A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 395

Just as Starla brought the spoon toward her lips, she paused as if remembering something, and set it back down.

The simple movement sent Darleen's nerves into a frenzy. That bitch, just had it! If she would just eat it, all their problems would be solved.

Starla turned her gaze to Darleen. "Why don't you join us?"

"I..." Being singled out by Starla made Darleen's blood boil. What kind of dutiful daughter-in-law was this witch pretending to be now? Why couldn't she just eat the damn food?

Under Starla's smiling scrutiny, Darleen slowly approached the table. She, too, started to wonder if Starla had genuinely had a change of heart. But it was too late. The last two days had revealed Starla's true, ruthless nature. A menace like her could not be allowed to remain in the Yelchin family. This wasn't Darleen's fault. Starla had brought this upon herself!

As Darleen sat down, Xenia and Brinley both reached for their bowls. They were truly starving, and the feast before them looked almost too good to be true.

"Xenia!" Darleen called out sharply, just as her daughter was about to take a sip of soup.

Xenia froze and looked at her mother. "What is it, Mom?"

Darleen said nothing, only giving her a pointed look.

"You should eat too," Xenia said, confused. Starla was finally letting them eat. She wanted to fill her stomach while she had the chance. Who knew if Starla would have another fit and starve them again by lunch?

Darleen glared at Starla, who still hadn't taken a bite, and her anxiety grew.

"Yes, Mom, you should eat too," Brinley added, as eager as Xenia to start.

At that, Darleen pinched her again, even harder. This time, Xenia finally sensed that something was terribly wrong. She slowly lowered her bowl, her breath catching in her throat. Following her mother's lead, she looked at Starla and forced a strained smile. "Yes, Starla. You eat first." Her tone was deferential.

Brinley, always the sharpest of the three, noticed the strange exchange and quietly put down her own utensils.

Starla's lips curved into a triumphant smile. She slowly lifted the spoon again...

Just as Darleen and Xenia thought she was finally going to eat, Starla turned to Fairfax. "You have some."

She held the spoon to his lips. "Your mother washed these vegetables herself this morning. She worked very hard."

Darleen, Xenia, and Brinley stared in horror. The sight of that spoon hovering by Fairfax's mouth made Darleen's heart stop.