squab soup. Just the other night, Darleen had told her Brinley was craving her homemade squab soup. And here she was, enjoying it herself. As for Brinley? She probably wouldn't be able to stomach anything for the next week.