Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 284

Everyone assumed the matter was settled, but to their astonishment, Kiernan took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for a momentous decision.

“I ask you all to bear witness to this,” he announced, his voice ringing with authority. “I declare that my grandson, Finley, will never inherit any part of the Judson family business!”

Paxton’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Dad!” he cried out. “That punishment is far too severe!”

Still kneeling on the cold floor, his back a canvas of blood, Finley felt as if he had been struck by lightning. The world turned gray as his grandfather’s words echoed in his ears. A wave of nausea rose in his throat, and he coughed up a mouthful of crimson blood before collapsing backward, unconscious.

“Finley!” Vivica shrieked. She shoved Paxton aside and rushed to her son, cradling his limp body. His face was ashen, his body lifeless in her arms.

“Finley, what’s wrong? Don’t you dare scare me like this!” she sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

Paxton hurried over, bending down to check on his son.

Larissa watched the scene with cold indifference. “Don’t worry, he’s not dead. He’s just overwhelmed by the shock and fainted from the stress.”

Vivica let out a small sigh of relief before her gaze shot back to Larissa, her body trembling with a silent, seething hatred.

Larissa chuckled. “What’s wrong, Aunt Vivica? Do you hate me?”

Vivica’s fingers dug into Finley’s clothes as she fought to control her rage.

Thatch closed his eyes, powerless to stop them. It was over for Draven. He was lucky to have saved himself; he had nothing left to offer his son.

Larissa looked down at Haskell, whose expression was unreadable. “Draven’s fate might be worse than death. You’re not feeling sentimental, are you, Haskell?”

He looked up at her and smiled softly. “Of course not. Draven no longer has a place in my heart. You’ve taken up all the space.”

Larissa laughed. “You’re getting quite smooth with your words.”

Just then, Vivica’s shocked voice cut through the air. “Doctor, what’s happened to my daughter’s face? Why is it so swollen?!”