Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 232

“Did you know? I found out I wasn’t a real Judson when I was twelve. My birth mother had the decency to stay away, only watching me from a distance, sometimes finding excuses to get close. I noticed her long ago. But my birth father, I don’t know how he found out, but he started harassing me for money.”

“From that day on, I knew I couldn’t be reckless anymore. I had to work hard to make you all treasure me, so that even if you discovered the truth, you would still stand by my side.”

“And look, all my hard work paid off, didn’t it? You couldn’t bear to give me up. Both you and Finley have suffered for me—one in a coma, the other with a limp. I’m truly grateful.”

Leopold had grown immune to her false sentiment. If she were so grateful, would she be injecting him with drugs to keep him unconscious?

“But even though I’m grateful, I can’t stop now. I have to keep climbing. So don’t blame me for being ruthless, Leopold. I’m sure you both want me to be happy.”

As she spoke, Honora pulled a miniature syringe from another lipstick case and injected Leopold at the same red mark as before.

“Sleep well, Leopold. Larissa hurt you so badly. I will get revenge for you.”

Leopold wanted to scream. “No, you’re the one who hurt me! Larissa is brilliant. She’ll never be brought down by a venomous snake like you! You will always be beneath her, and you will never win!”

…

“I don’t want to blame you. You’ve been away for a long time and missed Larissa’s welcome party, so it’s understandable you’re out of the loop. Larissa doesn’t get along with Paxton and Vivica, yet you sent their steward to fetch her. Of course she wouldn’t go.”

“Now that I’ve explained it, I hope you’ll be more considerate next time.”

Josette’s face tightened at being so deftly reprimanded. “I suppose I have been away for too long. I didn’t realize that you, Sapphira, once serene and unassuming, had become so sharp-tongued.”

Sapphira ignored the jab and smiled calmly. “I have Larissa to thank for that. When you’re too placid, people tend to walk all over you.”