A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 799

The next morning, Herbert arrived bright and early. Dressed in effortlessly tailored casual wear, he looked relaxed, yet radiated an unmistakable aura of power and wealth.

Thanks to Yardley's strict instructions the night before, Starla was treating her new responsibilities with absolute gravity. Knowing Yardley was dealing with massive fires and wouldn't be back for days made her realize how little time she had to get up to speed.

When Herbert walked in, Reba was just finishing the day's briefing.

"Add one more module to the schedule," Starla instructed Reba.

Herbert didn't know what the module was, but seeing Reba shadowing her made it obvious that Starla was diving deep into Hoggart family affairs. He wisely kept his mouth shut.

He took a seat across from her as the staff quickly brought out breakfast.

He was a bit later than yesterday. Starla glanced at him, looking like she wanted to say something, but ultimately pressed her lips together.

Herbert instantly felt the icy distance between them.

He gave her a warm, breathtaking smile.

Honestly, when the man wasn't plotting something diabolical, his charm was utterly lethal. Very few women on earth could remain unaffected by that kind of gaze. Even Starla, who had sworn off blind romance, felt her heart flutter under the weight of his gentle stare.

"Why so quiet?" Herbert asked softly.

"I'm just exhausted from the past two days. I don't have the energy to talk."

The truth was, she didn't know what to say. Garret was still digging. She just prayed he wouldn't unearth something that would permanently shatter her trust in him.

"Starla."

"Hm?"

"You can ask me anything," Herbert said, his voice lowering intimately. "I want us to be completely transparent with each other."

Starla's grip on her spoon tightened until her knuckles turned white. She shot him a guarded look but didn't say a word. She just stared at him, her eyes searching his.

Herbert's voice was dangerously low. "Was that a text from Fairfax?"

"Just ignore him. He's as shameless as ever."

He had been shameless during their marriage, but this post-divorce stalking was hitting new lows. Calling her *wifey* and sending her good morning and goodnight texts?

*Good morning. Goodnight.*

He had a million chances to say those words to her face when they lived in the same house. He never did. Now that they were divorced, he was suddenly playing the devoted husband? It was pathetic.

Herbert's face was carved from granite, but he remained silent.

Starla left with Reba.

The second she was out the door, Herbert strode to his car. He yanked the door shut and snapped at Rudolf in the front seat, "What's the status of our operatives in the Cyrus Sea?"