Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 18

She held up the shopping bags. “Uncle, may I come in?”

Neville studied her for a moment, but seeing nothing amiss, he nodded. “Of course. Come in.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Honora smiled politely and followed him inside. She gave Sapphira, who was watching from the sofa, a sweet smile. “Aunt.”

Sapphira gave a curt nod in return.

“Uncle, which room is Larissa in?” Honora asked.

“The middle room on the third floor,” Neville replied.

“Okay, I’ll go give these to her now.” Honora then headed upstairs with the bags.

Sapphira watched her go, a worried look on her face. “Larissa doesn’t like her. Maybe I should go up and check on them.”

“Don’t worry,” Neville said. “Let Larissa handle it. She’s smart. She can take care of herself.”

Sapphira hesitated but relented, picking up her tablet again. “You’re right. Speaking of which, we do need to get Larissa some clothes. I’ll contact a boutique and have them send over photos of their latest arrivals.”

…

“Larissa, while I have no desire to compete with you, what makes you think you can win? Do you have any idea how many resources Mom and Dad have invested in me over the years? Heiresses all over Regal City can’t compete with me. What chance do you have, a girl raised in a village?” Honora’s voice was filled with pity. “Larissa, if I were you, I would have obediently accepted Mom and Dad. You could live the rest of your life in comfort as a Judson heiress. Why throw it all away over a bit of useless pride?”

Larissa just said, “Oh. Then I guess the heiresses in this city aren’t all that impressive if they can’t even beat you.”

Honora was speechless. A look of contempt crossed her face. “Hah. You’re certainly confident. In that case, I’ll be watching. Let’s see how you manage to kick me out of this house and win over the family to secure your position as the true heiress.”

With that, Honora hung the shopping bags on the doorknob and turned to leave. She hadn’t gone far when she heard a crash behind her. She turned to see the bags and their contents strewn across the floor.

She turned back, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. “Larissa, even if you despise me, you shouldn’t waste my good intentions. After all, you’ve probably never worn such expensive designer clothes in your life, have you?”