A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 45

That evening, Fairfax planned to return to Petal Villa, but Darleen called and insisted he come to the main estate. Her tone was sharp; Gabriel had clearly moved fast, and the lawyers had already been in touch.

When Fairfax arrived, he was greeted by Darleen's furious voice.

"He's making you apologize to that tramp? What is he thinking?" She was ranting to Xenia, incensed that they were being forced to return Starla's things. What right did Starla have to any of it?

"It's not just the apology," Xenia fumed, arms crossed. "He had a lawyer contact me to return everything that supposedly belongs to Starla."

"A lawyer contacted you too?" Darleen asked.

"Yes!" Xenia confirmed. Her tirade cut short as she saw Fairfax enter the room. Her expression froze, and she quickly tempered her anger. "Fairfax."

Fairfax, radiating a cold aura, walked into the living room and sat on the sofa opposite Xenia. His presence was so menacing that Xenia didn't dare provoke him further.

The entire Yelchin Group was in his hands now, and a dedicated person from his company managed the family's finances. Aside from their annual dividends, every expense had to be approved by him. Xenia had already burned through last year's payout, which meant for the rest of the year, she had to go through Fairfax for every cent.

"I did what you asked," she said quickly. "I apologized to her. I sent you the screenshot."

Darleen's own anger resurfaced. "What is wrong with you? Don't you know what's most important right now?" The scandal was a raging fire, and here he was, wasting time on petty squabbles, forcing Xenia to apologize to Starla of all people.

Fairfax toyed with a lighter in his hand. "I am perfectly aware of what is important to me."

Darleen and Xenia exchanged a look.

"But are you?" he countered, his gaze sweeping over them. "Or do you just spend all your time watching Starla, finding ways to make her miserable?"

Every single gift he had given her… If Gabriel hadn't investigated today, Fairfax would have never believed it. They had taken everything. How closely must they have been watching her all these years? No wonder she finally exploded. This was why.

"What are you talking about, you ungrateful boy?" Darleen snapped. "We never gave her any trouble!"

"No trouble? Then why are all her things in your names?"

His eyelids twitched. "Gabriel and the lawyers will draw up a list. Whoever took what will return it to Gabriel."

His tone was frigid and absolute, leaving no room for debate.

"What about your grandmother?" Darleen asked, struggling to control her anger. Annika wasn't well. After seeing Brinley today, she had gone to a resort in the next city to recuperate. It was one thing for them to return the items, but was he going to force his own grandmother to give things back to Starla? Did Starla even deserve that?

"I will personally prepare a new set of gifts for Starla to replace what Grandma has," Fairfax stated.

Darleen and Xenia stared at him in disbelief. So Annika's share would be covered by him, while they were being publicly shamed and forced to give everything back?

"Fairfax! Brinley is the priority!" Darleen pleaded. "Your grandmother will be furious if she finds out you're causing all this trouble for Starla."

But Fairfax's stance was unshakeable. "One thing at a time."