Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 734

Sapphira grew even more flustered. “Alright, alright, make a wish,” she said, gently removing Larissa’s hand and placing a single candle in the center of the cake.

“Wren, turn off the lights,” Neville instructed.

The room plunged into darkness, illuminated only by the single flickering flame. Larissa stood before the magnificent cake, her hands clasped together, her face glowing in the candlelight. She made a simple wish: May everyone I love live in peace and happiness.

Then she opened her eyes and blew out the candle.

“Let’s cut the cake.”

With her parents’ help, Larissa began slicing and distributing the cake to all her guests. The process took nearly half an hour. Everyone ate and sang “Happy Birthday,” and the atmosphere soared to a new high.

After the song, Sapphira took a microphone. “And now for the final event of the evening: everyone has to sing a song for Larissa!”

Avril shot up from her seat. “I’ll get things started!”

Taking advantage of the moment, Haskell wheeled himself over to Larissa’s side.

“Larissa,” he said softly, “as confident as I am in your abilities, it still worried me to see you use yourself as bait tonight.”

He looked up at her, his concern a deep, unspoken current. “My heart has been in my throat all evening.”

“Haskell, it’s like you said: nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she replied. “This time, I’m determined to put Paxton away for good. Otherwise, as my grandfather said himself, he’ll always hold out hope for that family.”

Haskell smiled back. “I suppose I will.”

...

At the main entrance of the Neverending Night club, Helena was met with an angry crowd.

“Why won’t you let us in? I’m a member!”

“Are you even open for business?”

“What’s with this place lately? First the power outage, now this! Is the Neverending Night going out of business?”