Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 68

That evening, as soon as Haskell returned to the Palmer family estate, the butler informed him that his father, Thatch, wanted to see him in the main hall.

When Haskell arrived, he found Valeria clinging to Thatch's arm, acting coy.

"Dad, you promised you'd stand up for me today," she whined.

"Don't worry, I won't let you suffer for nothing." Thatch's gaze was filled with a paternal affection that Haskell had rarely, if ever, received himself. Beside them, Draven watched Valeria with a similarly indulgent smile.

Haskell’s expression hardened slightly. It was Valeria who noticed him first.

"Dad, Haskell's back."

The smile vanished from Thatch's face as he turned to see Crispin wheeling Haskell into the room.

"Dad, you wanted to see me?" Haskell asked, breaking the silence.

"Haskell, I received an invitation," Thatch began. "The Judson family is hosting a welcome reception tomorrow night. It turns out Honora isn't their real daughter; they just brought the true heiress home a few days ago."

"Yes, I'd heard," Haskell replied calmly.

"Kiernan Judson came to see me personally today," Thatch continued. "He said your betrothal is no longer to Honora, but to the true Judson heiress. What are your thoughts, Haskell? Will you marry this girl, or should we cancel the engagement?"

Thatch looked surprised, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Are you sure?"

Valeria feigned shock as well. "Haskell, I heard the 'true heiress' is just a crude herbalist from some backwater village. She's nothing compared to Honora. Even if you're not the man you used to be, you don't have to lower yourself to marrying someone like her."

She deliberately emphasized his disability, twisting the knife. “A cripple like you,” she thought, “do you still think you're the celebrated prodigy everyone admired? The future heir of the Palmer family will be my brother, Draven!”

Haskell’s gaze settled on Valeria. "Valeria, your words seem to be insulting both the Judson heiress and me."

"Haskell, I didn't mean that at all!" she said, feigning innocence. "You've just become so sensitive since your accident."