Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 76

The Judson family had never been on the same level as the Palmers in Regal City, and Finley had rarely interacted with the formidable Palmer heir. Now, face to face, the pressure radiating from him was suffocating.

"…That's what I said," Finley admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

A low chuckle escaped Haskell. "And why do you believe that?"

Finley decided to go all in. "Because she's nothing compared to Honora."

The faint smile on Haskell's face vanished. "Have you ever taken the time to actually get to know her before making such a bold claim? Finley, as the eldest grandson of the Judson family, its future leader, is your judgment really this narrow?"

Finley was at a loss for words, his gaze shifting to Larissa, who was leaning lazily against a pillar.

"Mr. Palmer, what is there to know? She grew up in a mountain village with a limited education. A simple background check shows she dropped out of junior high. How could someone like that possibly be better than Honora?"

Haskell’s eyes darkened. "Outsiders might look down on her for her background, but you, as her own brother, what right do you have to be so disdainful?"

Finley fell silent again.

Haskell let out a scornful laugh. "You and your family will live to regret this, Finley. She is far more remarkable than you can imagine. Even after being robbed of her birthright by that vile woman, even without the resources Honora had, she survived everything the world threw at her and came out stronger. That alone is worthy of admiration."

He turned to her, incredulous.

"What, did you expect a ride?" she said. "You've only got one bad leg. You're not dead."

Finley stood there for a moment, realizing she was serious. Swallowing his pride, he leaned on his cane and began the long, humiliating limp back.

Once he was out of sight, Larissa turned to Haskell. "What you said just now... it made me curious. Why aren't you like the others? Why don't you think I'm inferior to Honora?"

"Larissa, do you think I got to where I am in the Palmer family on sheer luck?" Haskell asked, his smile as refreshing as a cool breeze. "The very first day I came to Spire Village to find you, I discovered one of your secrets. The herbs hanging on your walls, I've seen them at the Regal City auction house. Each one is worth at least ten million, yet you had them hanging there like common decorations. It told me you weren't lacking for money. And when you spoke to me, you were neither deferential nor arrogant. You carried yourself with a confidence that can only come from a long history of achievement. That's not something that can be faked."