Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 504

Leopold waited in the reception area all morning. Larissa never came, but he didn’t complain. At noon, when the office broke for lunch, he saw her walking down the hallway and immediately got up to intercept her.

“Larissa.”

She stopped at the sound of her name and shot him a sideways glance, her voice devoid of emotion. “Leopold, you are still a contracted artist at Starlight Media. In this office, you will address me as Ms. Judson.”

Leopold quickly nodded. “Ms. Judson.”

“What is it?”

He excitedly held out a piece of sheet music. “I wrote a song recently. You said you were planning to release something, so I was wondering if you wanted to use this…”

“No, thank you,” Larissa cut him off before he could finish.

Leopold’s fingers tightened on the paper.

Ignoring the look of disappointment in his eyes, Larissa continued, “I gave you a chance to break your contract, and you didn’t take it. So, until it expires, you can sit quietly on the sidelines. After your contract is up, you can release your songs however you damn well please.”

With that, she strode away, leaving him in the hallway.

Leopold stood there for a long time before finally leaving Starlight Media, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

As he left, a female employee who was still at her desk turned to her male colleague. “I don’t think Ms. Judson is handling this thing with Leopold very well.”

“How so?” he asked.

“Leopold is so talented, and she’s just letting him warm the bench. It’s such a waste. No matter what their personal grudge is, she shouldn’t bring it into the company,” the woman said with a sigh.

“Leopold.”

Leopold turned and recognized the man as Magnus, the former acquisitions department manager at Starlight Media. He scowled and ignored him.

Magnus got out of his car, a smile on his face. “Leopold, from the look of it, your sister Larissa has broken your heart again, hasn't she?”

“None of your damn business!” Leopold snapped, glaring at him.

“Why do you put yourself through this?” Magnus said. “Leopold, let me tell you something. Whether it’s with a lover or a sister, there’s only one way to deal with a woman: you have to be more powerful than her! That’s how you conquer her. Groveling won’t get you anywhere. It just makes her look down on you even more.”

Leopold froze, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.