Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 54

“And that Draven is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Crispin continued. “When the fortune teller said he was bad luck, Zoltan was determined to send him away. If you hadn’t pleaded with him time and again, he’d still be out on the streets! And how does he repay you? He blames you for being sent away and tries to kill you to steal your position as heir!”

Haskell’s smile faded, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his wheelchair.

Crispin was right. He still couldn’t understand how his own brother could hate him so much. He truly couldn’t comprehend it. Was it all just for the title of heir to the Palmer family? If he had known from the beginning how badly Draven wanted it, as the older brother, he might have considered stepping aside.

But now, Draven had tried to take his life for it. Now, he would no longer be bound by brotherly affection.

…

As Haskell disappeared from view, Valeria said bitterly, “Who does he think he is, hitting me and saying I’m not a Palmer? I am Dad’s real daughter! Bro, when can I finally reveal my true identity?”

Draven looked away from Haskell’s retreating form and patted Valeria’s shoulder. “Be patient, Valeria.”

She turned to him, her eyes welling with tears. “How can I be patient? Did you hear the way he talked to me? He looks down on me so much!”

Draven stroked her hair gently. “Just a little longer, Valeria. Once I’ve completely replaced Haskell as the heir and dealt with him quietly, you can officially become Valeria Palmer.”

Valeria gripped his hand, tears streaming down her face. “Yes. You have to get rid of Haskell for me!”

Back in her room, Larissa placed the disownment agreement in her desk drawer and took a long, relaxing bath.

After her bath, her pet snake, Snowy, slithered in through the window, a red cell phone coiled in her tail. She dropped the phone next to Larissa.

Larissa, toweling her hair dry, picked up the phone and praised her. “Good, Snowy!”

Buoyed by the praise, Snowy proudly raised its head, did a few circles on the bed, then slithered off to show off to Shadow and Sage.

Her three little snakes each had their own specialty. Shadow was an expert in surprise attacks and delivering poison. Snowy excelled at tracking and retrieval.