Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 161

Haskell met his father’s tirade with a faint, chilling smile. “So that’s what this is all about.”

“Is this not something to be angry about?” Thatch bellowed, kicking a nearby table with such force that it overturned with a deafening crash.

Haskell’s expression didn’t flicker. “Dad, do I need to remind you again that you have to ask me for every penny you spend? Even if you’re dissatisfied, you should have the sense to hold your tongue. How dare you question me?”

Thatch’s eyes bulged. “Because I am your father!”

A soft, derisive laugh escaped Haskell’s lips. “You should be grateful you’re my father. It’s the only reason I haven’t laid a hand on you and have merely cut off your allowance.”

“You would dare strike your own father?!” Thatch’s face turned purple, a vein pulsing in his forehead. “You insolent brat! You’re just as unreasonable as your mother!”

At the mention of his mother, Haskell’s eyes turned to ice. He motioned for Crispin to hand him a file, then threw it at Thatch.

“You are not worthy to speak my mother’s name. See for yourself why I shattered Valeria’s kneecaps.”

“My duty is conditional on you being worthy of it. And are you?” Haskell’s gaze was sharp and probing. “I’m starting to suspect. Was Valeria’s kidnapping your plan all along? Was the goal to get rid of me? So you could take my place in the Palmer family, publicly acknowledge Valeria, and have no one stand in your way?”

At this, a flicker of guilt crossed Thatch’s eyes. But he was a seasoned actor and quickly masked it with indignation. “Now you’re just spouting nonsense! Do you think I’m as heartless as you? You turned on the sister you lived with for three years and your own brother! You are my son. How could I ever wish for your death?”

Haskell watched the performance with detached amusement. “You know perfectly well whether you were involved or not. But honestly, even if you did manage to get rid of me, do you, Valeria, and Draven truly have what it takes to manage the empire I’ve built for this family? Do you think Grandpa is blind? Do you think he would hand the Palmer family over to you? There are too many vultures in this family, watching and waiting. The moment I fall, your dear brothers and sisters will pick you clean. In the end, you’ll be left with nothing.”