A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 383

Since this was the Yelchin estate, Tanya didn't want to stay the night. She kept Starla company for a while longer before leaving.

...

Darleen, Xenia, and Brinley finally stumbled back to the house after more than two hours of walking, all three on the verge of collapse.

In the living room, Starla was lounging on a chaise by the French windows, a book in her hands, looking the picture of gentle elegance. But the three women knew all too well the venom that lurked beneath that serene facade.

Brinley shot Starla a look filled with hatred before clenching her fists and heading straight upstairs.

Darleen marched up to Starla. “Tell me,” she demanded, her voice tight with suppressed rage, “how much money will it take for you to finally sign the divorce papers?”

She had been asking this question for days, desperate to get Starla out of their home. With Herbert backing her, she was ruthless and unstoppable. While they had a plan for Xenia to win Herbert over, it would take time—time they didn't have. If money could make her leave, any amount would be a blessing for the entire Yelchin family.

Hearing the grit in Darleen’s voice, Starla closed her book and looked up. Her gaze was so sharp it made Darleen’s heart tremble.

“Just take your people and get out of the Yelchin house right now, and the five billion is all yours,” Darleen said, rushing the words out, afraid Starla might change her mind.

“Five billion isn't enough anymore,” Starla replied calmly.

“Then what do you want? Don’t you think that’s more than enough? Don’t forget where you come from, or what five billion dollars could mean for you! You could take that money and live any life you want. Why waste your time fighting with us here?” Darleen pleaded.

When Xenia heard Starla say it wasn't enough, her heart leaped into her throat. She and Brinley had already been blaming Darleen for being so difficult about the divorce in the first place. If she had just given Starla what she wanted then, they wouldn't be in this mess. Starla would have been long gone, with no legitimate reason to return and torment them.