Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 785

"Fergus," Lucius said, his voice cold and weary, "this has nothing to do with you. You just got back from abroad. You have a lot to learn, and this isn't something you need to be involved in."

"Lucius…"

"That's enough," Lucius cut him off. "If you have time, go visit Grandma and your father."

Fergus looked dejected. "...I understand."

Looking at Fergus, Lucius saw a reflection of his younger self—so innocent, so carefree. Perhaps one day Fergus would walk the same path, but Lucius hoped that day would be a long time coming.

…

After leaving the hospital room, Fergus pulled out his phone and stared at a photo of Larissa he’d found online.

What’s so special about this woman? He would be the one to take her down for Lucius. If brute force didn’t work on her, then a softer touch was needed. The best way to conquer a woman, after all, was to conquer her heart.

…

That evening, on her way home from work, Larissa saw a man lying in the middle of the road, covered in injuries.

She slammed on the brakes and got out to check on him.

He wasn't dead. The man's face was caked in blood and his hair was a tangled mess, obscuring his features, but he looked young.

"Help… help me… please…" the man rasped, his eyes fluttering open as he reached out a weak hand to grab her arm.

Larissa was hit with a strange sense of déjà vu. This was almost exactly how she had found Torrin.

How troublesome!

Back in the village, medical care was scarce; if she hadn't intervened, Torrin might not have survived. But Regal City had excellent hospitals.

Best to leave this to the professionals.

Back at the east wing villa, Sapphira was reviewing clothing designs when she saw 001 carry a blood-soaked man inside.

"Larissa, what is going on?" she exclaimed, shocked.

"Found him on the road," Larissa explained. "He's injured, but when I tried to call for an ambulance, he stopped me. Seemed afraid of being identified."

Sapphira frowned. "I see. Well, have someone clean him up first. He's filthy."

She turned to the butler. "Porter, take him and get him cleaned up. Be thorough."

"Yes, madam," Porter replied, promptly leading a few servants to carefully carry the man away.

Once he was gone, Sapphira set down her tablet and walked over to Larissa, her expression worried.

"Larissa, finding an injured man lying in the middle of the road is too suspicious. I think he was waiting for you. For your safety, we should have Porter throw him out before he causes any trouble."