Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 157

Larissa watched her handsome new dad, his face etched with worry, and couldn’t help but smile. “Dad, don’t worry so much. I can protect myself.”

“It doesn’t matter if you can or not. I can’t stop worrying,” Neville said, his tone dead serious.

On the drive home, his mind had raced through a dozen terrible scenarios. If Larissa hadn’t been so strong and resourceful, a girl from a small village like her would have been utterly broken by Paxton’s family.

“Don’t try to talk him out of it, Larissa,” Sapphira said gently. “Just let him come up with a plan. He won’t be able to sleep tonight otherwise.”

Larissa relented, letting her father scheme.

It wasn’t until after dinner that Neville finally announced his idea. “Starting tomorrow, I’m having the company’s R&D department create a device for you. It will monitor your heart rate, and if it detects an abnormal spike indicating danger, it will automatically deliver a defensive electric shock. I’ll also get an immediate alert so I can get to you as fast as possible.”

Larissa blinked. Honestly, there were very few things in the world that could make her heart rate spike with fear, but seeing how deeply her father cared for her safety warmed her from the inside out.

“Okay… Dad. But please, don’t worry. I’m stronger than you think. I promise I’ll protect myself.”

Neville’s gaze softened. “I know. You were all alone before. You had to be strong to become the incredible person you are today. But from now on, your mother and I want to share that burden. We want you to enjoy the carefree life you deserve at your age.”

Larissa, who had never cried from pain or hardship in her entire life, suddenly felt tears sting her eyes. This man was an absolute angel.

…

When they arrived back at the Judson estate, the driver parked the car in the garage.

Finley got out, using his cane for support while grabbing a large bag from the floor of the car with his other hand.

“You head on back,” he told Leopold. “I need to take these gardening tools to Larissa to get the next dose of the antidote.”

Leopold just grunted. He didn’t go back to his house right away. Instead, he stood there, watching his older brother—the once proud Finley—limp toward the east wing of the estate, carrying a heavy bag of tools like a common laborer. He clenched his fists, a bitter hatred rising in his throat.

His brother was a cripple now, forced to grovel. And it was all because of that witch, Larissa. Ever since she’d arrived, their family had faced one setback after another. She was a jinx, a curse. Their parents had been right not to bring her back sooner.