A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 1070

She hadn't spent enough time with Herbert to know him inside and out. But Fairfax?

"You, on the other hand," she said, her voice dripping with disdain, "I see you perfectly clearly."

Fairfax stiffened, his face draining of color.

"Don't pretend you care about me. A man like you doesn't have a heart. You don't even know the first thing about basic respect, let alone love."

In her eyes, he was entirely worthless. Every word felt like a knife twisting in his gut.

"You really think I don't love you?"

"Don't you think it's a joke to even say that right now? We're hardly in a position to discuss love."

Love? It was the most absurd thing she had ever heard, especially coming from him right now.

"You're right," Fairfax muttered. "It's not the right time."

The moment the question left his lips, he realized how pathetic it sounded. It was a complete joke.

They fell into silence again. After what felt like hours, Starla spoke up.

"Do you honestly think you'll get Susanna back this time?"

Fairfax's heart skipped a beat. To be honest, that was his biggest fear. Would Yardley actually hand her over?

"Since you've already decided to sacrifice me, I just want to make sure your betrayal at least gets you what you want."

She wasn't yelling, but every word she spoke was a targeted strike to his heart.

Throughout the journey, Fairfax had been agonizing over the same thought: What if Yardley took Starla but refused to release Susanna? What would he do then? The fact that Starla was bringing it up meant she already knew his answer.

Fairfax couldn't speak. He just stared at her. Starla's cynical smirk made it painfully clear she saw right through him.

"I'm sorry," he finally choked out.

It was a confession. He admitted she was right. He hadn't wanted it to come to this, but he was powerless to change it. The circumstances were forcing his hand, driving him into a corner he couldn't escape.