A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 861

Hearing Starla's words, Herbert's chest tightened.

Before he could speak, Starla continued, "It must have been your order. Without your say-so, your men wouldn't have been so forceful."

"Starla," Herbert warned softly.

"You know what? You're starting to remind me of Fairfax."

Herbert froze.

Hearing her put him in the same category as Fairfax Yelchin made it hard to breathe. He had always believed he was nothing like Fairfax. They weren't supposed to be compared. He certainly never wanted Starla to see them as the same.

But now...

"Fairfax?" he repeated.

Starla nodded. "Yeah. You've got his shadow hanging over you right now."

"So I've disappointed you."

"That woman must be very important to you, right?" Starla asked.

She had never doubted the sincerity Herbert showed her back in Marina City. But every person had their own internal scales, and sometimes it didn't matter which way the scales tipped. What mattered was when the other side cast a long shadow, constantly interfering with their lives.

Herbert remained silent.

When he didn't answer, Starla pressed on. "So she is very important."

Usually, silence meant exactly that.

"It's not what you think," Herbert finally said.

"It doesn't even matter what the truth is anymore," Starla replied.

"Then what does matter?" Herbert asked. Did absolutely nothing he offered matter to her anymore? If so, what actually did?

Starla looked at him. Was the answer not obvious enough?

There was a distinct trace of sorrow in his voice. But that sorrow failed to stir even the slightest ripple in Starla's heart.

She had nothing left to say to him.

She quietly finished her breakfast. Herbert didn't speak again either, sitting in silence until the meal was over. Just as Starla was about to stand up and leave, his large hand closed over hers.

Starla stared at his hand.

"Just let her get her treatment in peace, okay?" Herbert pleaded.

Starla remained silent.

"You know she has a rare blood type," Herbert continued. "Even with proper care, she won't live much longer. She likely won't survive long enough to find a matching kidney donor."

"So you're asking me to let her have a peaceful death?" Starla scoffed. Living a full life and passing away peacefully was a privilege. Brinley Seabrook had no right to it.

Herbert looked at her, waiting for an answer.