Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 689

“You seem happy. What is it?” Josette asked.

In the days she’d been staying there, Leopold had been perpetually gloomy, barely responding when spoken to. This was the first time she’d seen him smile.

Leopold held up the invitations from the table. “Look at these.”

Paxton and Josette glanced over as they took off their shoes.

“Invitations?” Josette said.

“Yes, to Larissa’s birthday party,” Leopold explained. “Finley gave them to me.”

Paxton frowned and walked over, picking one up. “How did he get these?”

“Finley went to Starlight Media this morning, and Larissa gave them to him,” Leopold said.

Paxton’s frown deepened. That girl had never shown their family an ounce of mercy. Why would she suddenly hand out invitations to her party?

Josette saw her name on one of the cards and felt a surge of annoyance. If she had known Larissa would just give them invitations, she and Paxton wouldn’t have bothered with their little performance for Kiernan today.

Seeing their lukewarm reactions, Leopold’s excitement faltered.

“You don’t want to go?” he asked, confused. He had heard them agonizing over how to get into the party just the other day.

Paxton put the invitations down. “Of course we’re happy. It’s just that your grandfather already gave us permission to attend, so we weren’t as surprised.”

“Oh, I see,” Leopold said, his spirits lifting again. “Dad, if Larissa gave us these invitations herself, it must mean she wants to reconcile with us.”

“Relax. The assassin I’ve hired is an experienced professional from overseas. When it’s done, all the evidence will point directly at Larissa. It will never be traced back to you.”

“Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Lincoln.”

Paxton hung up and let out a breath of relief. Now, all he had to do was wait for his wife, Vivica, to come home. According to his plan, she should be arriving in Regal City any time now.

...

Neverending Night Club.

As Lucius ended his call, his assistant leaned in and whispered, “Sir, the men who were supposed to pick up Vivica on the road last night have gone silent.”

Lucius’s eyes darkened. The plan had been simple: after letting Vivica escape, his people would pose as good Samaritans and give her a ride back to Regal City.