A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 378

If she could, Darleen would have Xenia ensnare Herbert this very moment. It was the only way she could finally get her revenge.

“But I can’t,” Xenia said, her voice laced with frustration.

“Then figure it out! Didn’t Brinley tell you to learn from Starla?”

When Brinley had first suggested it, Darleen had scoffed at the idea. Her daughter, learning such cheap tricks from someone like Starla? It was unthinkable. But now, she couldn't afford to be so proud. If it meant getting rid of Starla, any method would do.

Xenia was on the verge of tears, feeling utterly wronged.

Darleen gritted her teeth. “Alright, I'll figure something out on my end, too. I'll go see the Farley family elders again and try to plead your case.”

The memory of her last attempt, when they'd shut the door in her face without even a word, made her blood boil.

“But what methods is Starla even using? I have no idea,” Xenia lamented.

And it was true; she genuinely couldn't fathom how Starla had managed to get Herbert so wrapped around her finger that he would even cast aside his friendship with Fairfax.

Xenia’s question left both Darleen and Brinley momentarily speechless. Come to think of it, they didn't have a clue what Starla's secret was either.

“I'll find a way,” Brinley said, her voice tight with strain. It was clear this would require more effort than they'd anticipated. And given Starla's current behavior, they couldn't afford to waste any time.

Xenia just nodded numbly.

“From now on, you listen to Brinley,” Darleen instructed. “Do exactly as she says.”

Brinley simply shook her head. “Neither do I.”

They didn't even need to check; they knew their own accounts were frozen, too. The realization hit them with such force they nearly swayed on their feet, dizzy with rage.

Was this it? Was their only option really to crawl back to the house and beg for Starla's condescending charity?

“What are we going to do?” Xenia cried. “Do we really have to go back and eat… that?”

The memory of the mush Starla had served them for breakfast turned her stomach. It had looked barely edible, utterly nauseating.

“What choice do we have?” Darleen snapped, her words ground out between clenched teeth. More than ever, she felt the desperate, urgent need to win Herbert over to their side. It was their only way out.