A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 1287

Looking down at Yardley, Jane's voice was perfectly polite but laced with steel. "Before the wedding, I expect you to have all your loose ends tied up. Understood?"

Yardley stared back at her, his jaw set in a hard line.

"Because if you don't," Jane warned, "you know perfectly well that I have no problem causing a public scene."

When Yardley had abruptly announced their wedding, the Merlin family had been genuinely shocked. The Merlins might not be quite as powerful as the Hoggarts, but they had their pride. If it weren't for the massive business incentives attached to the union, Jane would have publicly rejected the engagement on the spot, leaving the Hoggart family completely humiliated.

Having delivered her final word, Jane turned on her heel and walked out.

Left alone in the parlor, a dangerous, calculating light flickered in Yardley's eyes.

...

Meanwhile, at the private villa.

After fleeing the castle earlier that day, Susanna had been brought straight here to hide. She had spent hours pacing, convinced Yardley would come to see her tonight.

But he hadn't shown up.

And worse, she couldn't stop replaying the whispers she'd heard—that Elmer had unleashed his men to hunt down her brother.

Panic gnawed at her insides. She dialed Starla's number over and over, desperate for a lifeline. She'd rather beg Starla than rely on Yardley right now.

As she wandered near the staircase, she heard the maids gossiping in the shadows.

"Mr. Hoggart is probably still with Ms. Merlin right now. He definitely isn't coming here tonight."

"Ms. Merlin?" Susanna whispered to herself, her chest suddenly feeling painfully tight. Yardley's fiancée.

"The women of the Merlin family aren't exactly doormats," another maid chimed in. "Ms. Merlin won't tolerate Ms. Yelchin sticking around."

"No kidding. I don't even know why he chose to marry a Merlin if he wanted to keep a mistress."

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