Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 551

Sapphira, too, was reminded of the unpleasant incident at the welcome banquet.

“Yes, Larissa. From now on, I will personally design a gown for you every year for your birthday. Assuming you don’t get tired of it, of course.”

“Never!” Larissa said with a grin. “I’ll never get tired of it! Mom, I want to wear a gown designed by you for every single one of my birthdays!”

Watching this scene of genuine family warmth, Finley and Leopold felt a sharp pang of heartache. They exchanged a look, sharing a silent, regretful sigh.

When they compared their family’s past treatment of Larissa to how Neville and Sapphira cherished her, they felt pathetic and foolish.

Asking for her forgiveness? It seemed like an impossible dream.

Upon reaching their villa, Larissa didn’t even turn around as she said coldly, “You two can wait out here. Don’t bother coming in.”

Finley hesitated, looking at Neville and Sapphira. “Uncle, Auntie, I…”

He had wanted to go inside, to talk with them and Larissa, to express his remorse.

Neville, seeing right through him, cut him off. “You two haven’t bothered to visit us in years. Larissa is right. Just wait out here.”

“...Alright,” Finley said, his head bowed in shame.

The night was quiet, the silence broken only by the chirping of crickets.

About five minutes later, Larissa emerged from the courtyard. In her hand was a small porcelain vial that glinted faintly in the moonlight. She stopped and, without a word, tossed it to Finley.

The vial traced an arc through the air like a tiny shooting star. Finley reacted quickly, catching it securely. He clutched it in his hand as if it were a priceless treasure, not daring to open it just yet.

Seeing that he had caught it, Larissa turned to go back inside, clearly having nothing more to say. But before she could take two steps, she heard two voices call out from behind her.

She took a breath and continued, “I was switched at birth, remember? I was only brought back to this family after twenty years, and even then, I wasn't the daughter or the sister anyone here wanted. What gives you the right to celebrate my birthday?”

With that, she turned her back on them and walked back into the courtyard. The gate swung shut, sealing Finley and Leopold outside.

Back in the living room, Larissa saw her parents sitting on the sofa, waiting for her.

“Larissa, come, look at the gown I designed for you.”

A wave of warmth washed over Larissa. She broke into a jog, her steps light and cheerful as she ran toward them.

“Coming, Mom!”

This was her real home.