Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 73

Larissa didn't even bother looking at the list of companies.

[Lenora, I need you to organize a small meet-and-greet at the end of the month. Invite all the interested companies, but make it clear that the head of each company must attend in person. Tell them I'll be choosing my partner personally.]

Finley was desperate for a major success at Starlight Media; he wouldn't miss this opportunity. He would definitely be there. The look on his face when he realized the rights he so desperately wanted were in her hands would be priceless.

Lenora replied almost instantly.

[Done. You're the only one who could get away with a demand like that! Well, your first three books were all massive hits after being adapted. This last one is worth a fortune!]

[Are you working on anything new?]

Larissa typed back:

[No new projects planned.]

[Fair enough. Quality over quantity! Those four books alone have set you up for life!]

[I'll get the meet-and-greet arranged ASAP. Wait for my confirmation.]

After a bit more small talk, Larissa closed the chat with her editor, shut down her computer, and lay back on her bed with her phone. She opened Haskell's message from ten minutes ago.

[You want me to remind you to take your medicine every day? I think you have ulterior motives. You just want an excuse to chat with me every day.]

His reply was unabashed.

[You caught me.]

Larissa teased him:

[Are you sure you've never flirted with girls like this before?]

His response was immediate.

[You underestimate both me and yourself. With my previous status, did I ever need to?]

Larissa continued: [Well, we're already engaged, so you don't need to try so hard.]

[It's different with you. I could flirt with you for all eternity.]

[I have reason to believe Finley was right. You're only being so nice to me because you need something from me.]

After replying, Larissa fed her pets their breakfast of dried spiders, then washed up and went downstairs.

Her parents weren't there.

"Sir and Madam left early this morning to double-check the banquet hall," the housekeeper, Wren, explained with a smile. "They're so worried about something going wrong with your reception tonight. They care for you a great deal."

She added, "Will you be going out today, Miss? Your mother said it would be best to take two bodyguards with you, just in case."

"Alright, I will," Larissa nodded.

As she was eating, Haskell replied.

[See you there.]

On an impulse, Larissa dialed Finley's number.

…

Meanwhile, Finley hadn't slept a wink.