Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 738

“Mr. Lincoln, let’s be frank. What happened tonight was a failure of your security. Helena promised concessions on our business deals, but that doesn’t mean the matter is closed. You’d better handle this, or not even your family’s power will protect you from the consequences.”

“Mr. Lincoln, my wife’s family set me up in business. If she finds out about tonight, she’ll throw me out on the street, and everything I’ve worked for will be gone!”

“Mr. Lincoln, I’ve accepted Helena’s compensation out of respect for your family and on the assumption that you will contain this scandal. But if this affects my company’s stock prices, our long-standing partnership will be over.”

For the first time in his life, Lucius humbled himself, apologizing to each caller and making a solemn promise: “I guarantee you, what happened tonight will never get out.”

By the time he was finished, it was ten-thirty.

Larissa’s party would be over by now. Without the live feed, he had no idea what had transpired after Paxton’s ejection.

No matter. It was time for the next phase of his plan.

For what she had done tonight, Larissa had to die.

Lucius dialed the number of the hitman he had hired. “It’s time. You know my rule: failure is not an option.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Lincoln,” came the reply. “In all our years of working together, I have never failed. If I do, I will take my own life before I cause you any trouble.”

At ten-thirty, Larissa and her parents saw the last of their guests off. The house fell silent.

Seeing Haskell still there, Sapphira and Neville exchanged a knowing look. “Larissa, your father and I are heading to bed. Why don’t you see Haskell out?”

“Okay.”

Once they were gone, Haskell looked up at Larissa expectantly. “So, about that compensation you mentioned?”