Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 593

Haskell met Sire’s hate-filled gaze without flinching.

“Of course, Sire,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Tomorrow, after the results come in, I will take you to see Thatch. You can punish him for what he did to my mother and my brother in any way you see fit.”

He understood Sire’s rage completely.

Satisfied with the answer, Sire released his hand.

Haskell left and got into his car, but instead of heading to his office or home, he directed his driver to a cemetery on the outskirts of the city.

He bought a bouquet of flowers and guided his wheelchair through the rows of silent headstones until he reached a particular one. The name of a woman was carved into the granite, along with her dates of birth and death. Her black-and-white photograph showed a woman with sharp features and a gaze that was more fierce than gentle.

He placed the flowers carefully at the base of the stone and looked at the picture, his eyes misting over.

“Mom,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I finally found him. The man you sent to help is the one who saved him. He kept him safe all these years.”

“I should have brought him home three years ago, but I was fooled by Thatch. He suffered for three more years because of my mistake. Can you forgive me?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I won’t let anyone hurt him ever again. And Thatch… it’s time he finally paid for betraying you, and for everything else he’s done.”

...

When Larissa returned to Starlight Media, her secretary, Ursa, rushed to meet her.

“Ms. Judson, Finley’s mother is here to see you. We couldn’t stop her. She’s in the waiting room.”

“I’ll handle it,” Larissa said, striding toward the room.

“Marry Finley?” Vivica’s head snapped toward Hazel, her expression souring instantly. “You want to marry my son?”

Hazel bit her lip, saying nothing, which Vivica took as a confession.

“Don’t you dare!” Vivica shrieked, her finger jabbing at Hazel’s face. “Take a look in the mirror! You think you’re worthy of Finley? He may be having a difficult time right now, but he is still a Judson. His grandfather will welcome him back eventually. Do you really think you can take advantage of the situation?”

Hazel, who had been on friendly terms with Vivica just moments before, was completely blindsided by the vicious attack. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Oh, don’t play the victim with me!” Vivica snapped. “My son will marry a woman from a respectable family. Even at his lowest, he is far too good for a common office worker like you!”

“Are you going to stand here and take this, or are you going to get out?” Larissa asked Hazel, her voice flat.

Hazel sniffled, turned, and fled the room in tears.