A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 56

"Pick me up at my biotech company this afternoon," Starla said.

"Of course. I'll be there at four," Garret replied softly.

"Has the miscarriage form been released?" she asked.

"Yes, it's out. Today's traffic is even higher than yesterday's."

A slow smile spread across Starla's face. "Excellent."

The entire Yelchin family must be in an uproar. Brinley was so proud of having them and her wealthy mother in her corner. Today, she would learn that none of them could protect her.

"Tomorrow," Starla continued, "release the details of my car accident from two years ago."

"Understood."

Starla lifted a spoonful of soup, blew on it gently, and then took a sip. One piece of the puzzle a day. Each day would bring a new layer of torment for Brinley. Starla wanted her to suffer, to live in a state of slow, agonizing dread.

After a simple breakfast, she had Garret drive her to the biotech company. The car pulled up in front of Epoch Plaza. Just as Starla was about to get out, Garret stopped her. "Should I come back to pick you up for lunch?"

"No, that's alright," she said, shaking her head. The research was in a formative stage, and she was busy.

"In that case, I'll bring lunch to you. Your brother was very clear that you shouldn't be eating out right now."

Starla paused for a moment, then nodded. "Fine."

In truth, she felt perfectly fine, but Tanya and Yardley were insistent that she needed to rest and recuperate. She was just glad Yardley wasn't here, or she'd be on permanent house arrest.

After Garret left, Starla walked toward an experimental facility tucked away at the back of Epoch Plaza. As she rounded a corner, she stopped dead.

Herbert had spent most of his time abroad, only returning to Marina City permanently eight months ago. When had they met? Had he come back specifically for her?

Hearing the certainty in his voice, the absolute conviction that she was having an affair, Starla found it absurd.

"You're sick," she said, the words sharp and dismissive. Truly, certifiably sick. He was the one entangled with Brinley, and yet he had the audacity to accuse her of being with Herbert?

Brinley was certainly skilled. Not content with her own world spiraling out of control, she had to drag Fairfax and Starla's down with her. But as far as Starla was concerned, she had stopped caring about her world with Fairfax a long time ago.

With Fairfax here, she couldn't go upstairs. She turned to leave, planning to come back later after he was gone.

But after only two steps, she heard his hurried footsteps behind her. An instant later, his hand clamped down on her arm, pulling her into his chest. His low, angry voice rumbled above her head. "And now you're the one throwing a tantrum?"

At this point, Fairfax was a volatile mix of fury and frustration.