Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 140

The word “unworthy” stung, but Valeria knew she had to endure it. Until her brother completely eliminated Haskell and became the true heir, her very existence was a secret that had to be protected.

She bit her lip, a flicker of hatred in her eyes. It wasn’t as if she wanted to call him that, anyway. If it weren’t for her brother’s plan, she wouldn’t be debasing herself like this.

Larissa, who had settled into an armchair, crossed her legs. “You see, Haskell? She’s still giving you that defiant look. I told you, you’re too soft on her.”

Being threatened by Haskell was one thing, but who was this Larissa to butt in? Valeria’s patience snapped. “Miss Judson, this is Palmer family business. It has nothing to do with you, so stay out of it. Haskell treated me like his own sister for three years. Do you really think he’d have the heart to kill me over a few harsh words?”

Behind Haskell, Crispin’s expression hardened. He knew that while his master could tolerate almost any provocation from Draven and Valeria, his tolerance was zero when it came to Miss Larissa.

“Hey, Haskell,” Larissa said, her voice dangerously sweet. “She’s threatening me. If you’re not going to do something, my hands are starting to get itchy.”

Haskell sighed. “I was going to wait for Draven to arrive before dealing with her. But it seems she’s incapable of learning. If she’s so eager to die for insulting you in front of me, then so be it. Crispin.”

“Yes, sir,” Crispin acknowledged.

“Haskell, what are you going to do to me?” Valeria cried out, backing away toward the open door, looking for a chance to bolt.

As Crispin advanced, Valeria’s heart hammered against her ribs. She stumbled backward, her heels hitting the threshold of the doorway. But just as she turned to run, a glass flew through the air and shattered against her calf. The impact sent her tumbling to her knees.

When she looked up, scrambling to push herself back, Crispin was standing directly over her.

Her pupils dilated in sheer terror. For a moment, her heart stopped.

“Stay away from me! Get away!”