Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 53

“Valeria, what are you talking about?” Draven feigned anger, his voice low.

Valeria clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry, Haskell. I didn’t mean it. I’m just worried about your future. If the Judson family really calls off the wedding, it would be humiliating for both you and our family.”

“Valeria!” Draven warned again, his tone lacking any real heat.

Valeria stuck out her tongue playfully and feigned a look of remorse. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.”

Draven sighed with an air of fond exasperation. “Bro, we’ve spoiled Valeria too much. She’s getting more and more out of line.”

He expected Haskell to laugh it off as he always did. But this time, though the smile remained on Haskell’s face, his words were unexpectedly sharp. “You’re right. Since my accident, Valeria has become increasingly brazen. She speaks without thinking, even daring to mention my ability to have children. It seems she has forgotten that she is merely an adopted daughter of the Palmer family. It’s time she was taught some manners.”

Draven was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Haskell to speak so harshly.

Hearing herself referred to as an adopted daughter who needed to be taught manners, Valeria’s expression soured.

“Haskell, I’ll be sure to discipline her…”

Before Draven could finish, Haskell cut him off. “No need to wait. Do it now, Crispin.”

The words, though spoken in a gentle tone, were laced with ice.

“Yes, sir.”

Draven glanced at Valeria, then said sternly, “Did you hear that, Valeria? Don’t make jokes like that in front of our brother again!”

Valeria, still clutching her face, was in too much pain to speak. She just nodded.

“Good,” Haskell said softly. “You know you were wrong. Don’t do it again.”

He waved a hand, and Crispin turned the wheelchair and began pushing him toward the back garden.

Once they were out of earshot, Crispin muttered, “That ungrateful girl. If it weren’t for your pity, sir, would an orphan like her be living like a lady in the Palmer family? Now that Zoltan has delayed announcing the heir because of your legs, she dares to mock you!”