A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 935

Hearing Herbert's accusations ignited Yardley's temper. He could hear the underlying blame—Herbert was trying to pin the entire disaster on him.

"You say that as if those assets meant nothing to you!" Yardley shot back.

Herbert had no response. The assets were critical to him.

Yardley dragged a hand over his face. "It seems I never actually learned how to interact with her."

It was the honest truth. Ever since Starla had re-entered his life, he had treated her the same way he treated everyone else in the Hoggart family. To them, these power plays were just business as usual. Profit always reigned supreme. No one else in his circle ever got emotional over these decisions, so he assumed Starla would eventually adapt.

He had been dead wrong.

She had grown up in an environment driven by emotional connections, entirely removed from their cutthroat world. When it came to profit versus people, their morals and boundaries were fundamentally different. What they viewed as a tactical maneuver, she viewed as an unforgivable betrayal.

Or, as she called it, being used.

Herbert didn't waste any more breath. He turned and headed for the door. "From now on, do not drag her into any of your schemes," he threw over his shoulder, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Even as her own brother, Yardley was forbidden from involving her in his business.

Yardley scoffed. What kind of attitude was that?

After Herbert left, Garret stepped into the study. "Mr. Hoggart."

"Any news?" Yardley asked coldly.

This time, Amos picked up. "Mr. Hoggart, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you again. I'm not dead."

Hearing the smugness in his voice, Yardley let out a dark chuckle. "I'll kill you eventually. Rest assured."

They had clashed more times than he could count, and Amos had narrowly escaped death at Yardley's hands on multiple occasions.

"Then I'll look forward to our next encounter," Amos replied, entirely unfazed. His blatant indifference only fueled Yardley's hatred.

"Tell your people to bring my sister back," Yardley demanded, skipping the pleasantries.

"Do you even treat her like a sister?"