Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 348

“And don’t even think about running to your grandfather,” he added. “If you tell him about this, don’t blame me for what happens to your mother. If you think you’re brave enough to call my bluff, go ahead. We’ll see who ends up suffering.”

Before Larissa could respond, he hung up.

Wren, having overheard the conversation, was aghast. “He’s lost his mind! How could he dare to harm Madam?”

Larissa set her phone down on the table with a wry smile. “He’s a cornered dog. He knows he’s about to lose everything, so he’s willing to risk it all on one last gamble.”

Wren’s face was still pale. “What do we do now, miss? I saw your parents didn’t come home last night, but I just assumed they were out enjoying themselves. I never imagined something like this could happen…”

“Don’t worry, Wren,” Larissa reassured her. “My mother is fine. My father is with her. They’ll be back soon.”

Seeing her calm demeanor, Wren’s frantic heart finally settled. “Oh, thank goodness.”

After breakfast, Larissa received a text from Haskell.

[Larissa, I’m on my way.]

She typed back a reply.

[Perfect timing. Paxton just called to threaten me. I played along for a bit, and he’s so smug right now. I can’t wait to see his face when he realizes he’s been played.]

His response was two simple words: [Helpless fury.]

In the bed, Leopold, who had been conscious the whole time, felt a surge of elation. He was finally going to wake up! At last, he could expose Honora for who she truly was!

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Honora exclaimed, grabbing Finley’s arm. Then she noticed the bruise on his forehead. “Finley, what happened to your head?”

Seeing the genuine concern in her eyes, Finley’s heart softened.

It was a look he had never seen from Larissa. This was the difference. He had admitted his mistakes and offered to make amends, but Larissa had given him no chance. Last night, as he lay in agony, she had simply walked away, leaving him for dead. Her coldness had chilled him to the bone.

He remembered her words—that he would regret giving Honora his chance at a cure. He didn’t understand. Why would he regret it? Even if he suffered, he would never regret giving Honora her beauty back.