Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 588

He was in utter disbelief. He had often wondered about his birth parents, but he had always assumed they had abandoned him because they were too poor to raise a child. He never could have imagined he might belong to the Palmers, the wealthiest and most influential family in all of Regal City.

“…Alright. Take it,” Rigby said without hesitation.

If he truly was Haskell’s brother, he would never again have to fear retaliation from men like Kenric. And Sire would finally be safe.

At Haskell’s signal, Crispin stepped forward, carefully plucked two strands of hair from Rigby’s head, and then departed with a nod.

...

“Wait.”

Ten minutes into their drive, Lucius’s eyes snapped open, wide with a stunning realization.

Why had Haskell been at Rigby’s apartment? Was he really just there to accompany Larissa?

No, that didn’t make sense. If Haskell wanted to spend time with his fiancée, he would have taken her somewhere private, not to the rundown apartment of some struggling actor. Haskell was not a man who wasted his time on trivial matters.

Besides, his top priority right now was finding his long-lost brother.

Lucius shot upright in his seat as the pieces clicked into place with horrifying clarity.

Could Rigby be Haskell’s brother?

“Mr. Lincoln? Is something wrong?” his assistant asked, easing his foot off the gas.

“Damn it!”

Lucius slammed his fist against the car window. He had been there first. If he had just grabbed Rigby when he had the chance, he would have had all the leverage he needed to control Haskell.

He had let the perfect opportunity slip right through his fingers.

...

After their meal, Larissa began her treatment on Sire. Haskell and Rigby waited outside the room, the air thick with an awkward silence.

Rigby’s eyes widened slightly before he understood. “You’re worried about Lucius.”

“Yes,” Haskell confirmed. “He knows I’m looking for my brother.”

Rigby nodded. “Okay. I understand. I’ll do as you say.”

Haskell looked at him, a sense of protectiveness welling up inside him. He had met other men who might have been his brother, and without exception, they had all reacted with giddy excitement at the prospect. But Rigby remained calm, almost reserved, a sign of his inner strength.

An hour later, the bedroom door opened, and Larissa emerged, stretching her shoulders.

“Rigby, Sire is awake.”

“Sire!”

Rigby shot to his feet and rushed into the room. Haskell followed, guiding his wheelchair with the press of a button.

When Sire saw Haskell behind Rigby, the joy on his face instantly vanished, replaced by sheer panic.