Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 404

Larissa shot him a contemptuous look. “Hah. And if I were to sign a contract like that, what’s to stop you from leaking it to the public once you’re famous again? Your crazy fans would crucify me as a ruthless, exploitative boss. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take.”

Leopold grew frantic. “I won’t, Larissa, I promise! I swear I’ll never leak the contract!”

“And what is your promise worth?” she retorted without missing a beat.

Realizing his words were having no effect, Leopold’s desperation mounted. He clenched his fists, his voice cracking. “I’ll swear on my life! Please, Larissa, just trust me this one time! I don’t want anything. I just want to make it up to you, to do something—anything—for you. You can use me however you want! You can bleed me dry, and I won’t complain! Just… please give me a chance…”

By the end, his plea was almost a sob.

Ursa had only ever known Leopold as the arrogant, carefree star of the company. She’d never seen him so humbled, and a pang of pity struck her. Then again, what he’d done with the evening gown was truly despicable. He’d tried to ruin his own sister for the sake of an imposter. This was, in a way, just karma.

Larissa sneered. “Why should I trust you? And I certainly don’t need to use you to build my company’s value. I have plenty of ways to make money and grow Starlight Media.”

She leaned forward, a cruel smile on her face. “Why would I bother with a washed-up singer with a tarnished reputation like you?”

Larissa stared directly at him, her expression a mask of pure mockery.

“Don’t say her name… please, Larissa, I’m begging you…”

The mention of Honora made Leopold lose control. His eyes turned red, and his voice was thick with anguish.

But Larissa had no intention of letting him off the hook. “You tried to ruin me to defend her, and what did you get? You nearly died in a car crash. And when you finally woke up, you found out that the precious sister you adored had stabbed you in the back. How does that feel?”