A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 404

"What do you mean?" Darleen demanded, her face darkening.

"It's Starla's people," Sally explained. "They said this is Yelchin family property and no outside cars are allowed in."

"Outside cars?" Darleen spat. "Brinley is a Yelchin daughter-in-law! Her family's car isn't allowed in?"

"I told them that, but they wouldn't let him pass."

The finality of Sally's words made it clear to all three of them: this was deliberate. Starla was making a point. Arguing would be useless. She was determined to make their lives miserable, tormenting them over even the smallest things.

Brinley thought of the long walk back to the house the day before, and her legs ached at the memory. Xenia and Darleen felt the same. They had lived lives of luxury for so long, they were completely unaccustomed to such hardship.

Darleen clenched her jaw, suppressing her fury. "Fine. Tell the driver to wait outside. Xenia and I will walk."

Xenia's face fell. Her legs were still sore from yesterday's trek. Another long walk felt like a death sentence.

"Mom, I..." she started to protest.

Darleen cut her off sharply. "Just think, as soon as we tell Herbert that she has a man waiting in Yoran Country, our misery will be over."

The thought instantly revitalized Xenia. Her legs didn't seem to hurt as much anymore.

"You're right," she said, her voice firm. "Let's walk."

What was a little walk compared to this endless suffering? If Herbert never found out the truth about Starla, who knew how long this would go on? But if he knew, everything would change. She couldn't wait to see the look on Starla's face when her world came crashing down.

"She said she was worried someone might bring poison into the house."

"Poison?" Brinley scoffed. "It's a miracle she hasn't poisoned us! Who would dare try to poison her with all her people around? It's just an excuse to starve us."

"Just hold on a little longer," Sally soothed. "It's almost over."

"You're right, it's all about to end," Brinley agreed. "If what they said is true, then Starla is about to lose Herbert as her protector."

It was already baffling that Herbert would even be interested in a divorced woman who'd had an abortion. But a cheating woman?

This time, Brinley was certain, there was no way Herbert would continue to stand by her side.