A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 1133

Starla remained silent. No one would force her into a choice? Even in her final moments with Fairfax, she had been reduced to an option—a pawn traded away, even in death.

When she didn't respond, Herbert sat down beside her and took her hand. "What are you thinking about?"

"I suppose I served my final purpose for Fairfax," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "He used me one last time to save his family."

Herbert's expression tightened. Though he had fully expected Fairfax to prioritize the Yelchins, hearing the confirmation still angered him. Fairfax hadn't even hesitated to exploit Starla's 'death' for his own gain. The man was pathetic. What kind of man did something like that?

"Yardley didn't release the Yelchins," Herbert revealed.

Starla blinked. "What?"

"They haven't returned to Marina City. He likely found out the truth about your mother's death."

Starla's mind raced. She remembered Fairfax telling her back at Cyrus Sea that there was a hidden truth behind her mother's passing. At the time, she assumed he had just made it up out of desperation to save Susanna.

He was unbelievable. No matter how despicable the Yelchins were, they would always be his top priority.

"It's better that he doesn't let them go," Starla murmured.

She had done a lot of thinking since arriving in Smaro Town. She and Yardley had grown up in drastically different environments, so their perspectives and ways of handling things were worlds apart. All she had ever wanted was for Yardley to stop using her. She was his sister, after all. She couldn't stomach his manipulation.

But to Yardley, it probably hadn't felt like manipulation. Their differing worldviews had led to nothing but deep, painful wounds for her. Regardless, her ties with the Hoggart family were now officially severed. Just like her ties with Fairfax.

Starla's expression darkened instantly.

"You don't want to go back to that messy, chaotic life, do you?" Herbert murmured. "So whatever path you take next, you have to take me with you."

He didn't say he would take her, nor did he ask to follow her. He demanded she take him.

"Keeping you around won't do me any favors," Starla said coldly.

"I don't need favors. I just need you."

What a beautiful line. If they were still in Marina City, Starla might have swooned over it. She used to fall for his gentle, romantic charm. But now...