Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 783

Meeting Larissa’s gaze, Haskell let out a soft laugh. "Of course, I have."

"Then why didn't you mention it?" Larissa watched him intently. "Did you already know who was backing the Lincolns? Were you hiding something from me?"

Haskell sighed, his tone a mixture of resignation and affection. "I wasn't trying to hide it. I just didn't see the need to burden you with my problems."

"What do you mean?" Larissa asked.

"Lucius has suffered several defeats at your hands," Haskell explained. "He's undoubtedly had you investigated to see if you have any powerful allies he can't afford to cross. It’s how he plans his next move."

"And?"

"Given your background, he wouldn't have found anything concrete. The night you dealt with Paxton, you let Nightveil show herself only because you didn't mind me knowing the truth about you."

"That's right. So?"

"So, Lucius will assume that everything you've done had the Palmers' tacit approval, perhaps even our direct involvement."

Larissa finally understood. "He'll want to take you down, and to do that, he'll have to rely on his powerful connection. That means this person will be making trouble for the Palmers very soon."

"Precisely," Haskell said. "As my fiancée, the Palmers are now tied to your every word and deed. But don't worry. Whatever the Lincolns and their backer try to do, I have ways of handling it."

Larissa gave him a teasing look. "Haskell, are you having any regrets about getting engaged to a troublemaker like me?"

He took her hand, feigning a weary sigh. "Do you want the truth, or a lie?"

"You can't ask a question like that," she said, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

"Exactly," he replied softly. "And you shouldn't have to ask if I have regrets. Do you really think I would?" He pressed her hand against his chest. "Do you still doubt how I feel about you?"

"I believe your feelings are genuine," Larissa said with a wry smile. "But people are adept at wearing masks to get what they want. The only reason I dare to trust you is because I can afford the cost of being wrong."

And that uncertainty was new. She might recover quickly, but that didn't mean she wouldn't be hurt. It was just like with her biological parents and brothers. She could move on, but that never meant she hadn't grieved.

Larissa gently pulled away from his embrace. "With the life I've had, I don't have the luxury of being irrational."

After a moment, she gave him a thoughtful look. "And Haskell, don't ever expect me to show you weakness."

With that, she opened the lunchbox she’d brought. "Alright, let's eat. I need to give you your treatment afterward."

Haskell studied the subtle shifts in her expression. "Larissa, are you angry?"

"No," she said flatly.

"I'm sorry," he said, wheeling his chair to sit across from her.