Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 29

As the words faded, Vivica and Paxton marched in, with Leopold and Honora in tow. Leopold was limping, and one of his hands was scraped raw.

“Dad, you have to stand up for Leopold today!” Vivica cried, her eyes glistening with tears as if she were the victim of a great injustice.

Watching her, Larissa thought that Honora and Vivica really were more like mother and daughter; their talent for playing the victim was identical.

Neville and Sapphira exchanged a look of weary resignation. What were Paxton and Vivica stirring up now, dragging Kiernan into it?

Upon entering the hall, Vivica saw the happy scene of Larissa with Neville and Sapphira, and a sour feeling twisted in her gut.

She deliberately raised her voice. “Neville, Sapphira, how can you sit here laughing with my daughter? Don’t you know what a terrible thing she’s done today?”

Meeting Leopold’s hateful gaze, Larissa’s eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Why are you shouting in my house, Aunt Vivica? Tell me, what terrible thing have I done?”

The sound of her name on Larissa’s lips grated on Vivica’s nerves every time. She strode forward, her voice sharp with accusation. “Larissa, there’s a limit to your tantrums! Now you’re attacking your own brother? I see you’ve gotten quite arrogant with your new status as the Judson heiress. Today, your grandpa is going to teach you a lesson!”

Sapphira pulled Larissa closer. “Before you start making accusations, Vivica, you should get your facts straight. Don’t frighten my girl.”

Vivica’s eyes widened. “Nonsense! What do you mean they deserved it? What right do you have to hit my son and daughter?”

Larissa ignored her and addressed Kiernan. “Grandpa, I know hitting people is wrong. But Honora was insulting me. No matter what, I am your granddaughter, the true heiress of this family. She’s just an adopted daughter. Don’t you think she deserved to be disciplined for insulting me? As for Leopold, he was about to attack me first. Kicking his knee was just self-defense.”

“You’re lying!” Vivica shot back. “We’ve known Honora for twenty years. You think we don’t know what kind of person she is? She would never insult anyone! She’s been nothing but kind to you since you arrived. You’re the one slandering her! And Leopold only tried to hit you because you slapped Honora without any provocation!”

Larissa raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Honora, are you going to stand there and say you didn’t insult me?”