Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 452

Just then, an employee from the marketing department looked up from her computer. “I just saw a rumor online. Gale Entertainment is supposedly bringing 300 million in cash to secure the rights. They’re not playing around.”

A collective groan went through the room.

“It’s over,” someone muttered. “Our new CEO has lost her mind, and we’re all going down with the ship. Everyone should start looking for a new job now. It’s just a matter of time before this place goes under.”

It was already past closing time, so the employees packed up their things and left, a cloud of gloom hanging over them.

Alone in her office, Larissa carefully reviewed the employee work summaries. She analyzed each person’s performance and drafted a new bonus structure to incentivize her remaining staff. When she was finished, she emailed the plan to Ursa with a note:

[To be implemented next month.]

Just as she was shutting down her computer, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, but she recognized it instantly.

It was Lucius’s private line. She had called it just two nights ago to taunt him.

She answered, walking over to the window and looking down at the employees leaving the building below.

A man’s cold voice came through the line. “Larissa.”

“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Lincoln. What’s up? Calling to surrender?”

“That’s my line. If you agree to pledge your loyalty to me and help me crush Haskell, the Lincoln family is willing to forget about what you did to my uncle.”

“Did that video of you and your uncle send you over the edge? You’re calling me to demand my surrender?” Larissa scoffed. “Why would I trade Haskell, the most handsome man in Regal City, for an eternal second-best like you?”

...

In a VIP suite at the Neverending Night club, Lucius slammed his phone down on the table. Milton, his sycophant-in-chief, quickly handed him a drink. “Don’t let her get to you, Mr. Lincoln. That bitch doesn’t know what’s good for her. She doesn’t deserve your consideration.”

“Then what do you suggest I do?” Lucius shot back, his eyes cold. “How should I handle her? Or are you offering to take care of her for me?”

Milton choked on his words, his face a mixture of embarrassment and fear. He had no power, no influence in Regal City. How could he possibly take on Larissa? She was now in charge of the Judson family, with Haskell Palmer backing her up. Going after her would be like an ant trying to topple a tree.

Lucius’s gaze was withering.

Milton scrambled for an idea. “Mr. Lincoln, Avril has been getting very close to Larissa lately. I could… I could kidnap her. Use her as bait, just like Draven and Valeria did with Haskell.”