Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 448

Leopold sat quietly, a stark contrast to his usual arrogant demeanor. The moment he heard the door open, he shot up from the sofa as if jolted by electricity, a flush of excitement coloring his cheeks. His eyes found hers, and he breathed her name. “Larissa.”

Larissa gave him a dismissive glance, ignoring the desperate hope in his eyes as she walked past him to her desk. “What do you want?”

The fact that she wasn’t immediately throwing him out sent a small thrill of victory through him. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice tight with nerves. “I didn’t expect my fans to attack you like that. But don’t worry, I’ve already set them straight.”

“Is that all?” she asked, unimpressed.

“And… I saw you’re planning to release your own album. Larissa, I can write songs for you!” He had always been confident in his musical talent. “Larissa, I wrote my entire debut album myself. That one album launched my career. With my help, you could become the biggest star in the music industry!”

Larissa let out a cold laugh. “And?”

“If you want to be famous, if you want to make Starlight Media a powerhouse, I can help you. I’ll quit my own career. I’ll write exclusively for you,” he offered, his eyes burning with sincerity.

Her smile grew colder. “You think I need you to write my songs? Are you implying I’m not capable of writing my own?”

Leopold faltered. “Larissa, that’s not what I meant. I just… I was worried you wouldn’t be able to create something as brilliant as what you played at the reception…”

“Of course I can,” she scoffed. “’Heaven’s Will’ was my first novel. Were my next three any less successful?”

Each word was a dagger in Leopold’s heart. He staggered back. “I’m sorry… I… I didn’t mean to make you angry. I just thought… I just wanted…”

He trailed off, unable to articulate the mess of his thoughts.

“You just wanted what?” she pressed, her voice merciless. “You wanted me to forgive you, to cure Finley, to welcome your family back into the Judson fold. You wanted me to abandon my new parents and embrace yours, to call you and Finley my brothers, to call Paxton and Vivica my parents, so you could all go back to your comfortable, privileged lives without a shred of guilt.”

“Well, dream on. That is never going to happen. If you don’t want to end up destitute, stop wasting your time here and go earn a living. Even with what little you have left, you can still live better than most.”

“Don’t be greedy like Honora, who hurt me and then had the audacity to expect forgiveness, all while coveting the Judson family fortune. It’s pathetic and disgusting.”