Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 12

Paxton’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Dad, don’t say such things. We did a paternity test. Honora has no blood relation to me. It’s just that we’ve lived with her for twenty years. We have feelings for her.”

“Fool! If you’d found her on the street, that would be one thing! But her mother stole your real daughter to put her in this house! Have you lost your minds?” Kiernan walked straight to Larissa and studied her face. Just as Jett had said, though she had grown up in hardship, she was confident and spirited, showing no fear even in this grand house. Her eyes, in particular, were exceptionally bright and resilient.

A fine character!

Kiernan patted her on the shoulder. “My dear granddaughter, I am your grandfather. Your father is a fool, but I am not. If he won’t acknowledge you, I will!”

Larissa smiled. “Grandpa, if it weren’t for you, Uncle Neville, and Aunt Sapphira being so reasonable, I’d be wondering how a family of idiots like them ever became so powerful in Regal City.”

Paxton’s face turned ashen at the insult. Vivica’s dislike for her daughter deepened. Leopold instinctively stepped in front of Honora, shielding her from Kiernan’s wrath.

Kiernan chuckled at Larissa’s words. “Don’t you worry, Larissa. I will see that you get justice today! I would sooner kick all of them out than let you leave this family!”

“Grandpa…” Leopold protested.

“You, be quiet!” Kiernan cut him off. “You’re the first one who should be thrown out! Why couldn’t you have been the one who was switched? A few years of hardship might have taught you some sense! Then we’d see if you’d still be so foolish!”

Tch. Blaming her for his own stupidity?

Vivica finally found her voice. “But what about Honora…?”

“Keep her if you want! But from now on, she is not to bother my granddaughter!” Kiernan warned. He turned back to Larissa. “It’s settled. You’re staying. Pay no mind to your parents, your brother, or their adopted daughter. From now on, the Judson estate is your home.”

An idea sparked in Larissa’s mind. “Grandpa, I don’t want to acknowledge them as my parents. Since I have Judson blood, what if I were to acknowledge Uncle Neville and Aunt Sapphira as my parents instead?”