Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 70

The sharp crack echoed in the silent room.

"Ah!" Valeria cried out, stunned. She never imagined Haskell would dare to have her struck right in front of their father.

Draven shot to his feet, equally shocked.

Thatch's face was as black as thunder. "Haskell, what do you think you're doing!"

Haskell ignored his father's fury. "That," he said calmly, "was for being the adopted daughter of the Palmer family and daring to tattle on me to our father."

He raised a hand. "Crispin, continue."

Another slap, this one to her other cheek. The force sent Valeria stumbling back to Thatch's feet.

"And that," Haskell said, "was for mocking my disability in front of our father."

"Dad, you see?" Valeria sobbed. "He's... he's gone too far!"

Thatch helped her up, his eyes blazing with rage. "Haskell, that is enough! It seems losing the use of your legs has made you lose your mind as well! You defy my orders! Are you trying to rebel?"

Valeria clutched her stinging cheeks, glaring daggers at Haskell.

He remained unfazed, a slight smile on his lips. "Dad, don't forget, the only reason you have any influence in this family is because of the success I achieved and the respect I earned from Grandpa. Without me, you were nothing."

His words were blunt, a direct challenge to his father's authority. Thatch's face turned a ghastly shade of red.

"Crispin," he said quietly, "have someone investigate my father discreetly. I want you to confirm the nature of his relationship with Valeria."

Crispin was taken aback. "Investigate your father and Valeria, sir?"

Haskell glanced at him. "Yes."

"I understand, sir," Crispin said, his voice now carefully neutral.

A cold look settled in Haskell's eyes. Years ago, his brother Draven had been sent away because a fortune-teller claimed he was a bad omen. But now, Haskell suspected there was more to the story. He couldn't fathom why Draven would be so cruel as to arrange his assassination, all for the sake of inheritance.

And his father's affection for Valeria was deeply unnatural. She was just an adopted daughter who had been with the family for three years. Why would his father dote on her to such an extent?