A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 794

Starla's breath caught in her throat again. She stared at Yardley, her heart pounding.

He looked back at her, his expression heavy, a deep, lingering sorrow shadowing his eyes. Before she could fully process the emotion, he lowered his gaze.

"In our father's eyes, she was simply too fragile. The Hoggart family was going through an incredibly turbulent period, so he sent her back to Marina City for her own safety. He never imagined that parting would be their last."

Starla felt a painful tightness in her chest at the words *their last*.

"There's been a lot of volatile movement in the Cyrus Sea lately," Yardley continued, his tone shifting to business. "After Fairfax went into hiding there, Amos Kunan connected with Harker. You know who Harker is, right?"

Starla's mind raced. *Harker.* Fairfax had mentioned him before. He was the biggest underground arms dealer in the Cyrus Sea. On paper, he was just a businessman, but for years, he had been a constant, aggressive thorn in Yoran Country's side. And naturally, he harbored a massive, deep-seated grudge against the Hoggart family, since they essentially ran Yoran Country and had quietly suffocated many of his operations.

"I remember Fairfax saying that Amos and Harker hated each other," Starla said.

"When it comes to going against Yoran Country, they will always align," Yardley said, his voice dropping to a deadly chill.

It was better for everyone when those two were at each other's throats. The nightmare scenario was them joining forces.

Starla fully grasped what Yardley was so worried about.

"I have to learn all of that?"

"Once you understand the board, you'll know exactly what moves you need to make."

She nodded slowly. He was right. She had known about her true heritage for a few years now, but she only knew the superficial details. To truly protect herself, she needed to know the inner workings of the empire. Right now, she was practically flying blind.

"You mentioned you had something to tell me?" Yardley asked, having finished his directives.

Starla's gaze hardened. "Herbert helped Brinley."