A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 444

“I can’t,” Sally said, her voice strained. “They check every little thing.”

If only she could cut corners. She’d tried that this morning, just doing a quick, sloppy job, but it hadn't passed inspection. Starla’s people were watching her like hawks.

Now, she didn't dare be careless; if they made her redo the work, she’d have to start all over again. She'd already wasted half the day redoing everything from the morning. If she’d done it properly from the start, she might have been cleaning the basement by now instead of still being stuck on the rooftop sunroom.

It was getting dark, making the work even harder, but Starla's staff insisted on a meticulous inspection. Dizzy with hunger, Sally didn’t dare make a single mistake.

Brinley felt like she was going to faint from rage. Her postpartum recovery had been rough, and she'd been subsisting on scraps. Now, she hadn't eaten a single bite all day.

“So how much longer?” she demanded, her voice sharp.

She was ravenous, and the hunger was making her feel faint. The lack of proper food during her recovery had left her feeling hollow and weak.

“At least five more hours,” Sally estimated. The sunroom was large, and the basement was even worse. It was a deep clean, a job that used to be done by several maids when Harriet was in charge. Doing it all alone was overwhelming.

“Five hours? Can’t you go any faster?” Brinley shrieked, her patience completely gone.

Five hours would mean it would be past midnight. She couldn't wait that long. She felt like she was starving to death right now.

Losing her own composure, Sally retorted, “If there were a few of us, it would only take an hour. But it’s just me!”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you asking me to help you?”

“You still need to build up your strength, Miss.”

“I think I’ve had enough,” Starla replied. The constant supply of nourishing broths and supplements had done wonders for her health.

Hearing Garret talk about Starla needing to ‘build up her strength’ sent a fresh wave of fury through Brinley. Starla needed to build up her strength? She was the one who needed it!

Forcing down her anger, Brinley strode to the dining table. “Starla, what is the meaning of this? Why did you give Sally so much work? You’re deliberately trying to starve us, aren’t you?”

Starla said calmly, “I am.”