Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 476

“I promised my grandpa,” Larissa said, her voice firm, “that I would make the Judson family a top-tier powerhouse.”

No one in the room doubted her for a second.

Just then, Wren emerged from the kitchen carrying a platter of food. “Sir, Madam, Miss, dinner is ready.”

“Excellent. There’s a lot of food today, let’s help out,” Rafe announced, heading for the kitchen. The other four uncles followed suit, each emerging with a dish.

Sapphira watched her brothers, a smile playing on her lips. “My five brothers are working harder to impress Larissa than you are, her own father.”

Neville’s expression turned serious. “As her father, I cannot be outdone. If they carry one dish, I shall carry two!”

He rolled up his sleeves and disappeared into the kitchen.

Larissa giggled. “Are they really competing over this?”

“It seems the kitchen is about to get very crowded with all those men,” Gloria said with an amused sigh.

Looking at the bustling scene around her, Larissa felt her heart swell with a happiness so profound her smile never faded.

“Grandpa, Grandma, Mom,” she said, stepping forward, “I’ll help too!”

…

After dinner, Larissa checked her phone and saw Leopold’s friend request on Facebook.

She accepted it. An idea sparked in her mind.

“Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncles,” she announced, “we’ve never taken a big family photo together. How about we take one now?”

“Great idea!” her uncles exclaimed.

“Wren, could you take it for us?” Larissa called out.

…

Meanwhile, in a generic apartment across town, the living room felt cold and empty.

Vivica, who had spent the entire day at the hospital with Finley, sat down at the dining table and looked at the simple meal of takeout containers with disdain. “Is this all we’re having for dinner?”

“I don’t know how to cook, so I ordered in,” Leopold explained. “If you don’t like it, I can hire a cook tomorrow. For tonight, we’ll just have to make do.”

“Make do… I’ve never had to ‘make do’ in my entire life!” Vivica muttered, picking up her utensils resentfully. After a few bites, she couldn’t hold back her complaints any longer. “Your uncle is being utterly unreasonable, actually making us move out!”

“The entire city knows we were kicked out of the Judson family,” Paxton said grimly. “It’s only natural that your brother’s family wants to distance themselves from the scandal.”

“You might understand, but I don’t! I’m his sister!” Vivica protested. “We were only there for a few days, and he couldn’t wait to get rid of us!”

“Larissa is your daughter and my sister,” Leopold said quietly. “And when she first came home, didn’t we feel the same way? Didn’t we want her gone?”