Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 100

“You have to admire his nerve. He just got punished by Kiernan, and he’s already back for more.”

“That’s just Leopold. He’s always been wild. I have to admit, I kind of like it.”

“Well, after Larissa turns him down, you should go ask him yourself.”

“I will!”

In the center of the crowd, Leopold was extending his hand to Larissa in a grand, formal invitation. Just as everyone expected her to refuse, she smiled and calmly placed her hand in his.

A collective gasp went through the room.

“What’s going on? She actually accepted?”

“And with Leopold, of all people!”

“This is going to be a disaster! I can’t wait to see how he humiliates her on the dance floor.”

Finley watched from the sidelines, unfazed. He knew this had been Larissa’s idea.

Instantly, all eyes were on Larissa. No one was paying attention to Honora’s graceful movements anymore. They were all waiting for the train wreck.

“You see?” Draven murmured in Honora’s ear. “That’s the kind of woman my brother is stuck with now.”

Honora looked away from Larissa. He was right. She couldn’t afford to have regrets. She was no longer a Judson heiress. If she married a crippled Haskell and he lost power in the Palmer family, she would have nothing. Twenty years of hard work would be for nothing.

“You’re right,” she said, looking up at Draven with a dazzling smile. “You are the more capable one. I’m sure you will be the future leader of the Palmer family.”

After the eighty-ninth time she stomped on his foot, effectively ruining his expensive leather shoes, Leopold lost his temper. “Larissa, are you doing this on purpose?”

“Isn’t this what you wanted to see?” she asked innocently.

“What do you mean, what I wanted to see?” he sputtered, his face red with frustration. “As if you could dance any other way!”

A sly, cunning smile spread across Larissa’s face. “Oh, but I can.”

“Ha! You expect me to believe that?” Fed up and realizing his plan to embarrass her had backfired, Leopold gave up. “Forget it! I’m done!”

He tried to pull his hand away, but at that exact moment, Larissa’s entire posture changed. Her steps became light, graceful, and perfectly in time with the music.

Leopold froze, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. He cautiously followed her lead, wondering what on earth she was up to now.