Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 771

“It’s just a servant. Do as you see fit,” Zoltan said dismissively. “Just make sure the person is reliable.”

Every member of the Palmer family staff, from the butler to the gardeners, underwent a rigorous vetting process to ensure Zoltan’s safety. The task, once managed by Zoltan’s own butler, had gradually been taken over by Haskell’s man, Crispin.

“I will.”

Zoltan lost the game.

“A man’s character is reflected in his chess. Fraser is still no match for you,” Zoltan said, setting his piece down and rising. “As for that birthday gift you gave the girl, since it was your decision, I’ll take it as a sign of your confidence in your relationship. I won’t interfere. As I’ve said, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the position of heir to the Palmer family is still yours.”

Haskell also set down his piece. The key phrase was “barring any unforeseen circumstances”. If something unexpected were to happen, the inheritance could easily go to someone else.

…

After leaving the Palmer estate, Garrick couldn’t contain his frustration. He viciously kicked a stone on the path, as if that could vent his anger toward Haskell.

“Damn it, talking to a passive-aggressive snake like Haskell makes my skin crawl!” Garrick cursed. The mere thought of Haskell’s handsome face made him sick.

“Fraser, when you become the heir, let’s send Haskell to that pervert! Let him see what it feels like to be someone’s plaything!” he fumed, a cruel smile twisting his features.

Fraser didn’t respond immediately. His mind was still replaying the chess game. He had studied for weeks, hoping to at least hold his own against Zoltan, but he had been defeated in minutes. The disappointment on Zoltan’s face was a crushing blow. He had been so close, yet he’d failed again. He could lose a game of chess, but he could not lose the fight for the inheritance.

“Fraser, did you hear me?” Garrick pressed, seeing his brother’s dark mood.

Fraser snapped back to the present. “Fine,” he said dismissively. “When the time comes, we’ll send him to that freak, just like you want.”

“Scrolling through Twitter,” she said.

“Still reading about Helena’s arrest?”

“Nope. I’m reading about Livia breaking up with Lucius.”

Livia’s tweet announcing the end of her engagement had immediately gone viral. As an A-list starlet, her post had attracted a flood of comments:

[Good for her! Protecting her reputation and getting out of that mess!]

[Is she protecting her reputation or just kicking him while he’s down? She used his status to get resources, and now that his family is in trouble, she bails. Even I think that’s cold.]