Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 281

Haskell’s cold words drained the strength from Draven’s body. All the excuses and denials he had prepared evaporated into thin air. His breathing grew ragged, as if an invisible hand were squeezing his throat. His vision blurred, the sounds of the room washing over him in a dizzying wave.

“No… Bro… I didn’t…” he stammered.

Thatch, who had been silent, let a flicker of emotion cross his face before schooling his features back into a calm mask. He had made sure Draven handled all the details. Even if Haskell had proof, it couldn't be traced back to him.

“So Mr. Palmer was crippled by his own brother! The ungrateful snake!”

“What a devastating blow for him! Not only paralyzed but betrayed by his adopted sister and his own brother.”

“Zoltan must be furious. He finally had a brilliant grandson poised to lead the Palmer family to new heights, and Draven ruined everything.”

“It seems the rumors were true. Zoltan sent Draven away because he was bad for the family’s fortune. The moment he comes back, he brings ruin upon Haskell, the true hope of the Palmer family.”

Haskell gave a subtle nod to Crispin, who stepped forward and respectfully presented a thick file of evidence to Zoltan.

Zoltan took the documents and began flipping through them, his expression hardening with each page. A cold, uncontrollable fury spread across his weathered face.

“Bring Draven to me!” he roared, slamming the file shut.

The seven other poisoning victims, now mostly recovered, stared at Draven with murder in their eyes. “Zoltan, this guy did this to us. You cannot let him off easy.”

Draven shivered on the floor.

Zoltan’s voice was grim. “Tonight, Draven’s fate is in your hands. Do with him as you please, so long as you do not kill him.”

Hearing this, one of the poisoned men, his strength returning, couldn’t contain his rage. He lunged forward and kicked Draven squarely in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. Not satisfied, he stomped on Draven’s chest twice for good measure.

“Aargh!” Draven cried out in agony.