Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 269

On stage, Larissa and Haskell exchanged a knowing look as chaos unfolded below.

It was just as Larissa had predicted. Draven had gotten the story of her unusual past with venomous creatures from Finley and was planning to use it against her at the engagement party.

And to make the disaster truly catastrophic, he needed bloodshed. Every guest here tonight was wealthy and powerful. An injury to any one of them would be a scandal of epic proportions.

“Draven is even more ruthless than I thought,” Larissa said, her voice low. “I’m trying to control them, but it seems these creatures have been fed something to drive them into a frenzy. It will take some effort even for me.”

“If this results in a few deaths and Draven succeeds in pinning it on me,” she continued, “not even nine lives would be enough to save me.”

Haskell, however, remained calm. “I have faith you can handle it. And even if you can’t, no one is taking you from me.”

“Of course not. I don’t fight battles I can’t win,” Larissa replied. She pulled a small sachet from her purse and tucked it into Haskell’s hand. “Hold onto this. With it, the creatures won’t come near you, no matter how wild they are. I’m going to go take care of this.”

Haskell secured the sachet. “Alright.”

Larissa descended from the stage. She had another sachet, but Zendar and his group would be fine. They knew about her affinity for these creatures, and having frequented her herb garden, they always carried a protective charm.

As for Sapphira and Neville, she had already sprinkled a special powder on their clothes beforehand.

Her eyes then fell on Avril, who was protectively shielding Harriett.

“Well,” she thought, “Avril is the only one in the Palmer family who hasn’t been hostile to me. I suppose I can do her a favor.”

She moved quickly toward the Palmer family’s table.

“Solomon, protect your grandfather!”

“Fraser, Garrick, protect your grandfather!”

Avril, startled, took the sachet without question and offered a sincere thank you. “Thank you, Larissa!”

Larissa patted her shoulder. “Can you do me a favor and get me a leaf from one of those potted plants?”

“Of course,” Avril said immediately. Clutching the sachet, she hurried over to a nearby decorative plant to pluck a leaf for Larissa.

Zoltan looked at Larissa. “Can you handle this?”

Larissa nodded. “Yes.”

Despite the efficient response from the Palmer family’s security, the attack had been too sudden. A few guests had already been bitten.

Over at the Judson family’s table, Neville wrapped his arm around his wife. “Don’t be afraid.”