A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 996

If she had hired a massive force...

"Starla, please, just calm down for a second, alright?" Herbert tried to soften his tone, practically pleading with her.

But the softer he acted, the more determined she became to see Licht put in the ground.

Starla let out a mocking laugh. "Now you want to talk to me nicely? Weren't you two feeling pretty high and mighty before?"

Even when it came to something as monumental as her own marriage, she had just been notified of the decision like an employee receiving a memo. They treated her life like a business transaction, completely ignoring what she wanted or how it affected her. When they should have communicated with her, they refused. Now that they wanted to talk, she was no longer interested.

"Just pull the men you hired out of there, please?" Herbert took a deep, steadying breath.

Starla could hear his absolute resolve to protect Licht. First Brinley, and now Licht. It was truly pathetic. Why was there never this kind of ironclad determination when it came to protecting *her*? She had been forced to hire her own protection. And honestly, the only reason these mercenaries were so fiercely loyal tonight was because of her money.

Refusing to waste another breath on him, Starla hung up.

Miles away at the Cyrus Sea, Herbert listened to the dead tone buzzing in his ear and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. This girl was going to be the death of him.

"Sir, should we head to Manton Isle?" Rudolf asked from the driver's seat.

"What's the situation on the ground?"

"We've taken heavy casualties," Rudolf replied, his voice grim.

Hearing that, Herbert knew Starla hadn't just hired a few thugs; she had brought a small army. She was completely ruthless. But what shocked him most was that she had dared to put herself in the crossfire by going to Manton Isle in person.

Herbert rubbed his throbbing temples. "Divert all our available forces to protect Licht."

Silence filled the car. Herbert didn't respond immediately, but the suffocating tension radiating from him made it clear he knew exactly what was at stake.

Would it put her in danger? Undoubtedly. Licht had been relentlessly gunning for Starla lately. If he survived Amos's assault and fled Manton Isle, grabbing Starla on his way out would be his first priority.

Herbert squeezed his eyes shut. The aura around him grew dangerously cold. He remained silent, and Rudolf didn't dare speak, waiting for the final word.

Ten agonizing minutes passed.

Finally, Rudolf carefully suggested, "Should you call Mr. Hoggart?"

They couldn't afford to stall. Their men on Manton Isle were being slaughtered. A decision had to be made now.