A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 534

"Fairfax is investigating her and Felix," Xenia explained. "He won't let Felix off the hook. Do you think Felix will still treat her well when his life is falling apart?"

The worst kind of torment was being abandoned by the one person you thought you could count on.

"You're right," Darleen agreed, a grim satisfaction settling in. "She's an outcast now, with no one to turn to. I bet even her own mother is disgusted with her."

Thinking of Harriet, Darleen knew that while she was no saint, she was obsessed with appearances. Harriet had clawed her way to the top through shady means but had always demanded perfection from Brinley. Brinley's marriage into the Yelchin family had been Harriet's ultimate bragging right. Now that she knew Brinley had been involved with Felix the whole time, Harriet was probably furious.

"Exactly," Xenia said. "Her own mother probably despises her. Her life must be a living hell right now."

Truthfully, all three of them were miserable. But knowing that Brinley was also suffering brought them a small, dark comfort.

...

Fairfax had barely left the house when another call came from Annika. Fuming, he turned the car around and stormed back into the main house.

"Let my grandmother come back from the care facility!" he demanded.

Starla, who had just opened a book, looked up. A faint smile touched her lips. "Are you trying to order me around?"

His heart sank at her question. "Is there anyone in this entire family who can order you around? Who would even dare?"

"As long as you know," she said lightly, her casual tone only fueling his rage.

"It's impossible for her to return to the care facility," Starla continued. "Unless you sign the divorce agreement."

"My capabilities aren't what you should be worried about right now," Starla said coolly. "The only question is whether you'll sign the papers or not."

No matter what he said, her answer was always the same: sign the divorce agreement. If he signed, everything could be discussed. If not, there was nothing more to say.

"You're really going to do this?" he asked, his voice tight.

"Yes."

Her reply was firm and unyielding.

Hearing the finality in her tone, Fairfax knew there was no point in arguing further. He had never realized how utterly implacable Starla could be.