A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 43

Fuming, Xenia stormed into Fairfax's office. Gabriel was in the middle of his report, explaining that the men sent to follow Starla had lost her.

Just as Fairfax's expression darkened, Xenia dropped into the chair opposite him. "Fairfax, you have to get rid of that woman! Look at what she did to Brinley!"

She continued, her voice rising, "Did she really send you divorce papers? If she did, you should sign them! Who does she think she is? There are so many better women out there. Does she really think you wouldn't dare to divorce her?"

Xenia’s tirade was a relentless barrage, leaving no room for interruption. She remembered the days before Fairfax was married, when countless women like Brinley had vied for a place in the Yelchin family. It was baffling that he had chosen Starla, a woman with nothing, and had even pursued her himself. Xenia had always despised her, keeping a close watch on every gift Fairfax gave Starla and using her mother to confiscate them. She was determined not to let Starla profit from the Yelchins in any way.

At the mention of 'divorce papers,' Fairfax's icy gaze landed on Xenia.

"You called her?" he asked, his voice low and laced with a fire that Xenia failed to notice in her rage.

"Of course I did! She said she wants a divorce and told you to sign. I'd like to see where she goes after she leaves you!"

To a welfare home at her age? It was laughable. Her arrogance needed to be crushed before she started walking all over them.

Fairfax's eyes narrowed. "What did you say to her?"

"I just asked her if she…" Xenia trailed off, finally sensing the chill in his tone. She looked up and met his frosty glare, her heart skipping a beat.

"Whatever you said," Fairfax commanded, "you will call her and apologize. Now."

"What? Fairfax, she's the one who—"

"She is your sister-in-law!"

Xenia flinched. Who would ever acknowledge her as that? As if she were worthy.

"Have you still not learned to respect her after all these years?" Fairfax pressed.

"I just… I was just angry about what she did to Brinley, I—"

"For the next six months, your allowance is cut off. You won't receive a single cent."

"Fairfax, you can't be serious!"

Six months? Was he going to let her starve over that woman?

Seeing his rage, Xenia didn't dare say another word. She stood up, tears welling in her eyes, and ran from the office.

Gabriel stepped forward. Fairfax closed his eyes. "Over the years, how many of her assets were transferred to Xenia's name?"

"The storefronts and the country villa you gave her are now under Miss Susanna's and your mother, Darleen's names," Gabriel reported grimly. "Two other properties are registered to Annika and Brinley. As for the jewelry, most of the valuable pieces are with Miss Susanna and Miss Xenia."

Fairfax felt an uncontrollable rage build within him. Even her jewelry? And Starla had never said a single word to him about any of it.

When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with a chilling light. "Contact the lawyers. Have everything transferred back to her name."

"But… Darleen’s and Annika's share?" Gabriel asked, a note of concern in his voice. The entire Yelchin family disliked Starla, so it had become common practice for the female relatives to divide her gifts among themselves. The others might be manageable, but Darleen and Annika…

Fairfax's gaze sharpened. "I said, ‘everything’!"

Gabriel straightened up, nodding quickly. "I'll notify the legal team immediately."

The Yelchin family was already in turmoil because of Starla. Now, with Fairfax stirring the pot, it seemed peace would be a long way off.