Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 774

“From now on, Starlight Media’s top priority is ‘Heaven’s Will’,” Larissa announced. “Remind every department that from the final stages of casting through the entire production process, we must be meticulous. There is no room for error. Ursa, you know how many people are watching us right now.”

The weight of the responsibility settled on Ursa. She nodded firmly. “I understand, Ms. Judson. I won’t let you down.”

…

The VIP section of the Regal City Royal Bowling Alley was steeped in an oppressive luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from the thirty-foot ceilings, their cold light reflecting off the black marble floors. The distant crash of pins was muffled and remote, like a sound heard through frosted glass. The air was a mix of bitter cigar smoke and sharp alcohol. In a corner, a grand piano stood silent, its polished lid faintly mirroring Lucius’s twisted expression.

“Mr. Lincoln, what am I going to do? My dad won’t let me leave the country. Am I really going to have to let Larissa walk me like a dog in two days?” Milton pleaded, his voice frantic. “Mr. Lincoln, I’m only in this mess because I was trying to defend your honor… You said something big was going to happen at her birthday party, so I didn’t leave early…”

Before he could finish, Lucius kicked the table, sending it crashing into Milton’s knees. Pain shot through him, and his face contorted.

Two bodyguards seized him, slamming his head onto the glass tabletop. His cheek flattened against the cold surface, his wide eyes reflecting the bottle of Lafite in Lucius’s hand—the dark red liquid sloshing like blood.

Lucius rose, grabbing the bottle as he walked toward him.

“Mr. Lincoln, have mercy… ah!”

A plea was all Milton managed before the bottle shattered against his head.

CRACK!

In the instant the bottle broke, the light from the chandeliers seemed to dim. Blood streamed down Milton’s face.

“In two days, Larissa is going to walk you like a dog, right?” Lucius said softly. “When the cameras aren’t looking, attach this to your collar. I’ll tell you what to do when the time is right.”

His face a mess of blood, Milton nodded frantically, ignoring the dizziness. “I understand. Whatever you say, Mr. Lincoln, I’ll do it!”

“Get out.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lincoln…” Milton scrambled to his feet and fled.

The assistant looked concerned. “Sir, isn’t this too risky? She’s going to be livestreaming the whole thing…”