Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 775

“That’s exactly what I want. The element of surprise!”

Lucius walked to the end of a lane and picked up a bowling ball. His furious gaze was fixed on the pins at the far end. With a guttural roar, he hurled the ball forward, channeling all his hatred into the throw.

CRASH!

The ball slammed into the pins, the sound echoing through the empty hall. The pins scattered, obliterated by his rage, but it did nothing to cool the fire inside him. The image of his grandmother being led away by the police played over and over in his mind.

“Larissa will never see it coming,” he snarled. “Her little victory parade is about to become her funeral.”

His voice was laced with a desperate madness. This was one thing Larissa couldn’t possibly have planned for. He clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms, the pain a distant sensation compared to the burning hatred he felt for her.

He had promised his grandmother he would end Larissa’s life. If he failed, her sacrifice would have been for nothing. He couldn’t let that happen. He would make Larissa pay.

…

The night before the bet with Milton was to be settled, after her video call with Haskell, Larissa’s phone rang with two calls from unknown numbers.

The first was from Torrin, using a new number.

“Larissa… wait, don’t hang up. I’m not trying to bother you. I just wanted to ask… did you like my birthday gift?”

“Didn’t get it.”

“What?! How could you not get it… I knew it! That sneaky bastard Haskell! He didn’t give it to you, did he?”

Larissa sighed. “Seriously, Torrin? You asked Haskell to deliver a gift to me for you? What were you thinking?”

Larissa answered, annoyed. “Torrin, you’re really getting on my nerves…”

“Larissa, it’s me. Milton.”

Oh? Milton? This was interesting.

“Well, if it isn’t the mutt himself. I’m walking you on a livestream tomorrow. To what do I owe the pleasure tonight?”

“Larissa, name your price. Just call off the bet.”

She laughed and threw out a number. “Ten billion.”

Milton’s voice cracked. “Ten billion! Are you insane?”