Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 671

Larissa met her mother’s worried gaze with a brilliant, disarming smile. “It has nothing to do with me,” she said, her tone utterly candid. “I’m not the one who killed Theon.”

Hearing her daughter’s straightforward denial, Sapphira finally let out a breath. While she knew the upper crust was rife with dirty deeds and buried truths, she never wanted Larissa to become someone who treated human life so callously. Theon deserved what he got—Sapphira felt a sense of grim satisfaction no matter who was responsible—but she prayed it wasn't her daughter.

If Larissa were involved, the Lincoln and Tyson families would seize the opportunity, launching a relentless campaign to destroy her.

With Larissa’s birthday party only three days away, Sapphira couldn’t bear the thought of such a joyous occasion being shattered by the sight of her daughter being led away by the police. The idea of Larissa facing a prison sentence was simply unimaginable.

“Don’t worry, Mom,” Larissa reassured her, her voice still light and unburdened. “Theon and I didn’t have some deep-seated grudge. Why would I go out of my way to kill him?”

“Then what were you doing at Neverending Night looking for him yesterday?” Sapphira pressed, still puzzled. “I heard that right after you left, he ended up with his head split open.”

“That’s just a rumor Lucius started to frame me,” Larissa said dismissively. “Think about it. Is there a single shred of evidence online suggesting I was the one who did that to him?”

Sapphira considered it. It was true. There was no proof, and it had all happened on Lucius’s turf. What really transpired that night was entirely up to his version of events.

“That’s a relief,” Sapphira sighed, her body slumping with the release of tension. “Your father and I were trying to figure out what strings we’d have to pull to protect you if you were involved.”

Neville offered a weary smile. “Your mother’s been worried sick all day. She wanted to call you but was afraid of interrupting your work.”

“Mom, I’m sorry I made you worry.” Larissa felt a pang of guilt and placed a tender piece of roasted beef into her mother’s plate. “I’ll be fine. For your sake and Dad’s, I’ll always think before I act.”

“Ms. Judson!”

Before Larissa could ask what was wrong, Ursa blocked her path, her voice a frantic whisper. “This is bad, Ms. Judson! Theon’s mother is here to see you! She’s waiting in the reception area!”

“So she’s here. What’s there to be so nervous about?” Larissa asked calmly.

Ursa swallowed hard. “You didn’t see the look on her face. It was like she wanted to eat you alive.”

“Oh, really?” Larissa’s lips curved into an interested smile. She gently pushed past her secretary. “Have you finished the work I assigned you?”