Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 266

But now, watching them, she felt a pang of envy. She envied Sapphira for having a husband who would stand by her no matter what. What was the point of having wealth and power if the man by your side wasn’t willing to protect you? It was all just smoke and mirrors.

Up on the stage, before Haskell could react, Draven theatrically approached Torrin with two bodyguards in tow, his voice stern and righteous.

“Mr. Dillon, today is my brother’s engagement party with Ms. Larissa. I don’t know who invited you, but now that you are here, you are a guest of the Palmer family. I must ask you to conduct yourself with decorum and find a seat.”

Torrin turned his attention from the stage and shouted back at Draven, “Draven, right? Cut the act. You’re the one who personally gave me the invitation to your brother’s engagement party!”

Draven, halfway to Torrin, froze. The triumphant look on his face cracked. He had never imagined Torrin would just blurt it out in front of everyone. What’s wrong with this guy?

The guests erupted in a wave of confusion.

“What? What’s this now?”

“Mr. Palmer’s own brother brought him here? Was everything he just said a complete charade?”

“I’m not sure what’s happening. Let’s just wait and see.”

Honora felt a knot of unease form in her stomach. What was Draven doing? If he was going to use this Dillon heir to humiliate Larissa, shouldn’t he have coordinated with him first?

Finley, too, felt a sudden sense of dread. The plan hadn’t even started, and it seemed Draven was already losing control.

Faith let out a snort of laughter. When she met Garrick’s furious gaze, she raised her hands again. “This time, it wasn’t me who brought it up.”

Garrick, insulted yet again, fumed in silence, “Fine. I’ll endure it for now. Once my brother becomes the heir, I’ll deal with both of them.”

Facing the skeptical gazes of the guests, Draven shouted at Torrin, “Mr. Dillon, I have no quarrel with you! Don’t you dare slander me!”

“Please. You know as well as I do that we have no history, so what would I gain from slandering you? You personally delivered the invitation. The security cameras at my family’s gate can prove it.”

Ignoring Draven’s murderous glare, Torrin turned his attention back to the couple on stage. “Larissa, last night, this Draven fellow showed up out of nowhere and asked me to attend your engagement party with Haskell.”