A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 1339

She had a solid foundation from her time in Marina City. The Yelchin family had treated her like a useless trophy wife, completely unaware that she had been running a company that rivaled their own empire. Taking over operations at the Hoggart Group felt like second nature to her.

Elmer nodded approvingly. "Learn the ropes. I want you to prepare to take over entirely."

Starla's eyes widened in surprise. "Father?"

"You saw your brother today. He hasn't stepped foot in the office in weeks."

It was true. Yardley had been completely distracted by Susanna, and now that she was dead, he would undoubtedly dedicate all his resources to hunting down her killers. Elmer's disappointment was palpable.

"I made a mistake," Elmer murmured.

"What mistake?"

"Raising him to be heartless. When a cold man finally falls in love, it's the most destructive thing in the world."

"Have you ever loved, Father?" Starla asked quietly.

Elmer looked at her, a profound sadness flickering in his eyes. He didn't answer immediately.

"Did you truly love Mother?" she pressed.

"I did. And because I did, I wanted your brother to be spared from it."

Starla finally understood. The devastating loss of her mother had broken him, and he had tried to protect his son by stripping him of his humanity. But life demanded to be lived, and every action had its consequences. You couldn't outrun pain.

Just like her and Fairfax. She had survived the pain, and now she was facing the fallout. Whatever happened next, she would face it head-on. She had already lost her past; she refused to lose her future.

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