A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 810

"I'm getting that exact same feeling," Starla admitted.

It wasn't just Tanya's paranoia; Starla's instincts were screaming at her too.

"You need to tell your brother about this immediately," Tanya urged.

This wasn't the time to play the fiercely independent card.

When the stakes were this high, nothing was more important than having the protection of a powerful family.

Starla hesitated.

"What's wrong?" Tanya asked.

"Sometimes, when it comes down to a lover and your family, you really need to side with your family," Tanya advised.

"I *did* tell my brother," Starla finally confessed. "And he basically just told me to trust Herbert."

That was the part that baffled Starla the most.

She had brought him a massive, glowing red flag, and Yardley had brushed it off like it was a minor scheduling conflict.

"Your brother did what...?"

"Yeah."

"Well... your brother is practically untouchable in Yoran Country. I'm sure he has the power to crush anyone who tries to pull a fast one on his turf."

"Yeah, I guess," Starla murmured, though she still felt uneasy.

It would be incredible if Yardley truly had everything under control.

But Herbert wasn't some street thug. He was a terrifyingly brilliant strategist.

They chatted for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes.

Once the call ended, Starla was left sitting alone, a deep, unshakeable knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.

She hadn't left the estate all day.

Herbert hadn't joined her for breakfast, but Fairfax had relentlessly spammed her phone with texts.

Morning texts.

Afternoon texts.

Like the one currently lighting up her screen: *[Remember, keep your distance from Herbert. He is not a good guy!]*

Every single time Fairfax messaged her, he made sure to throw in a jab about Herbert being the villain.

As if Fairfax was some shining beacon of morality.

Starla rolled her eyes and tossed her phone onto the sofa. A few minutes later, Kael Shipley arrived.

"Is something on your mind, Miss?" Kael asked, immediately noticing the heavy tension in the room.

Starla shook her head, forcing a polite smile. "No, just tired."

She wasn't the type to trauma-dump her anxieties onto everyone she met.

But the hallway was empty.

When Yardley had rushed out yesterday, he had mentioned he would be gone for a few days. He clearly hadn't returned.

As for her father, she hadn't seen him once since she arrived.

Her anxiety flared again. What kind of massive crisis was the family dealing with behind closed doors?

"Were you looking for Mr. Hoggart?" Garret asked. "He hasn't returned yet."

"Do you know what he's so busy with?"

She didn't know what her father was dealing with, but she at least wanted to know what her brother was up to.

"Mr. Hoggart is seeing someone," Garret replied casually. "So he's likely going to be quite busy for the foreseeable future."

"Seeing... someone?"

Hearing the word 'seeing someone,' Starla's jaw practically hit the floor.

When Yardley had bolted out of the estate yesterday looking incredibly tense, she had assumed their father's corporate rivals had launched an attack.

She had actually been worried sick about him all night.

And now Garret was telling her he was just out on a date?!

Was Yardley even capable of romance?