A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 536

“Miss...”

“I want a divorce, not to be your widow,” she declared. The last thing she wanted was to be stuck with the title of Fairfax’s wife, even in his death. That would be a lifelong torment.

Fairfax rose to his feet, glaring at Starla. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. You better pray your luck holds out.”

With that, he stormed out, leaving the divorce agreement he had torn to shreds scattered across the floor.

Garret glanced at the pieces of paper, then back at Starla. “It seems Fairfax won’t be signing so easily.”

He knew he had to inform Mr. Hoggart to keep Starla’s connection to him under wraps for now.

A man like Fairfax, if he discovered Starla’s relationship with Yardley, was certain to refuse the divorce. Worse, he could leverage his status as a son-in-law of the Hoggart Group to cause all sorts of trouble.

“Don’t worry,” Starla said calmly. “He won’t last long.”

She wasn’t as concerned as Garret. With Harley and Annika’s assets frozen, they would only put more pressure on Fairfax. Harley had his own family to support abroad, and without access to his funds, he’d be breathing down Fairfax’s neck. In the midst of that chaos, Fairfax wouldn't have the time or energy to investigate anything else.

“He’s trying to see who’s more ruthless,” Garret observed. He could see Fairfax’s strategy clearly. Annika couldn't stay at the care facility, nor could she return home. At her advanced age, Fairfax was betting Starla’s conscience would get the better of her, that she wouldn’t bear to see the old woman abandoned.

Starla let out a small, cold laugh. “That makes it even easier. I couldn’t care less.”

Annika wasn’t her grandmother. She had no emotional investment. They would just have to wait and see how far Fairfax was willing to take his heartlessness.

…

“She can’t stay at the facility, she can’t come back, and she can’t use her money? Are you saying Annika is going to be left on the streets?”

The thought nearly made Darleen faint with anger.

Fairfax was too agitated to speak. He was seething, and every word felt like a physical effort. He just turned and walked away.

Darleen stood frozen, her mind reeling. She couldn’t believe Starla would stoop so low as to target a frail old woman.

What wouldn’t she do? Darleen had thought Starla had some semblance of a moral compass when she left Brinley alone after she’d given birth, but this? Involving Annika was a new low. Fairfax had barely made it halfway down the drive when his phone rang. It was Annika. He dreaded telling her that she might very well end up homeless.

“Haven’t you dealt with that woman yet? Fairfax, are you completely powerless against Starla?” Annika’s voice was sharp with frustration from waiting outside for so long, and she directed all her fury at him.