A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 76

The next morning, Fairfax placed a bowl of soup in front of her. Noticing her defiant expression, his own face hardened. "You're staying in Petal Villa for the next few days. You're not going anywhere."

"Are you putting me under house arrest?" she asked coolly.

"Don't make it sound so dramatic. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you've caused?" He had received a full report last night. Harriet's mansion was a total loss, a charred skeleton. The financial damage was immense, but Harriet’s wrath was the real danger. She would be out for blood.

"And you think I caused this trouble all on my own?"

Fairfax fell silent. No, he didn't. Harriet had struck first, trashing Starla’s apartment. She had meant to teach Starla a lesson, a show of force on Brinley’s behalf. But she hadn't anticipated that the woman she was dealing with was no longer a pushover. Starla had responded not with a slap, but with a cactus, leaving Harriet pricked and bleeding with nowhere to vent her fury. Knowing Harriet, she would retaliate, and it wouldn't be pretty.

Starla took a sip of the soup and grimaced. "Why does this taste so awful?"

Molly, standing nearby, instinctively started to explain. "Is it not to your liking? It was Mr.—"

A sharp glare from Fairfax cut her off. Molly swallowed her words and quickly changed her story. "I noticed you looked pale, ma'am, so I added some nourishing herbs. It might have affected the taste."

Starla, too preoccupied to notice Molly's nervousness, simply found the soup unpalatable. After another two sips, she pushed the bowl away.

Fairfax frowned. "Those herbs are good for you. Finish the bowl."

He had been worried all night. Because she had been so cold in his arms. When had she become so frail? She used to be his personal little furnace.

"I don't want it. It's disgusting."

All warmth drained from her eyes. "Open your mouth," he commanded, his patience clearly wearing thin.

Her lips tightened into a thin line. With a swift motion, she slapped his hand, sending the spoon and the bowl crashing to the floor.

Fairfax's face darkened instantly. Molly jumped at the sound, her heart sinking. Mr. Yelchin had been up since dawn preparing that soup. She glanced nervously at Fairfax's thunderous expression and hurried to get a broom.

Starla's appetite was gone. She stood up to leave, but Fairfax grabbed her wrist, his grip like iron. "You'll drink a bowl," he said, his voice low and dangerous. She struggled, but he wouldn't let go.

Molly returned with the broom just in time to hear Fairfax snarl, "Bring another bowl for her."