Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 323

“Lari?” she repeated, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips. “How intimate. It reminds me of the first time you came to see me after I returned to the Judson family. You were so cold back then.”

Finley’s hand, holding the bag, froze in mid-air.

Larissa glanced at the designer logo on the packaging. “You were still threatening me at the auction, yet this afternoon you show up with a gift. You couldn’t have bought this for me in advance, could you? So, it must have been for Honora. Then you decided it would be more useful to suck up to me. Am I right?”

His thoughts laid bare so accurately, Finley’s face turned red with humiliation. He didn’t know whether to retract his hand or leave it hanging there.

“Finley, use your head,” Larissa continued, her tone sharp. “If I actually accepted this bag, can you imagine how much more your dear Honora would hate me when she found out? Fortunately, I couldn’t care less if she hates me, but the problem started with you, and I’d be the one bearing the consequences.”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Give the bag to Honora. I'm not interested.”

“Look, I’ll give you one chance to talk to me properly, but not today. Go think about what you really want to say and then come find me.”

Finley’s face grew paler. “...I understand.”

He lowered the bag and turned away, his steps heavy. He had done what she asked, rescued the woman from Garrick, and all it had earned him was the opportunity to talk. What else could he possibly do to get her to give him the antidote and spare his life?

Once Finley was gone, Larissa turned her attention to the woman he had brought back. She was stunningly beautiful, with delicate features and skin as white as snow. She looked like a pure lotus blooming in a muddy world, untouched by its filth, exuding an ethereal, otherworldly grace.

Seeing Larissa looking at her, Leila immediately bowed deeply, her attitude utterly sincere.

“Ms. Judson, thank you. If you hadn’t sent Mr. Judson to save me, I… I would have been defiled by Garrick.”

Larissa wasted no time. “I had a reason for saving you,” she said, getting straight to the point. “I want to sign you as an artist for my company. If you agree, I’ll arrange for your protection so Garrick can’t bother you again.”

“Yes!” Leila agreed without a moment’s hesitation. “I’ll work hard and make a lot of money for you, Ms. Judson!”

Hearing her enter, the stranger turned.

“Hello, Miss,” the person said, their face expressionless. “I am your personal bodyguard, 001.”

Larissa raised an eyebrow. Personal bodyguard?

Just then, Sapphira came downstairs from her afternoon nap.

“Larissa, you’re back,” she smiled.

Larissa sat down next to 001, studying it closely. “Mom, what’s going on?”

Sapphira came over and explained, “This is a robot that your father spent twenty years developing. He’s programmed it specifically to protect you. From now on, 001 is your personal bodyguard.”